During an assessment under our new approach
Harwood Court is a care home registered to provide accommodation and personal care to a maximum of 35 people, some of whom are living with dementia. The home has 2 floors, with a range of communal and outdoor space. At the time of the inspection site visits, there were 33 people living at the home, including someone in respite care.
The assessment was carried out between 12 August and 4 September 2026. We undertook 2 visits to the home on 12 and 18 August 2026. Following these, we spoke health and social care professionals and reviewed information which the registered manager and nominated individual 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. This was the first inspection of this service against this registered provider, meaning there was no previous CQC rating.
This was the first assessment of the service under the current provider.
People received safe, effective and responsive care from staff who knew them well and understood their individual needs, preferences and communication styles. People and relatives spoke positively about the care provided and said they felt safe, listened to and involved in decisions. Care at the service was exemplary. Staff treated people with exceptional kindness, compassion and respect, promoted their independence and supported them to maintain relationships, interests and connections with the local community. People were respected and valued as individuals.
Care was planned with people and those important to them. Assessments and care records were person-centred and reviewed when people’s needs changed. Staff worked effectively with health and social care professionals to support good outcomes and continuity of care. There were enough suitably trained staff, and systems were in place to manage risks, safeguard people and maintain a clean, safe and welcoming environment.
There were some shortfalls in the consistency of records relating to medicines administration. However, no harm had occurred, and we were assured people received their medicines safely as needed. The registered manager was responsive to these findings and had already taken action to learn lessons and implement robust checks on medication records. No breaches of regulation were identified.
The registered manager was visible and approachable and promoted an open and inclusive culture. Staff felt valued, supported and able to raise concerns. In the main, effective governance systems and processes ensured the management team were able to effectively audit the service and drive improvement in service delivery. Innovative and creative ways of learning lessons from the wider provider group were evident, with clear involvement from other professionals contributing to valuable partnership working.