Whitwood House celebrates turnaround to ‘Good’ CQC rating

A Lifeways residential care home in Castleford is celebrating after transforming its service from ‘Requires Improvement’ to an overall ‘Good’ rating from Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspectors. 

Whitwood House, which provides 24-hour accommodation and personal care for up to 16 people with learning disabilities and autistic people, was rated ‘Good’ following an assessment in November 2025. 

The rating marks a significant improvement from the previous inspection in 2024, with the service no longer in breach of regulations regarding governance and safety. 

The CQC assessed the service against five key areas – Safe, Effective, Caring, Responsive and Well-led – with all categories achieving a ‘Good’ rating. 

Key strengths highlighted: 

• Safeguarding excellence – Staff demonstrated strong safeguarding knowledge, and concerns were logged and reported promptly to partner agencies. 

• Effective risk management – Risks were well assessed and monitored, enabling people to maintain independence and engage in meaningful activities. 

• Robust staffing and training – Safer recruitment practices were in place, with staff receiving regular supervision and training tailored to individual needs. 

• Significantly improved infection control – The environment was clean, tidy and odour-free, with PPE readily available and effective audits in place. 

• Person-centred care – Support plans reflected personal preferences and goals, promoting choice and independence. 

• Proactive health management – People had access to routine and specialist health services, with staff responding promptly to concerns. 

• Strong application of Mental Capacity Act – Best interest decisions were documented, and DoLS were appropriately managed. 

• Evidence-based practice – Use of Positive Behaviour Support and commitment to nationally recognised programmes like STOMP. 

Karen Jones, Managing Director for Lifeways’ residential division, said: “I’m delighted for the team following this latest inspection report. Transforming Whitwood House from Requires Improvement to an overall Good rating has taken so much hard work and dedication from our talented team members – and it’s paid off with massive improvements in safety and quality. 

“As always, while we celebrate great outcomes like this, we are not complacent and will continue pushing for even higher quality. The people we support at Whitwood – and at all of our services – deserve nothing less.” 

Inspectors used observations, documentation reviews and feedback from relatives and professionals to assess people’s experiences, as residents were not always able to fully express their views independently. 

As well as several positive comments about how well-led the service is, relatives praised the service to inspectors. One said: “My loved one does not want for anything.” 

Another told the CQC: “(My loved one) is getting the nurturing they need. They look cared for.” 

Find out more about Whitwood House here: Whitwood House | Lifeways