- Homecare service
Ontra Healthcare
Assessment report published 27 May 2026
Contents
Ratings
Our view of the service
Date of assessment: 15 April to 6 May 2026.
Ontra Healthcare is a domiciliary care agency providing personal care to people living in their own homes, including adults with complex care needs, mental health conditions and learning disabilities. The service was also registered to provide supporting living. This inspection only looked at the homecare service.
CQC only inspect where people receive personal care. This is help with tasks relating to personal hygiene and eating. Where they do, we also consider any wider social care provided. At the time of our inspection, 3 people were receiving the regulated activity of personal care.
We assessed the service against ‘Right support, right care, right culture’ guidance to make judgements about whether the provider guaranteed autistic people and people with a learning disability respect, equality, dignity, choices, independence and good access to local communities that most people take for granted. People received support in accordance with this guidance.
The provider demonstrated a strong safety culture, with effective reporting, learning and risk management. Staff were well trained, confident and worked collaboratively to ensure safe transitions, timely healthcare access and positive risk‑taking that promoted independence.
Medicines were managed safely, and infection control measures were robust.
Care was consistently person-centred, assessments and care plans were reviewed, accessible and focused on people’s wellbeing, interests and communication needs. People were supported to live healthier lives, access the community and participate in social activities that were important to them.
Staff and leaders demonstrated a strong emphasis on encouraging independence, choice and control. People’s support was tailored to individual preferences, cultural needs and emotional wellbeing.
Staff understood their responsibilities in relation to safeguarding. Staff had received all the training required to ensure they were able to carry out their roles. The provider had robust recruitment systems in place which included pre-employment checks such as references and a disclose and barring check (DBS).
The provider had robust governance system in place which provided clear oversight and contributed to a continuous learning culture. Accidents and incidents were recorded, and action was taken without delay. Analysis of accidents and incidents were completed, and themes were shared with the team for shared learning.
People's experience of this service
People’s needs were assessed before they began using the service to ensure risks were identified and their care could be delivered safely and effectively.
People were supported by staff who understood them well and were regularly supported by familiar staff who knew their preferences, likes and dislikes.
People’s equality and diversity needs were recognised, and care was tailored to reflect their individual backgrounds and choices.
People and their relatives were involved in planning and reviewing care, with opportunities to share their views through care reviews, spot checks and day to day conversations with staff and the registered manager.
People were encouraged to maintain their independence and supported to make choices about their daily lives. People were supported to access the community and take part in activities that were important to them, and care plans reflected these preferences.