Care home that was put in special measures closes

Alderwood Cransley closed down following an "inadequate" rating from the Care Quality Commission

A care home that was placed in special measure has been closed down, its parent company confirmed.

Alderwood Cransley, in Kettering, Northamptonshire, was rated Inadequate and placed in special measures by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) last year.

A recent CQC report published on 25 September found continued breaches in areas including safe care, safeguarding, person-centred support, staffing and governance.

Alderwood LLA Ltd told the BBC the home shut in February 2025.

'Remained in breach'

The home provided places for up to six autistic people with learning disabilities.

At the time of the inspection, four people lived there, all with transition plans to move.

Two residents had already left before the closure, with others supported to new placements in consultation with the local authority and commissioners.

Alderwood Cransley had faced criticism before, with a 2024 report stating: "People were not safe and were at risk of avoidable harm."

Inspectors visited in late 2024 and early 2025 after previous warning notices were not met.

The report said: "People had not been supported to live safely and comfortably at the service, free from abuse and harm."

It added that although some improvements had been made, the care home "remained in breach" of regulations relating to safe care and treatment, safeguarding, and good governance.

The CQC added staff did not fully understand safeguarding or restrictive practices and people were not always given maximum autonomy and choice.

While inspectors observed some kind interactions and recent efforts to improve medicines management, gaps in training, inconsistent care records and delays in meeting health needs were also highlighted.