Birnbeck House – Care Home Learning Disabilities, run by Leonard Cheshire Disability, has received an overall requires improvement rating in a CQC report published on March 31, following an assessment in February.
The care home is a residential care home providing care to people with a learning disability and autistic people, which can accommodate up to 13 people.
At the time of the inspection, nine people were living at the home.
This inspection was a responsive assessment to review four breaches of regulation identified during the CQC’s previous assessment in September 2025, which also rated the service as requiring improvement.
The service was assessed against ‘right support, right care, right culture’ guidelines to make judgments about whether the provider guaranteed people with learning disabilities and autistic people respect, equality, dignity, choices, independence, and good access to local communities that most take for granted.
The provider was previously in breach of the legal regulations in relation to safe care and treatment, person-centred care, staffing, and governance.
The report said improvements were found in the new assessment in relation to person-centred care and staffing.
It said: “However, improvements were still needed in relation to safe care and treatment and governance. The provider remained in breach of these legal regulations.
“People were at increased risk as the provider had not assessed or effectively managed all risks to people.
“While the service’s governance systems had identified areas for improvement, they had not been effective in ensuring the improvements were made in a timely manner.”
The report also said staff were trained in supporting autistic people and people with a learning disability at a level appropriate to their role.
It also said: “Staff interaction with people had improved.
“Staff felt the service being provided to people was improving. Their comments included, ‘Overall I would like to tell you things have really improved’ and ‘The home has definitely improved, the atmosphere and communication are better.’”
The report also said CQC inspectors observed people ‘appeared comfortable’ in the presence of staff.
It said: “Staff treated people with dignity and respect, supported them to make choices, and respected their decisions. Staff interacted with people in a way that was appropriate to their needs and wishes.”
The report also said improvements are needed to ensure people are supported to work towards their goals and that all people are offered meaningful activities.
It said: “Relatives expressed general satisfaction with the care people received and told us they felt people were happy and safe. Comments included, ‘Yes, definitely, they have great need, and they look after them really well’ and ‘They are happy there.’”
A spokesperson for Leonard Cheshire said: “We’re continuing to roll out a comprehensive action plan, driving improvements for people living at Birnbeck House. The service has extensive additional support from senior staff, specialist clinicians and quality teams.
“We’re pleased that the regulator recognises some of the improvements made to date. Residents and their families will receive regular updates as progress continues.
“The safety, well-being, and happiness of people we support at Birnbeck House remains our priority.”