A glowing report praised a “warm and welcoming” atmosphere in a care home.

Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspectors visited Willow Court care home in Aldwickbury Crescent, Harpenden, on February 12.

In a report published on April 18 they rated the home good overall and outstanding in the responsive category, which focuses on how care providers meet people’s needs.

Inspectors observed “lots of laughter” and noted that there was a “warm and welcoming” atmosphere in the home.

Staff were commended on the home’s Let’s Get Talking initiative, which sees residents encouraged to talk about any goals and ambitions they might have and supports them to achieve them.

This has led to a gardening club being set up, day trips to the seaside and window boxes being installed for residents who are unable to leave their rooms.

The report said: “Staff were passionate about achieving the impossible and overcoming any barriers.

“We saw that people were brought into the community and the community brought into the service to engage with people.”

Willow Court’s home manager, Sarah Adlam, said: “We have a dedicated and passionate team here at Willow Court who go above and beyond to make sure that our residents receive the best possible care.

“We are absolutely delighted that this has been recognised by the CQC and I would like to thank all my team for making this possible.”

Maria Ball, chief executive of Parent Company Quantum Care, said: “I would like to extend my congratulations to the Willow Court team on such a fantastic report.

“It is a testament to the hard work our dedicated staff team puts in day in, day out and I am immensely proud of their achievement.”