How CQC ratings work
Every care home in England is inspected by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), the independent regulator of health and social care. After an inspection, the home is given an overall rating and a rating for each of five key questions. Here is what they mean.
The four ratings
Outstanding
The service is performing exceptionally well. Fewer than one in twenty care homes reach this.
Good
The service is performing well and meeting expectations. This is the most common rating.
Requires improvement
The service is not performing as well as it should. CQC will have told it what to improve.
Inadequate
The service is performing badly. CQC takes action, and the home is re-inspected sooner.
The five key questions
Safe. Are people protected from abuse and avoidable harm?
Effective. Does the care, treatment and support achieve good outcomes?
Caring. Do staff involve and treat people with compassion, kindness and respect?
Responsive. Are services organised to meet people's needs?
Well-led. Is the leadership, management and governance good?
A rating is a starting point, not the whole picture. Always read the full report and visit in person. Find care homes near you →