CARE watchdogs have rated The Willows in Bromborough as Outstanding following an announced inspection.

The centre is operated by Autism Together - formerly known as Wirral Autistic Society - and provides services for up to eight people with autism.

The service has been rated by the Care Quality Commission as "Outstanding" for being effective and caring, and rated "Good" for being safe, responsive to people's needs and well led.

Debbie Westhead, deputy chief inspector for adult social care in the North, said: "It was clear that the team at The Willows had people at the heart of their vision of care.

"People told us that they felt safe and well cared for when they were being supported by the service, and staff helped them feel more included in the local community, supporting them to be more independent.

"We received many positive comments about the service, and how the service has helped people improve their wellbeing whilst being at the home. Everyone at The Willows should feel proud of the work they do.

"It is for this and many other reasons why the service has received the highest rating we can give."

The CQC report shows people using the service and their relatives were highly complimentary about the home and the support they received, and commented how they were always included in planning their care.

Staff were supported with specific training that related to an individual’s needs, and were also provided with additional training to support people moving from their previous home to The Willows, to ensure a safe transition.

Management encouraged staff to develop and learn new skills, and use their experience to empower the people living there to develop their own personal and social skills – helping them become more independent and be more involved in the community.