- Care home
Linden Terrace
Assessment report published 6 February 2026
Contents
Ratings
Our view of the service
Linden Terrace is a small care home located in a terraced property, supporting 4 people with a learning disability. Its homely environment aligned with the principles of the ‘Right support, right care, right culture’ guidance, which emphasises small, community-based settings that promote inclusion, independence and access to local amenities. The layout and design of the home enabled personalised care and fostered a sense of belonging, ensuring people lived in an ordinary house within their community rather than an institutional setting.
The assessment was carried out between 15 October 2025 and 10 November 2025. We undertook 2 visits to the home on 15 and 22 October, which included an out of hours visit. Following these visits, we spoke with relatives, health and social care professionals and reviewed information which the registered manager and staff had provided electronically.
The assessment was carried out in line with CQC methodology, taking into account the length of time the location had been registered.
We 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 were respected, and had equality, dignity, choices, independence and good access to local communities that most people take for granted.
The service consistently demonstrated practice that reflected the principles of this guidance throughout the assessment. People received the right support through personalised care that promoted autonomy, choice, and access to meaningful activities. Staff adapted communication methods and routines to suit individual needs, enabling people to express themselves and participate fully in daily life. The right care was evident in the exceptionally compassionate and respectful relationships between staff and people, with dignity consistently upheld through sensitive and empowering practices. Staff demonstrated a comprehensive understanding of each person’s preferences and behaviours, enabling them to respond promptly and creatively to minimise distress and enhance wellbeing. Their proactive and person-centred approach consistently delivered care that exceeded expectations and promoted outstanding outcomes for people using the service.
The right culture was embedded across the service, with staff and leaders fostering an inclusive, values-led environment that prioritised person-centred care. Teamwork and morale were strong. Staff supported one another and shared a clear commitment to improving people’s lives. They spoke with pride about their roles and the difference they made. This collaborative and values-led approach was central to the service’s success in delivering care that was not only safe and effective, but also exceptionally caring and compassionate.
Staff described feeling valued and supported, with access to a dedicated app offering company resources, staff incentives and wellbeing support. This culture of enablement contributed to high staff morale, strong teamwork, and low turnover, which in turn supported consistent and familiar care for people using the service. These findings reflected the principles of the guidance, which emphasised that people received care that was tailored to their needs, delivered by staff who understood and respected their rights, and supported by a culture that enable people to live fulfilling lives with access to their communities.
The environment was safe and met people’s needs, with decor supporting person-centred care. Medicines were managed safely, and although minor issues were found with records these were promptly addressed by the registered manager. Staffing levels were sufficient to enable both planned and responsive care with staff described as skilled. Audits were in place and transitioning to a more detailed format to strengthen oversight and support continuous improvement.
People's experience of this service
People consistently experienced outstanding care and support that maximised their choice, control, and independence. The model of care and support was highly person-centred, ensuring that every individual’s dignity, privacy, and human rights were upheld. The ethos and values of the service were evident in the attitudes and behaviours of leaders and staff which created an inclusive environment where people led confident and empowered lives.
Relatives described the service as safe, nurturing, and homely, with a strong emphasis on emotional wellbeing, continuity of care, and learning. Families expressed high levels of confidence in the staff team, noting that their loved ones were happy, settled, and thriving.
People spoke positively about their experiences and shared comments such as, “I love it here and never want to move” and “I have friends here and I love them.” This feedback reflected the inclusive environment and the meaningful relationships formed within the service.
Staff demonstrated exceptional responsiveness to individual needs, adapting support promptly and creatively to minimise distress and enhance wellbeing. Activities were tailored to personal interests and promoted independence and community inclusion, including horse riding, Metro station tours, and balloon festivals. Staff were proactive in maintaining family connections, often going beyond their formal roles to ensure regular contact and emotional support for relatives.
Relatives praised the service as a learning environment, where people were encouraged to develop skills, gain independence, and reach their potential. The nurturing atmosphere and commitment to personal growth were evident through tailored support and engaging activities.
The environment was inclusive and homely, with mealtimes fostering dignity and companionship. People were supported to participate in daily routines and activities that reflected their preferences, and staff consistently promoted autonomy and choice. The caring culture was evident throughout our site visits, with staff treating people with kindness and respect. Staff’s approach to dignity was both sensitive and empowering, using creative methods to help people maintain privacy and understand their rights.
The consistent presence of familiar staff contributed to a strong sense of safety and trust. People were actively involved in shaping their care and daily experiences, reinforcing the service’s commitment to person-centred care and empowerment.