South Coast Nursing Homes is delighted to announce that White Lodge Residential Home has once again been rated “Good” by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) following its latest inspection, with the report published on 4th November 2026.
This latest success follows positive inspections at Fernbank Residential Home and Pentlands Nursing Home, making White Lodge the third South Coast Nursing Homes home this year to successfully maintain its high standards through the CQC inspection process.
Recognising Quality Leadership
The CQC found a strong shared culture across the service, with the registered manager highly regarded by residents, relatives, professionals and staff alike. Team members described White Lodge as a supportive environment where they felt listened to and valued, while the home’s leadership was praised for promoting openness, learning and accountability.
A particular highlight of the report was the score of 4 awarded within part of the Well-led assessment, recognising the home’s strong leadership, positive culture and commitment to continuous improvement. This reflects the dedication of the team and the positive environment they have created for residents and colleagues alike.
“We are incredibly proud to have maintained our Good rating. This recognition belongs to every member of the White Lodge team, whose dedication, compassion and professionalism make such a positive difference to our residents every day.”
Emma Pigott, Home Manager
A home built on kindness, dignity and respect
During the inspection, the CQC highlighted the positive experiences of residents and the welcoming, family atmosphere created by staff. Many residents described the home as warm, homely and friendly. One resident told inspectors:
“I am very content and happy. The staff are extremely kind, very helpful, serious, but they are fun and light-hearted.”
Inspectors observed warm and respectful interactions throughout their visit, noting how staff consistently protected people’s dignity, adapted their support to individual needs and encouraged residents to maintain as much independence as possible.
Safe, person-centred care
The inspection found robust systems in place to keep residents safe and support positive outcomes. Incidents, accidents and falls were carefully reviewed, with learning used to reduce future risks through updated care plans, additional monitoring, specialist advice and new equipment where appropriate.
Care records were found to comprehensively reflect people’s health conditions and support needs, with detailed risk assessments covering areas such as diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, skin integrity and continence care. Residents were actively involved in developing and reviewing their care plans.
Skilled staff delivering responsive support
The CQC found there were enough staff available to meet people’s needs and spend meaningful time with residents. Feedback consistently highlighted prompt responses to call bells and confidence in the support provided.
A stable workforce was identified as a particular strength, enabling staff to develop strong relationships and a detailed understanding of residents’ routines, preferences and changing needs. One relative commented:
“Staff are well established, they’re the same ones, so it must be a good home, they don’t leave.”
Healthcare professionals told inspectors that the team communicated promptly, sought specialist advice when needed and followed professional recommendations appropriately.
Promoting independence, choice and wellbeing
The report praised White Lodge’s person-centred approach, highlighting how residents were supported to remain in control of their daily lives.
People were encouraged to make choices about how they spent their time, maintain connections with family and friends, practise their faith, pursue hobbies and access the wider community.
The home’s approach to independence was reflected in residents’ feedback:
“I do as much for myself as possible and only need to ask the staff, but they do offer anyway if there’s anything that I might need some help with.”
A vibrant and engaged community
Inspectors found residents had access to a wide range of meaningful activities, while retaining the freedom to participate as much or as little as they wished.
Inspectors also noted that White Lodge had developed valuable connections with local schools, entertainers and community groups, helping residents remain engaged with the wider community.
The dining experience also received positive feedback, with residents praising the quality of meals and the responsiveness of the catering team to suggestions and preferences.
Listening and learning
The CQC recognised the home’s commitment to involving residents and relatives in shaping the service. Regular meetings, surveys and the home’s “You Said, We Did” approach demonstrated how feedback was used to make improvements to menus, activities and the environment.
People and their families reported feeling comfortable raising concerns and confident that any issues would be addressed promptly.
Consistently high standards across South Coast Nursing Homes
South Coast Nursing Homes operates nine care homes across East and West Sussex, providing care and support for more than 400 residents.
This latest achievement is a proud moment for everyone at White Lodge and another example of the exceptional work taking place across the South Coast Nursing Homes family. The inspection findings reflect not only the dedication of the home’s staff team, but also a culture where kindness, dignity, respect and resident choice remain at the heart of everything we do.
