Little Orchard Residential Home Celebrates ‘Good’ from the Care Quality Commission (CQC)

The CQC report commended the home for creating a safe, supportive, and person-centred environment. People supported at Little Orchard feel secure, their health conditions are well managed, and care plans are tailored to individual needs. The home is clean and welcoming, and relatives expressed confidence in the care provided—highlighting that people are supported during medical appointments and feel safe returning after family outings. 

A relative of a person supported at the home said:  

“Team members at Little Orchard have been so good and extremely caring towards our relative. They think of new activities to do, and more doors have been opened. Our relative is super happy living here.” 

Another said: 

My relative moved here as an emergency placement as the previous home was unsuitable. We were involved; communication and care needs were looked at. Little Orchard was brilliant, given the circumstances.” 

Meanwhile, a team member says:  

“I like everything about the home. I like the team I work with and the people we support; it is a nice home to work in.” 

Key achievements recognised by the CQC include:  

• There is a proactive and positive culture of safety, based on openness and honesty. 
• There is continuity of care, including when people moved between different services. 
• People are consistently supported when they are distressed with focus on planning for a good day and understanding what had caused people distress so positive changes can happen. 
• Team members concentrate on protecting people’s right to live in safety, free from bullying, harassment, abuse, discrimination, avoidable harm, and neglect. 
• The service care about and promote the well-being of team members and support and enable them to deliver person-centred care. 
• Team members understand the diverse health and care needs of people and their local communities. 
•  Care is joined-up, flexible and supports choice and continuity. 
• During annual health reviews, ‘Stopping Over Medication of People’ with a learning disability and/or autism (STOMP) plans are reviewed. 

 Zak Houlahan, Chief Executive Officer, Says:  

“This is a fantastic achievement. I’m incredibly proud of the team at Little Orchard for their dedication and hard work. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this success.” 

Vikki Brown, Head of area operations, says:  

““Achieving a ‘Good’ rating across all areas is no small feat. It takes compassion, commitment, and teamwork – and this team has all that and more. Well done!” 

Darryl Cole, Little Orchard’s Registered Manager, says: 

“At Little Orchard, we live and breathe Achieve together’s values. We focus on fun, learning, and equal opportunities for everyone. I’m grateful that our efforts have been recognised and proud to lead such a fantastic team.”