A COUNCIL’S home support service for adults with learning disabilities has been rated as ‘outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

In a report published on Friday, the care watchdog praised the service which had been run by Poole council before it became part of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council.

Social workers were praised for their “exceptional kindness, compassion and respect” and inspectors said there had been “significant” improvements since their last visit.

The supported living service, which is responsible for caring for people living at two of its sites, was given top marks in four of the five main assessment areas with the other – safety – rated as ‘good’.

It marks an improvement since the CQC’s last inspection in 2016 when it did not receive an ‘outstanding’ rating in any category.

Following the publication of the latest report, Deborah Ivanova, the CQC’s deputy chief inspector for adult social care, praised the work the council had done since then.

She said: “At a previous inspection the supported living service was rated good, it is wonderful to see the service has taken our report to heart and developed further to now achieve an outstanding rating.

“The culture of the service was one of promoting independence and continuous improvement by seeking the user voice of the people living in the service, and this was demonstrated in all that the staff did and their interactions with people at the service.”

The report describes the service as being “exceptionally well-led” and staff were praised for being “highly skilled, motivated and knowledgeable”.

Personalisation of care was highlighted as a particular positive by inspectors who said people were given “maximum choice and control of their lives”.

Director for adult social care at the new council, and former Poole council director, Jan Thurgood, said she was “delighted” with the CQC’s findings.

“Our aim is to help tenants live safe, fulfilling and independent lives and so it is very positive that the CQC has recognised that the supported living service does this not just effectively but in a way which is caring and responsive,” she said.

“This is all made possible by the expertise, kindness and dedication of the staff who work at the schemes.”

The inspection was carried out at the beginning of February.