A CARE home for young people with autism and learning difficulties has been rated as outstanding by the health watchdog.

Riverside Point in Howley has received the top rating available from the Care Quality Commission following an unannounced inspection in April.

The Kerridge Drive home, which provides support for young people and adults with autism and learning difficulties, was being inspected for the first time since it opened in late 2015.

Debbie Westhead, the CQC's deputy chief inspector for adult social care in the north, said: “It was impressive to see how person-centred the service was.

“People’s individual needs were really taken care of and this bespoke service reflected the changes taking place in their lives, confidence and abilities.

“We saw a culture at the home which was open, transparent and progressive.

“All the staff were committed to continually improving the service, and people living at Riverside Point as well as their relative were regularly consulted on how improvements could be made.

“All the staff at Riverside Point should be very proud of the care they are providing and I hope other providers look to their example of what outstanding care should look like.”

The home, run by Bright Futures Care Limited, had eight people living in it at the time of inspection.

Operational manager Kerry Barnes said: “As an organisation, Bright Futures Care Limited is extremely proud of the collective efforts of our young adults and staff team in achieving this outstanding award from the Care Quality Commission.

“Following on from Ofsted outstanding awards in our school and children’s homes settings, this is another amazing milestone for Bright Futures as we look to develop quality living and learning environments in the Warrington area and beyond.

“Alongside families and local authorities, we are once again pushing the boundaries of personalised services for students with learning needs and autistic spectrum disorders and enjoying playing our part in their aspirational life journeys.”