A HIGHWORTH care home has been received a glowing report by the healthcare watchdog.

Sandsground, which provides round-the-clock care for five people with severe learning disabilities, was rated “Good” by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

Inspectors from the watchdog made an unannounced visit to the Swindon Road home at the end of August.

They praised the “lively atmosphere” at the home, reporting that patients, family members and staff felt the home as “very well managed”.

Inspectors said of the home: “People were encouraged to make their own decisions and to be as independent as they were able to be.

“The provider had a clear commitment to driving up the quality of care by seeking views from people who used the service, their relatives and other professional services.

Sandsground manager Tracey Williamson, who has worked at the home for six years, said she was “over the moon” with the report.

“There have been a lot of changes in this home over the last 18 – 21 months,” she said. “We’ve worked really hard and I’m just really proud of all the staff.

“Because it’s a small home, I think it does fell like home when you come in. Everybody here – service users and staff – are so happy to be here.”

She added that one resident at the home, who volunteers as a retained firefighter, would next month organise a Children in Need fundraising event.

For more about Sandsground, visit: www.choicecaregroup.com/our-homes/sandsground.