Welshwood Manor

A new manager had been employed since the last inspection. Overall, there were signs of improvement under the leadership of a new manager, however, we also found continued concerns regarding the safety culture and governance.

While the manager was actively attempting to improve the service, systems for monitoring, analysing, and learning from incidents remained insufficiently robust, posing potential risk of harm. Significant risks were identified in the management of choking risks including failures to follow guidance and a lack of staff training. Although the manager took swift action to address these issues during the inspection, these risks had not been identified through existing systems.

Safeguarding processes were in place and concerns were shared appropriately.

At last inspection we were concerned that the care environment was unsafe. We found some improvements at this inspection, however, there remained unsecure external areas, hazardous sheds, and unresolved fire safety concerns.

Staffing levels were sufficient to meet people’s needs, and staff were observed to be caring and responsive; however, there were gaps in staff training and recruitment checks. Medicines were generally managed safely, although there were inconsistencies in recording people’s capacity.

While staff interactions were generally kind and responsive in the moment, the service did not consistently promote dignity, individuality, or person-centred care, with practice still influenced by routine rather than personal choice. Some people were still supported with personal care very early in the morning for staff convenience.

There were also a number of improvements. People’s needs were assessed appropriately, and social engagement had also increased. Leadership showed early positive change, with a new manager described as approachable and committed to improvement. Staff morale and teamwork had improved, and there was evidence of a more open culture where people felt able to speak up. However, leadership oversight and governance still required improvement with ineffective audits failing to identify serious risks, a lack of provider-level oversight, and insufficient support structures.

This service has been in Special Measures since 12 January 2026. The provider demonstrated some improvements had been made and this was clearly a work in progress. The service is no longer rated as inadequate overall or in any of the key questions. Therefore, this service is no longer in Special Measures, however, not all breaches of the Regulations had been met. The service remained in breach of Regulations Dignity and Respect Safe Care and treatment and Good Governance at this inspection.