The Swallows

The following is CQC's published account of its assessment, published 21 July 2026. References to “we” mean CQC. It describes findings at that time.

Date of Assessment: 28 April 2026. The Swallows is a care home without nursing for up to 33 older people, some of whom are living with dementia. At the time of our assessment there were 13 people living at the service.

At the last assessment in May 2025 [report published in August 2025], we identified breaches of Regulation 12 (safe care and treatment) Regulation 15 (premises and equipment), and Regulation 18 (staffing) of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014. We also identified breaches of Regulation 11 (need for consent) of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014 and of Regulation 17 (good governance) of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014 and Regulation 18 Care Quality Commission (Registration) Regulations 2009. Following that assessment the provider was placed in special measures. However, the provider took immediate action to address the concerns and made significant improvements in all areas. As a result, and at this assessment, the provider was no longer in breach of these regulations.

At the time of this assessment the registered provider was also the registered manager for the service. However, they employed a home manager to run the service. The home manager was available during this assessment and told us they had submitted their application with CQC to become a registered manager. People were involved in assessments of their needs. Staff reviewed assessments taking account of people’s communication, personal and health needs. Care was based on latest evidence and good practice. People had enough to eat and drink to stay healthy. Staff worked with all agencies involved in people’s care for the best outcomes and smooth transitions when moving services. They monitored people’s health to support healthy living. Staff made sure people understood their care and treatment to enable them to give informed consent. Staff involved those important to people to take decisions in people’s best interests where they did not have capacity.

People were treated with kindness and compassion. Staff protected their privacy and dignity. They treated them as individuals and supported their preferences. People had choice in their care and were encouraged to maintain relationships with family and friends. Staff responded to people in a timely way. The provider supported staff wellbeing.

People were involved in decisions about their care. Staff provided information people could understand. People knew how to give feedback and were confident the provider took it seriously and acted on it. The service was easy to access and worked to eliminate discrimination. People received fair and equal care and treatment. Staff worked to reduce health and care inequalities through training and feedback. People were involved in planning their care and understood options around choosing to withdraw or not receive care.

Leaders and staff had a shared vision and culture based on listening, learning and trust. Leaders were visible, knowledgeable and supportive, helping staff develop in their roles. Staff felt supported to give feedback and were treated equally, free from bullying or harassment. People with protected characteristics felt supported. Staff understood their roles and responsibilities. Managers worked with the local community to deliver the best possible care and were receptive to new ideas. There was a culture of continuous improvement with staff given time and resources to try new ideas.