Understanding CQC Ratings
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is the independent regulator of health and social care in England. Understanding their ratings helps you make informed decisions about care providers.
Outstanding
The service is performing exceptionally well. Care is of the highest quality with innovative and creative approaches that consistently exceed expectations.
Good
The service is performing well and meeting expectations. Care is safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led.
Requires Improvement
The service isn't performing as well as it should. There are areas that need improvement to meet minimum standards.
Inadequate
The service is performing badly. There are significant concerns about safety or quality of care provided.
The Five Key Areas CQC Inspects
Safe - Are people protected from abuse and avoidable harm?
Effective - Does care achieve good outcomes?
Caring - Do staff treat people with compassion?
Responsive - Are services organised to meet needs?
Well-led - Does leadership ensure quality care?
How to Read a CQC Report
Every CQC inspection report follows the same structure, making it easy to compare providers:
Overall Summary
A brief overview of the service and its overall rating.
Ratings by Key Question
Individual ratings for each of the five inspection areas.
Detailed Findings
Specific observations and evidence from the inspection.
Action Required
Any improvements the provider must make.
View CQC Ratings on Provider Pages
All provider listings include their current CQC rating and inspection history.