Hawthorn Bungalow

Updated 3 July 2026

Assessment dates: 22 July to 7 August 2026. The service is registered as a residential care home providing support to people with a learning disability, and or autistic people. Support is also provided to people with a physical disability, sensory impairment, and those living with dementia. The service is a residential style bungalow. We found 2 breaches of regulations at this inspection relating to person-centred care and governance.

We have assessed the service against The Care Quality Commission’s ‘Right support, right care, right culture’ guidance, which was developed 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. The service did not always fulfil the requirements for running this type of specialist service.

The overall rating for this service is requires improvement. Staff told us of their commitment to providing the best quality care possible. Whilst we saw some warm and positive interactions between staff and people at the service, we found shortfalls in relation to fully personalised care. This included the use by staff of some outdated language and approaches which did not fully recognise the need for people to have as fulfilling and enriched life as possible. People were not always fully enabled to meet their own aims and ambitions to support good outcomes, or having consistent access to community leisure and recreational activities. Some areas of the environment also needed attention in relation to infection prevention and control, as well as maintenance and decorative repair. The provider told us there were plans to complete this work shortly.

People were safe at Hawthorn Bungalow, and we saw the service worked well with other partners in relation to healthcare needs. We received consistently positive feedback from professionals who worked with the service, who confirmed any recommendations were acted upon. Relatives and staff felt the management team were capable and approachable. Leaders were responsive to our feedback, and took action during the inspection to address issues raised.

Updated 3 July 2026

Whilst people and their relatives expressed satisfaction with the care and support provided, our assessment found the quality of care did not always meet the expected standards. Staff were described as kind and responsive to people’s needs. A relative told us, “Staff are very caring and [person] has settled in, [person] looks well cared for.” Another relative said, “[Person] is fine and happy, it (Hawthorn Bungalow) suits [person].” We received feedback people felt safe living at Hawthorn Bungalow, and relatives told us they had good lines of communication with the management team. A relative said, “I can’t fault the care, it is like a weight off my back.” Another relative said, "I can always make an appointment to speak with the manager.” We also received comments people’s health needs were identified and addressed in a timely way, with appropriate referrals made to external professionals. A relative said, “[Staff] are proactive with healthcare.” Despite this positive feedback, more action was required by the service to enhance the level of personalised care provided, so people had the maximum opportunity for their quality of life.