Case Studies
Health & Social Care
THE ORCHARD CARE HOME LTD
HUCKNALL, NOTTINGHAMSHIRE
It is quite hard to spot The Orchard Care Home from Papplewick Lane in Hucknall
but behind its modest frontage lies a service that Inspectors have confirmed as "excellent" awarding them a 3
star rating for the second time. Surely a first!
The care home was opened in July 2006 by Gary Callan. He lives in Hucknall
himself and knows that the strong community spirit means that many adults with learning difficulties are still cared
for by their elderly parents. He wanted to offer a facility that would provide a homely atmosphere and encourage as much
independence as possible. Using his skills as a builder, he has developed a welcoming and comfortable six bedroom home
and recruited staff who share his commitment to making a difference to people’s lives.
Gary has worked with Access Training from the beginning and the home is committed
to all of its staff holding or working toward relevant Health & Social Care qualifications to ensure a consistent
high level of care. Of the current 10 members of staff, 3 hold the NVQ at Level 2, 2 either hold or are working
towards Level 3, 1 is working towards Level 4 and Gary himself is working towards the new management qualification
with us. The Manager, Nicola Wardle, already holds the Registered Manager's Award.
When asked of the benefits of working with us compared with other providers,
Gary reported that "Personal service is your strength". In the past, 2 members of their staff wanted a level 4
qualification which, at the time, we were not offering. They signed up with a competitor who promised the earth and
then went bust; they transferred to another but poor communication and poor level of service meant that they were
in danger of failing. As soon as they found out that we were offering level 4, they moved over to us and both are
due to complete imminently.
Indeed Nicola cannot praise one of our Trainer Assessors, Jane Bird, enough and
recently nominated us for the Nottinghamshire Training Networks Annual Awards citing Jane’s commitment "to go the
extra mile for learners". The entire staff team has been trained by us and any new staff with potential for Level 3
are put forward. In terms of value to the business, the nomination states "the staff team have benefitted and show a
good all round knowledge when they have completed their NVQs".
The Orchard Care Home specialises in offering care to adults with Autism and feels that
its major strength is communication with its client group. Residents are encouraged to participate in
activities which promote communication and pictured below is Nicola Wardle, the Manager, sharing the book "Kensuke’s
Kingdom" with one of the service users.
