During an assessment under our new approach
Date of inspection: 24 February 2026 to 20 March 2026.
Right at Home South Trafford is a home care agency providing care and support to people living in their own homes and flats. The service is registered to care for adults living with dementia, physical disabilities and sensory impairments. At the time of the inspection, there were 15 people using the service.
The inspection was completed remotely and was planned due the age of the previous rating.
The provider demonstrated an exceptionally high standard of governance, safety and person‑centred care, underpinned by a deeply embedded culture of learning, transparency and continuous improvement. Strong leadership ensured clear oversight of quality, performance and risk, with robust systems in place to monitor incidents, identify themes and implement meaningful improvements. Falls were identified as a primary risk area, and the provider responded proactively with a comprehensive Falls Prevention Programme, enhanced staff training and strengthened monitoring of high‑risk clients. Learning from other incidents such as medication errors, verbal aggression, choking and early skin breakdown was acted on immediately, with care plans updated, staff supported and timely referrals made to health professionals.
Safeguarding was fundamental to the service’s operations. Although no safeguarding referrals were required in the 12 months prior to inspection, the provider recognised the importance of evidencing strong oversight and took steps to ensure staff remained confident in recognising and escalating concerns. A safeguarding log was maintained even when no referrals were made, and safeguarding prompts were embedded into spot checks, supervision and care reviews. Staff were knowledgeable, supported by 24/7 on‑call arrangements and confident in the provider’s zero‑tolerance approach to abuse.
Workforce governance was exemplary. Recruitment processes were rigorous, and staff benefited from a structured induction aligned with the Care Certificate, ongoing mandatory training, competency checks and regular supervision. Carers were thoughtfully matched to clients based on skills, language and compatibility, enhancing communication and continuity of care. Leaders invested in staff development, offering opportunities for formal qualifications and building partnerships with external clinical teams to strengthen skills in complex care. This commitment supported a confident, capable and sustainable workforce.
Equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) were embedded throughout the service. The provider implemented a clear EDI action plan, improved data collection, strengthened culturally appropriate care planning and engaged with community groups to ensure the service reflected and supported the diversity of the local population. Steps were taken to improve access for people whose first language is not English, including identifying interpreters and recruiting staff with relevant language skills.
Continuous improvement and innovation were evident across all areas. Staff survey feedback led to practical enhancements such as an easy‑read complaints procedure, increased family involvement in reviews and improved recognition of staff achievements. Incident auditing processes were strengthened, communication systems were enhanced through the in‑house app and one‑page carer profiles were introduced to improve matching. Infection prevention and control was well managed, with staff demonstrating strong understanding of PPE use and early identification of infection risks.
People and their relatives consistently described feeling safe, respected and actively involved in decisions about their care. The provider’s cohesive, proactive and compassionate approach—spanning governance, safeguarding, risk management, workforce development, EDI and innovation—reflected a service operating at a highly commendable standard, with multiple features indicative of outstanding practice.