Enter and view: Chapel Lane

Healthwatch Hillingdon carried out an announced Enter & View visit to Chapel Lane Supported Living Home in Uxbridge on 26 March 2026 to assess whether the service was maintaining the standards that contributed to its CQC rating of Good. The service provides accommodation and support for six adults with learning disabilities and is operated by the London Borough of Hillingdon. 

The visit found that Chapel Lane offered a clean, well-maintained, welcoming and homely environment. The communal areas were organised and personalised, the property was wheelchair accessible, and the large garden provided opportunities for gardening, outdoor activities and social events. Residents appeared calm, comfortable and happy throughout the visit. 

Healthwatch observed positive interactions between staff and residents. Staff supported residents to communicate using pictures, symbols and other communication aids, and residents appeared comfortable engaging with staff. Feedback from residents indicated that they felt safe, well supported and satisfied with the cleanliness of the home and the quality of staff support. Residents who were able to respond using communication tools consistently indicated positive views about the service. 

Staff reported high levels of job satisfaction and felt well supported by management. They described a strong focus on promoting independence by helping residents develop practical life skills such as cooking, shopping, money management, cleaning and laundry. Staff provided examples of residents becoming more independent and confident over time, including reduced anxiety when participating in community activities.

The management team described comprehensive arrangements for safeguarding, medication management, infection control, risk assessment and care planning. Residents are supported to access healthcare services, participate in community activities and maintain contact with family members. Families are regularly involved in reviews and care planning to ensure support remains person-centred and responsive to changing needs. 

Although the findings were overwhelmingly positive, Healthwatch identified a small number of areas for improvement. The property had no external signage, making it difficult for visitors to locate. In addition, several areas of the home, particularly the bathrooms, felt cold during the visit. Staff also suggested that additional funding for activities could help expand opportunities and choices available to residents. 

Healthwatch made four recommendations:

1. Provide clearer arrival information for visitors while maintaining the home's domestic appearance.
2. Continue monitoring indoor temperatures, particularly in bathroom areas.
3. Continue promoting residents’ choice and independence and consider additional resources for activities.
4. Maintain and build on the strong person-centred practices already in place. 

Overall, the report concludes that Chapel Lane is a well-run, person-centred supported living service where residents appear safe, happy and supported to live as independently as possible. Staff were observed to be caring, respectful and well trained, and the service demonstrated many examples of good practice.