Sutton Council's START service achieves 'Good' Rating from CQC

Sutton Council’s Short Term Assessment and Reablement Team (START) service has been awarded a 'Good' rating by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) following a comprehensive assessment in November 2025.

The START service provides vital short-term personal care and therapy to people in their own homes, most of whom have been recently discharged from hospital and need temporary support to regain independence.

The CQC assessment related to four key questions on safety, effectiveness, caring and responsiveness, with the CQC rating the Council service “Good” in every area.

The positive experience of residents who have used the service was clearly reflected in the feedback gathered by the CQC. One person commented, "The carers have been really good...they have made all the difference to my recovery." 

Councillor Marian James, Lead Member for Adult Social Care at Sutton Council, said: "This 'Good' rating is a wonderful achievement and a testament to the hard work, dedication, and compassion of the entire START team. 

“Their commitment to providing high-quality, person-centred care is clearly making a profound difference to people’s lives. We are incredibly proud of the positive feedback from residents and partners, which underscores the value of this essential service to the Sutton community."

The CQC concluded that the service ensures people are respected, receive dignified and equitable care, and are supported to access the local communities they value.

The report can be viewed on the CQC’s website. 

Notes to editors:

• About the START Service: The Short Term Assessment and Reablement Team (START) is a service provided by Sutton Council, specialising in short-term support and therapy to enable residents to recover and regain maximum independence following illness or hospital discharge.
• About the CQC: The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is the independent regulator of health and social care in England.
• Sutton Council’s Adult Social Care services received a “Good” outcome following their CQC assessment earlier this year.