A Croydon care home has been rated "good" by the Care Quality Commission.

Whitgift House, South Croydon, was rated good overall, as well as in all the core inspection areas of being safe, being caring, providing effective care, being responsive to residents’ needs and being well-led.

Following the unannounced inspection, the inspectors said that staff in the home, which is run by Whitgift Care and part of The Whitgift Foundation, supported people in a way that was kind, caring and respectful.

Philomena Kavanagh, Matron at Whitgift House, said: “We are really pleased and proud that Whitgift House has retained its good CQC report from when we here last inspected.

"The report is positive recognition for my staff team who work hard to ensure our residents are at the heart of our close-knit community by maintaining the highest standards of care.”

Inspectors said that residents were supported to have maximum choice and control in their lives and staff supported them in the least restricted way possible.

Inspectors were impressed with the varied programme of activities run seven days a week to reduce social isolation such as visits from students at Whitgift Foundation Schools, ballroom dancing, quizzes and the popular addition of chickens and guinea pigs.

The home was recognised for achieving the Gold Standard Framework’s (GSF) highest accolade of Beacon Status to help deliver outstanding ‘gold standard’ care to residents nearing the end of their lives.

One staff member gave inspectors positive feedback: “I think it’s brilliant here, staff have been here a long time and the leadership is very good, it’s part of a family… everyone is friendly and approachable.”

The home’s community aspect was also praised with the report saying: “People were at the heart of the service and the provider worked hard to form links in the community and work with other areas of the Foundation to deliver high quality care and support.”