- Care home
The Orchard
Assessment report published 6 October 2026
Contents
Ratings
Our view of the service
Date of inspection: 10 September 2026 to 30 September 2026. The inspection of this location was prompted due to the historic rating. The Orchard is a care home registered to provide personal care and accommodation for up 10 people with a learning disability and autistic people. At the time of the inspection, the service was supporting 10 people. The accommodation was provided within a two-storey dwelling which was located on a village style development with other homes lived in by people with care and support needs, which is a campus setting.
We have assessed the service against ‘Right support, right care, right culture’ guidance to make judgements about whether the provider guaranteed people with a learning disability and autistic people respect, equality, dignity, choices, independence and good access to local communities that most people take for granted. We found people were supported in accordance with this guidance. The provider ensured people were supported to access communities beyond the location and recognised the importance of people having access to a variety of people, facilities and opportunities. For example, visiting shops in the local community, bowling, and outings. The model of care supported people to be independent as they were able to be.
At our previous inspection, the provider was rated as good. At this inspection, the rating has remained good. Risks to people relating to their care had been assessed and staff understood how to support people to remain safe. People received their medicines as prescribed and the home environment was well maintained. Staff were recruited safely and received appropriate training and support. The provider worked with health and social care professionals and relatives to support people to live healthier lives. Staff treated people with kindness, dignity and respect. The provider understood and responded to people’s needs. The provider’s ethos towards care was embedded across the workforce. All those involved were committed to improving people’s lives. People’s care was person centred, with staff facilitating positive outcomes for people, maximising their health and wellbeing, and being supported to live life to the full. The provider monitored quality and risks in the service and acted when shortfalls were identified.
People's experience of this service
People were supported by kind, caring, responsive and respectful staff who knew them well. People we observed were happy and relaxed. People were observed to be comfortable in their home and engaged with staff with ease. We used communication aids, such as pictures, to communicate with people. For example, showing people pictures of clothes and drinks. People smiled when seeing the pictures. People were excited to communicate about their activities and celebrations, such as, a birthday, going swimming, visiting family and clubs. One person was eager to show their puzzle and cup of tea. At mealtimes, people were observed to be comfortable, unhurried and enjoying their food. People told us they enjoyed their food, drinks and living at the home. People gave us examples of the food they ate, such as, “cereal, tea, cake and beans on toast.” People smiled when asked if they liked living at the home and told us, “I like being here.” People told us staff were “caring, helpful and had a laugh” and “caring, nice and caring.” Relatives told us staff were welcoming. Comments included, “It is my relative’s home and the provider does wonderful things”, “it is a family home” and “Our relative is treated with respect and dignity.”