Sternhill Paddock

The following is CQC's published account of its assessment, published 18 March 2026. References to “we” mean CQC. It describes findings at that time.

Date of Assessment: 12 February to 24 February 2026. Sternhill Paddock is a residential care home providing support to younger adults living with learning disabilities and autism, mental health conditions and physical disabilities. Sternhill Paddock was last rated good (published 17 November 2020). This assessment was prompted by the age of the services previous rating. We undertook multiple sites visits to assess this service including a visit out of hours.

We assessed the service against ‘right support, right care, right culture’ guidance to make judgements about whether the provider guaranteed people with a learning disability and autistic people respect, equality, dignity, choices, independence and good access to local communities that most people take for granted.

Sternhill Paddock demonstrated exceptional practice across all areas of right care, right support and right culture. 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.

The care delivered was compassionate, holistic and tailored to each person’s individual needs, preferences and communication style. Consistently embedded person‑centred practice enabled people to access and participate in activities that were genuinely meaningful to them. Staff supported individuals to set long‑term goals and work towards them in achievable steps, ensuring progress was celebrated and aspirations remained central to care planning. People were encouraged to develop new skills, increase independence and take greater control of their daily lives. Holistic assessment and monitoring ensured people’s safety and wellbeing were always prioritised, with staff responding effectively to changes in need.

People were supported to gain confidence, experience new opportunities and access community life in ways that reflected their interests and ambitions. Staff used personalised approaches to reduce barriers, including sensory adaptations, structured routines and proactive risk management, enabling people to explore new environments safely. Medicines were administered safely, and staff had a strong understanding of individuals’ health conditions and the support required to manage them. The home environment was adapted and personalised to reflect each person’s sensory needs, routines and identity, ensuring comfort and familiarity while maintaining safety. Staff had the skills, knowledge and training to meet people’s complex needs, and safe recruitment practices ensured new staff were suitable, competent and aligned with the service’s values.

The culture of the service was warm, inclusive and empowering. Leaders and staff shared a strong commitment to enabling people to live rich, self‑directed lives. 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.