A care service which provides support for people with learning disabilities in Southwark has scored the top-possible rating of ‘Outstanding’ in an inspection.
Inspectors from the Care Quality Commission rated Aurora Options ‘Outstanding’ overall following an inspection in October and published at the end of last month.
The service, which also operates in Lewisham and Bexley, provides support for those with learning disabilities to be able to live at home as independently as possible.
Debbie Ivanova, CQC’s Deputy Chief Inspector of Adult Social Care, said: “At our last inspection at Aurora Options we rated the service as Good overall.
“Now the service has achieved our top rating of Outstanding, which is a testament to the passionate leadership and staff at the service.
“I was delighted to read how the service has focused on making sure each person is empowered to have a full and meaningful life, based on their choices.”
The watchdog’s inspectors said they found multiple examples demonstrating staff commitment and passion at the service, which is based near Deptford Bridge.
The people using the service were also supported to have the maximum amount of control over their lives, the report found.
Among the innovation hailed by the Commission were a series of social enterprises established by the service, including card-making, where people with learning disabilities could design cards to sell at a market stall.
One staff member even won award for good care after being nominated by a relative.
The relative said: “The staff member takes emotional support and physical support to the next level and puts my mind completely at ease about the care provided.
“I cannot imagine my loved one being in better hands.”
The service was established in 1981 by the parents of a person with learning disabilities.