Stoke-on-Trent care home rated Outstanding by CQC

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has upgraded 1 William Street in Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent, from Good to Outstanding following an inspection carried out in April.

The home, operated by Choices Housing Association Limited, supports autistic people and people with learning disabilities. Five people were living at the service at the time of the inspection.

Inspectors carried out the visit under CQC’s Right Support, Right Care, Right Culture framework, which assesses whether services provide people with respect, dignity, choice, independence and opportunities to participate in their local community.

The service was upgraded to Outstanding for both Caring and Well-led, while Safe, Effective and Responsive remained rated Good.

Inspectors found staff had an in-depth understanding of each person’s individual needs, preferences and life history, enabling them to provide highly personalised care. People and their families described staff as kind, compassionate and respectful, with relatives expressing confidence in the quality of support provided.

The inspection highlighted several examples of person-centred care, including supporting one person to reconnect with an important family member and helping another safely reduce medication, leading to improved confidence and communication. Staff also ensured people remained at the centre of decisions about their healthcare, respecting their wishes throughout.

Inspectors found people were encouraged to build independence and make decisions about their own lives, with regular reviews allowing them to discuss personal goals and shape the support they received. Residents were also involved in decisions about their home, including choosing décor for communal areas and helping redesign the garden to improve accessibility.

Leadership was highlighted as a key strength. Inspectors found the registered manager had created an open and inclusive culture where staff felt comfortable raising concerns and sharing ideas. The service closely monitored performance, responded quickly to issues and invested in staff wellbeing and development, helping to maintain a motivated workforce and high standards of care.

The CQC also noted the home’s strong partnership working with external professionals and healthcare providers, who described the service as an example of best practice.

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