Care service achieves outstanding CQC rating
A specialist Housing Plus Group care service in Stoke-on-Trent has been rated Outstanding by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), with inspectors praising its exceptional person-centred care, strong leadership and commitment to helping people live independent and fulfilling lives.
William Street supports people with learning disabilities. Following an inspection in April, the service’s overall rating was upgraded from Good to Outstanding.
The CQC praised the service for delivering care built around a deep understanding of each individual’s needs, preferences and aspirations. Inspectors found that people were treated with dignity and respect, supported to make decisions about their own lives, and empowered to achieve greater independence.
The report highlighted several examples of the positive impact colleagues have on people’s lives, including supporting individuals to reconnect with family members, achieve greater independence and gain confidence through personalised support. Inspectors also recognised the strong leadership at the home, the positive culture created by colleagues and the service’s commitment to continuous improvement.
Claire Skelton, Director of Care and Support Development at Housing Plus Group, said:
“This recognition from the CQC reflects the dedication, compassion and professionalism of our colleagues, who go above and beyond every day to support people to live fulfilled, independent lives.
“We are committed to providing care and support that is truly person-centred, helping people achieve their goals and remain connected to their communities. The feedback from inspectors demonstrates the positive impact our teams have and the strong culture they have created at 1 William Street.
“I would like to thank every colleague involved for their hard work and commitment, as well as the people we support and their families for the trust they place in us. We are incredibly proud of this achievement and will continue striving to deliver the very highest standards of care and support.”
Inspectors found that staff supported people to build independence and make decisions about their own lives, while regular reviews gave people opportunities to discuss their goals and shape the support they received.
The report also praised the open culture created by leaders, where colleagues felt valued, listened to and empowered to share ideas. People living at the service were actively involved in decisions about their home, including helping redesign communal areas and outdoor spaces to better meet their needs.
The CQC further recognised the service’s strong approach to quality assurance and colleague development, noting that leaders monitored performance closely, acted quickly on feedback and invested in staff wellbeing to maintain high standards of care
