The Orchards

The following is CQC's published account of its assessment, published 6 August 2026. References to “we” mean CQC. It describes findings at that time.

The Orchards is a care home providing accommodation and nursing care for up to 68 people.At the time of our assessment, 60 people were living at the service. The service also offers respite stays, providing short-term support for people enabling family carers to take a break.

We carried out an unannounced comprehensive on-site assessment on 24 and 25 June 2026, this was due to an aged rating the service was last inspected in 2018.The service had a light and welcoming reception area with ample visitor parking. Accommodation was provided across two floors, which were divided into three units. The ground-floor units were easily accessible from the main reception area and predominantly supported people with nursing needs. The first-floor units were accessible via key-coded lifts and stairwells and provided support to people with a range of health conditions, including those who walked with purpose and required additional safety measures.

Each floor had dedicated lounge and dining areas. The registered manager told us there was an ongoing programme of refurbishment and improvement works, including the development of an additional dining area on the ground floor. The home offered a variety of spaces to promote social engagement and wellbeing, including activity areas, a themed pub and large accessible gardens. Raised planting beds enabled people with reduced mobility to participate in gardening activities and enjoy time outdoors.

The service welcomed well-behaved pets, and several resident’s animals lived at the home. These contributed positively to the warm, homely atmosphere and supported people's emotional wellbeing.People and those important to them consistently told us they received safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led care at The Orchards.

Feedback from people, relatives, staff and professionals was overwhelmingly positive. Staff knew people well and delivered personalised care and support that promoted dignity, choice, independence and inclusion. One staff member told us, "It is a pleasure to work here in their [residents'] home."

We observed kind, compassionate and respectful interactions throughout the assessment. There was a strong sense of community within the home, and people were supported to maintain meaningful relationships with friends, family and the wider community.

Leaders had created a positive, inclusive culture where people and staff felt valued, respected and listened to.Governance systems were effective and supported quality, safety and continuous improvement. Management demonstrated an open and transparent approach, responding promptly when minor issues were identified during the assessment. These issues did not have a significant impact on people's safety or wellbeing.

The service had strong links with the local community and worked collaboratively with healthcare professionals and partner organisations to support people's health, wellbeing and quality of life. Leaders demonstrated a commitment to innovation, inclusion and continuous improvement, ensuring care remained responsive to the needs of people living at the service and the wider community.The service was viewed as an important part of the local community and regularly hosted events which brought together people, families, staff and local residents, helping to reduce isolation and promote inclusion.