Leeds care home for autistic and special needs adults rated 'Outstanding’ after CQC inspection turnaround

A special needs care home in Leeds has been rated ‘Outstanding’ following a recent inspection report.

Priory Carlton House, located on Wakefield Road, Rothwell Haigh, has been rated ‘Outstanding’ overall by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), with inspectors highlighting the home’s culture, highly personalised support and empowering approach to care.

Inspectors described the home, which provides residential support for people with learning disabilities and autistic people, as delivering compassionate, holistic and tailored support that consistently promotes independence and ensures meaningful outcomes for the people who live there.

The inspection report completed a turnaround for the site, which was previously rated as ‘Requires Improvement’ following an inspection in 2019.

“Carlton House demonstrated exceptional practice across all areas of right care, right support and right culture,” inspectors said. “People received highly personalised, therapeutic and empowering care that consistently promoted independence, choice and meaningful outcomes.

“The provider had created an environment where people were supported to live fulfilling lives, develop confidence and pursue both everyday goals and long‑term aspirations.”

Priory operates more than 200 working-age adult social care services nationally, with almost 90% of sites (89.6%) rated good or better 'Good' or better by independent regulators, which is 16 per cent above the national benchmark.

Inspectors highlighted how Priory Carlton House staff worked closely with residents to help them achieve significant life goals and increase their independence. Residents were supported to attend college, undertake voluntary work, learn new skills and access community activities tailored to their interests and aspirations.

One resident was supported to gain a fishing licence and take part in fishing trips after sharing their passion for the hobby, while another was helped to work towards future employment opportunities through college courses aligned with their interests and strengths.

The report also praised the home’s strong leadership and positive workplace culture, with staff describing leaders as approachable and compassionate.

“Leaders and staff shared a strong commitment to enabling people to live rich, self-directed lives,” inspectors added. “Staff behaviour consistently demonstrated respect, patience and genuine belief in people’s potential.

“This positive culture encouraged people to express themselves, try new things and build resilience. Staff were supported by leadership that promoted reflective practice, continuous improvement and high expectations of person‑centred care. As a result, people experienced continuity, stability and an environment where they felt valued, safe and understood.”

The home supports people to live fulfilling and self-directed lives, helping residents to develop confidence, build independence and pursue both everyday goals and long-term aspirations.

Inspectors praised the warm and inclusive culture across the home, noting that people were encouraged to gain new experiences and take greater control over their daily lives.

Feedback from residents and relatives was overwhelmingly positive, according to the report. One resident told inspectors: “I would rate this place a thousand,” while another said: “I like it here, they keep me safe.”

Laura Pearce, Service Manager at Priory Carlton House, said: “We are incredibly proud to have achieved an ‘Outstanding’ rating and for the dedication of our team to be recognised in this way. Everything we do is focused on supporting people to live meaningful, independent and fulfilling lives, while ensuring they feel safe and valued.

“This report reflects the compassion and commitment shown by colleagues across the home, as well as the trust placed in us by residents and their families. We are passionate about helping people achieve their goals, however big or small, and creating an environment where everyone can thrive.”