Hurst House Celebrates ‘Outstanding’ CQC Rating

We are thrilled to announce that following a recent inspection by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) on the 7th and 8th of January 2026, Cascade (Hurst House) has been awarded an ‘Outstanding’ rating.

This prestigious accolade places Hurst House among the very best care providers in the country. The inspection report highlights a service that has been "intentionally designed" around the needs of autistic people and adults with learning disabilities, moving away from traditional models to create something truly transformative.

A Culture of Trust and Independence

The CQC assessed the service against the ‘Right support, right care, right culture’ guidance. They found that from the moment of admission, residents experience support from a consistent staff group that takes the time to truly understand

individual communication—interpreting behavior as a form of expression rather than a challenge. This proactive approach has led to a sustained reduction in incidents and a significant increase in resident confidence and independence.

We are proud that this outstanding CQC result reflects the hard work and dedication of our entire team. Our home is about each of us and all of us — residents and staff together — creating a safe, warm, and welcoming family environment where every young person is respected, supported, and encouraged to reach their full potential. This recognition from the CQC confirms our ongoing commitment to delivering high-quality care and genuine compassion for those entrusted to us.

Ecaterina Popa

Registered Manager, Hurst House

Key Highlights from the Report:

  • Lifetime Learning: Inspectors praised the integrated care and education team, specifically noting the focus on promoting communication through phonics to increase vocabulary and choice

  • Measurable Outcomes: The "holistic approach to well-being" has led to tangible health improvements, including a reduction in medication and better overall physical health

  • A "Home Away from Home": Staff described the setting as "amazing," with one team member telling inspectors, "I don't just feel safe at Hurst. I know I belong here."

  • Innovative Environment: The building itself was lauded for being intuitive to resident needs, featuring bespoke accommodation types, subtle lighting, and versatile spaces that promote a high standard of living.

Building Partnership with Families

The report emphasizes that families feel like "partners in care." One relative recalled how the service manages concerns with total transparency, using incidents as an opportunity for learning and reinforcing staff knowledge to better protect those in their care.

At Cascade, we believe that every person deserves to thrive. This CQC report is a testament to the fact that when you combine a specialist environment with a dedicated, well-trained team, the possibilities for our residents are limitless.

Matthew Beaton