A CARE home for young people with learning difficulties has made major improvements after being rated inadequate by a watchdog.

Cherrycroft, in Crowstone Road, Westcliff, was rated “good” in all areas following an inspection last month.

The inspection came nine months after it was branded inadequate – the lowest possible rating – in December last year after concerns were raised it was “not always safe or clean”.

Care Quality Commission inspectors also found that “people were not treated with dignity, respect and kindness”.

However, in a new report published this week, inspectors have noted a major improvement at the care home.

The report stated: “The assessment was completed to follow up on the last inspection to see if improvements had been made.

“We found the service had made improvements and are no longer in breach of regulations.

“Staff now assessed and mitigated risks and care plans are now guided by safe practice.

“The registered manager now had systems in place to monitor the service and provide good oversight to monitor and improve outcomes for people.

“People and relatives overall were positive about their safety at Cherrycroft.

“Staff had received training in how to safeguard people.

“Staff also had personal protection equipment situated throughout the service giving them easy access to wear when needed.

“The service was clean and tidy with no odours and people commented on how clean they found the service.”

At the time of the inspection, there were ten people using the specialist service which is for people with a learning disability or autism.

Inspectors also praised the change in the culture at the service.

The report added: “The registered manager told us they had done a lot of work to change the culture at the service to ensure people they supported were at the centre of care and support.

“The regional manager had taken time to meet with all staff either individually or in groups to get to know them and to identify what support staff needed to do their job effectively. The registered manager told us staff now look forward to coming to work.”

Cherrycroft has been contacted for comment by the Echo