A CARE HOME for people with  learning disabilities or mental  health needs was rated “requires  improvement” during the CQC’s  latest round of  inspections.

Rowan House, in Church  Lane, Brentwood, which looks  after up to six guests at a time,  scored “good” for safety, care  and responsiveness, but ”requires improvement” for effectiveness  and leadership.  

Inspectors, who conducted an  unannounced visit in April, said:  “The front of  the building was not  wheel chair accessible and people  could not access the back garden  due to uneven surfaces.

“Outcomes of  relative and  staffing experience surveys were  not always acted on.  

“Quality assurance identified  outcomes, action had not always  been taken.”

They added that those in  leadership positions did not  understand how to improve the  service people received.

A Rowan House spokesman said staff feel shortchanged by inspectors, and that they should have been awarded a "Good."

They said:“We welcome feedback from the CQC and are pleased to see that inspectors rate the service as safe, caring and responsive; in particular noting that individuals enjoy living here and are relaxed and at ease with staff. 

"Given the very positive feedback and content within the report, we are disappointed that the overall rating does not reflect this. 

"The health and wellbeing of the individuals we support is our absolute priority and we sincerely believe that the report should have provided an overall rating of good."