A CARE home which supports people with learning disabilities has been judged as outstanding by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

Health watchdog inspectors visited Beckside Lodge, Cooper Lane, back in May and rated it as outstanding overall, as well as in the caring, responsiveness and leadership markers. The home has maintained its outstanding rating from 2016.

A report from the visit says: “People, relatives and health professionals continued to describe the service as exceptional and said care was extremely person centred and responsive. The service had a very homely feel with great care and attention to ensuring each person had a bespoke living environment taking into consideration their likes, preferences and sensory needs.

“There was plenty of space for people to spend time alone, but people were also able to easily socialise with others.

“Staff were exceptionally kind and caring towards people and had developed very strong relationships with them, knowing them in detail, including their histories, likes and dislikes.”

It adds: “The service was exceptional at helping people achieve positive outcomes, building confidence, independence and helping develop people’s life skills.

“There was an excellent range of activities and opportunities available to people. People had been introduced to new activities, which had led to the development of hobbies, friendships and job opportunities.Through exceptional care planning people had become significantly more independent.”

Russell Leese, director at Horizon Healthcare Homes Ltd, which runs Beckside Lodge, said the firm was “very proud” of the rating.

He said: “Whilst we recognise that this outcome is fantastic, Beckside Lodge will continue to strive to further improve upon this by aiming to develop its focus upon the personalised care that it provides to the people we support. The deep seated values of the company run through each of the seven homes that Horizon Healthcare Homes operates in the West Yorkshire area and we hope to replicate this fantastic outcome in each of those.”

Residents of the home also spoke of their delight.

Kathryn Withington described the home as “truly awesome” and said: “I have so many friends here and do so many activities. I love going to my music sessions where I play the guitar and record my own songs.”

Jane Oxley said it feels like “a big family”, while Naomi Sills credited it with helping her to become more independent.

“I can do lots of things for myself now,” she said.

Horizon is due to open its eighth home on Bell Dean Road, Allerton, in 2020.