Quality & sector Derwent Cottage celebrates a decade of being CQC outstanding!
In a sun-drenched garden filled with laughter, music, and celebration, residential care home, Derwent Cottage, recently marked a significant milestone — 10 years of being rated Outstanding by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
Located in Scarborough, Derwent Cottage supports up to four individuals with learning disabilities, autism, mental health conditions and other complex needs.
Families, team members, and the people we support gathered to celebrate this remarkable achievement, which reflects a decade of dedication, high standards, and a commitment to providing exceptional care.
Face painting, dancing, and heartfelt speeches were all part of the festivities, but the true highlight was celebrating what it means to be CQC Outstanding for 10 consecutive years.
A journey to excellence: Derwent’s first CQC Outstanding rating
The story of Derwent Cottage’s Outstanding rating began 10 years ago when Kelly, the Service Manager, and her dedicated team first received the remarkable news of their Outstanding status from the CQC.
For a care home to achieve such a rating is no small feat; it represents the highest level of care, support, and service a care home can provide. For Derwent Cottage, it was a validation of the values they had worked hard to uphold.
“We couldn’t have been prouder,” Kelly recalls. “It reflected everything we were trying to achieve for the people we support. But the real challenge came after — maintaining that standard through the years.”
Since then, Derwent Cottage has passed four additional CQC inspections, each one reaffirming their Outstanding rating.
Through their unwavering commitment, Derwent Cottage has shown that with the right mindset and a shared sense of purpose, it’s possible to not only meet, but exceed the highest standards over time.
A team dedicated to CQC Outstanding care
Senior Support Worker Tara, who has been part of the team for an incredible 17 years, expressed her deep connection with the people she supports.
“It makes me so proud,” Tara shared during the anniversary celebrations. “We’ve worked so hard to make sure the four people who live here are truly living their best lives. It doesn’t feel like work — it’s like we’re all one big family.”
This sentiment is echoed by many of our team who have been with Derwent Cottage for years. Several team members have spent a decade or more in the service, building strong, meaningful relationships not only with one another but also with the people they support.
Their dedication shines through in every interaction, and it’s this unwavering commitment that has made Derwent Cottage a benchmark for care across Voyage Care.
Kelly believes this sense of community and teamwork is a key factor in maintaining their CQC Outstanding status. “Achieving an Outstanding rating isn’t just about what happens during inspections — it’s about the everyday effort every member of the team puts in. Everyone brings something special, and it’s that collective dedication that makes us stand out.”
The importance of person-centred care
Central to Derwent Cottage’s CQC Outstanding success is its unwavering commitment to person-centred care.
Person-centred care means focusing on the individual needs, preferences, and goals of each person supported by the service. At Derwent Cottage, this philosophy is at the heart of everything they do.
“Our goal has always been to ensure the people we support are not just cared for but are thriving,” Kelly explained. “Being CQC Outstanding means creating an environment where each person feels valued and supported in leading a fulfilling life.”
Person-centred care is about understanding that no two individuals are the same. It requires listening to the people being we support, getting to know their likes, dislikes, and personal goals, and adapting services to suit their individual needs.
This approach is one of the cornerstones of Derwent Cottage’s CQC Outstanding rating, and it’s what sets them apart from many other care services.
The Voyage Care family: A network of support
Another element that has played a significant role in Derwent Cottage’s success is the broader support network of the Voyage Care family.
Kelly attributes part of their ability to maintain CQC Outstanding status to the collaborative support they receive from Voyage Care colleagues.
“I believe our Outstanding rating isn’t just about the hard work here at Derwent Cottage, but also about the support we’ve received from other colleagues within Voyage Care,” Kelly shared. “There have been tough days, and having that listening ear and the reassurance from others in similar roles has been invaluable.”
This sense of collaboration across the Voyage Care family has created an environment where best practices can be shared, and challenges can be met with collective wisdom. For Derwent Cottage, this network has helped them navigate the complexities of delivering high-quality care consistently over the years.
Kelly’s tips for achieving a CQC Outstanding rating
Given Derwent Cottage’s incredible track record, many people look to Kelly and her team for advice on how to achieve their very own CQC Outstanding rating. During the celebration, we asked Kelly to share her top three tips for other care homes aiming for this achievement.
Communication: “Be open with your team and the people you support,” Kelly advises. “Clear and transparent communication is essential for building trust, resolving issues, and ensuring that everyone involved in care is on the same page. Whether it’s discussing daily tasks or navigating more complex situations, maintaining open lines of communication is key.”
Person-centred care: “Make sure care is unique to every individual in the service,” Kelly stresses. “Each person’s needs, preferences, and aspirations should be at the forefront of care planning. Tailoring care to the individual not only enhances their quality of life but also demonstrates the service’s commitment to excellence.”
Documentation: “Even the smallest compliments mount up as evidence,” Kelly notes. “Thorough documentation is critical when it comes to CQC inspections. Keeping track of positive feedback, progress notes and care outcomes ensures when inspectors arrive, there’s a clear record of the quality of care being provided.”
A bright future for Derwent Cottage
As the sun set on Derwent Cottage’s celebration, it was clear that the team is not content to rest on their laurels.
They are as committed as ever to maintaining their CQC Outstanding rating, not because of the prestige it brings, but because it reflects their unwavering dedication to the people they support.
“The proof is in the incredible team we have,” Kelly said. “I’m so grateful to everyone who has been part of this journey. We don’t just provide care here — we make Derwent Cottage a home.”
For Kelly, Tara, and the rest of the team at Derwent Cottage, their decade of CQC Outstanding ratings is testament to what’s possible when a group of passionate individuals come together with a shared mission.
Their journey of excellence is far from over, and with the same determination and heart that has carried them this far, there’s no doubt that they’ll continue to set the standard for outstanding care in the years to come.
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