Littlehampton care home celebrates Outstanding rating for Well-Led following CQC inspection

Green Willow Care Home in East Preston is celebrating after being rated Outstanding for Well-Led following its latest Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection.

The home, which was rated Good overall, achieved the highest possible rating for Well-Led, with inspectors highlighting its positive culture, strong leadership and commitment to both residents and staff.

The assessment, carried out in March, praised the home for delivering high-quality care and creating consistently positive experiences for residents. Inspectors noted that residents were supported to remain independent, make choices about their lives and take part in meaningful activities, including helping to design and maintain the home’s large garden.

The report also recognised Green Willow’s work within the local community, saying the home created memorable events for residents and their families, while feedback from staff, relatives and healthcare professionals described it as a well-run and caring service.

Particular praise was given to the way the home is led. Inspectors found that leaders and staff shared a positive culture based on listening, learning and trust, alongside an “outstanding level of care towards staff wellbeing.” The report also highlighted a culture of continuous improvement, with staff supported to develop in their roles and encouraged to give feedback.

Residents and relatives also spoke highly of the care at Green Willow. One resident told inspectors: “I’m very happy here. I couldn’t ask for more really.” Relatives described the home as warm, caring, supportive and nurturing, and said they felt confident approaching the leadership team with any concerns.

Green Willow provides accommodation and care for up to 31 older people at its home on Vicarage Lane in East Preston. At the time of the assessment, 27 people were living at the home.

The Outstanding Well-Led rating reflects the culture Green Willow works hard to create every day - one where residents are supported to live the life they choose, staff feel valued and supported, and the home remains closely connected with its local community.

That community connection can be seen throughout the year in the events and activities hosted at Green Willow, bringing residents, families and local people together.

Many of those moments have been captured by local photographer Tom Jackson of Jacksonandco.visuals, who has supported Green Willow by photographing a number of events at the home.

The team at Green Willow said the new rating was something everyone at the home could feel proud of and a reflection of the commitment shown by staff across the whole service.

The CQC report was published on 11 June 2026.

Photography: Tom Jackson, Jacksonandco.visuals.