CQC inspection praises leadership, personalised care and team culture
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has given Collingwood Court, the Care UK home on Front Street in Chirton, an 'outstanding' overall rating following an unannounced two-week inspection.
Inspectors awarded 'outstanding' ratings for the home’s caring and well-led services, while finding the home 'good' for safety, effectiveness and responsiveness. The report highlighted the visible leadership of the home manager, the strength of relationships between staff and residents, and a highly personalised approach to care.
- Outstanding — overall; caring; well-led
- Good — safety; effectiveness; responsiveness
- Inspection carried out over a two-week period, unannounced
| Domain | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | Outstanding |
| Caring | Outstanding |
| Well-led | Outstanding |
| Safety | Good |
| Effectiveness | Good |
| Responsiveness | Good |
Leadership, culture and person-centred care singled out
The report singled out Home Manager Chloe Jelley, who took over the service in October 2025, as being highly visible and approachable. Inspectors said she was actively involved in day-to-day running and that she “leads by example”, modelling kindness and person-led values that helped shape a positive and inclusive culture at the home.
“The staff are always cheerful, welcoming and approachable. Their positive attitude helps create a happy atmosphere within the home and provides reassurance to both residents and families.”
The remark was made to inspectors by a healthcare professional and was quoted in the CQC findings as part of the evidence supporting the high marks for caring and leadership.
Personal stories underline inspection findings
The inspection report emphasised Collingwood Court’s detailed understanding of residents’ histories, interests and faith, which staff used to shape daily routines and activities. One resident, Dorothy Garman, described how staff helped fulfil a personal wish: travelling to London to meet her new granddaughter — an experience she said she would treasure forever.
Inspectors also noted robust partnership working with external professionals and families, which contributed to the home’s good ratings in safety, effectiveness and responsiveness. The CQC report therefore presents a picture of a home where individual needs are respected, and where systems are in place to support safe, effective care.
What this means for North Shields
The upgrade to an outstanding overall rating will be welcomed by residents and families in North Shields and the surrounding communities. For staff it offers formal recognition of their day-to-day practice; for local health and social care partners the report underlines the value of working together to support people living in care homes.
Care homes form a vital part of the local health and social care landscape in North Shields, and regulatory findings such as this one are closely watched by families choosing care for loved ones, commissioners and community groups. The CQC rating will now be published as part of the regulator’s public record, providing transparency for anyone considering Collingwood Court.
Response from the home
In the inspection coverage, the home’s manager welcomed the judgement and paid tribute to the dedication of the team, saying the recognition reflected staff who go the extra mile to provide safe, respectful and person-led care. The CQC’s judgement marks a significant improvement for Collingwood Court and sets a standard other local providers will be watching closely.
