A Norwood home in North London has received its second consecutive outstanding rating from the Care Quality Commission, placing it in the top 100 of the 4,500 establishments the CQC inspects.

Accommodating up to eight adults with learning disabilities, 30 Old Church Lane helps residents towards independent living. Those currently housed in the Stanmore property are aged between 28 and 44.

As well as being graded outstanding overall, the CQC found the home outstanding in three of the five inspection categories - safety, caring and well-led.

It reported that sufficient staff were deployed to ensure users' needs were met at any time. Residents were consulted and encouraged to play a full part in the life of the home and the community.

Creative methods of developing and retaining staff had brought continuity. The charity had explored ways of enabling residents "to gain new skills, become more independent and become a valued member within the community by following their aspiration of gaining paid employment".

Users, relatives and befrienders "spoke highly about the care provided" and residents participated in national and international fundraisers with the support of staff.

Norwood chief executive Elaine Kerr said that “for any residence to be rated outstanding by the CQC is an exceptional achievement. To maintain that rating since 2016 is even more remarkable. It is testament to the hard work and dedication of our incredible staff.

“It showcases our commitment to excellence across every one of our services, 100 per cent of which are currently rated good or outstanding."

Peter Behan, Norwood's head of adult services, was formerly home manager at 30 Old Church Lane.

He said the CQC accolade was "fantastic news. Not only have we maintained the overall outstanding rating. We have also been rated outstanding in ‘well-led', which is the most difficult to achieve. 

"It is all down to the work [home manager] Maria Bustalan and the staff have continued to provide with the support of operational manager Vicky Weir.

"The initiatives introduced by Norwood director of services Ron Brown have also been very positive as we continue to strive for excellence in our services.”