Staff and residents at National Star's long-term living accommodation are celebrating after receiving an 'Outstanding' rating from inspectors.

In one of their last inspections before lockdown, inspectors from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) said Foundation House in Gloucester had a strong sense of family and teamwork.

The report said: "Staff had set high standards for themselves and this promoted an exceptionally positive culture which challenged disability perceptions and had improved the confidence of people and the opportunities available to them.

"Throughout the inspection, we found people and staff were motivated and passionate about equality and empowering people to live the lives they want."

Foundation House was opened in 2014 and was National Star's first long-term residential accommodation. It is home to 14 young people and has a staff of 40. The charity opened the residence in response to young people who wanted to be able to live in the community with their peers. There are now long-term living residences in Cheltenham, Malvern and Hereford.

Jonathan Brinkworth, registered manager at Foundation House, said the rating was down to the teamwork of everyone, from the housekeeper and cleaner to the care staff.

"We work as a team and everything we do has the residents at the heart. We are all very honoured to be able to support these young people in what is their home."

The report praises the team's commitment to ensure young people had the appropriate care and support while maintaining that sense of home.

It said: "The service's focus on challenging expectations and misconceptions of disability had led to excellent outcomes for people. Staff told us how the ethos of the service was that disabilities should never be considered a barrier to opportunities for people.

"Throughout our inspection we heard comments from people about how staff had supported them to achieve their goals and aspirations."

David Ellis, chief executive of National Star, said: "The vision of Foundation House, as with all the services run by National Star, is to promote 'A world in which people with disabilities are able to realise their potential as equal and active citizens in control of their lives'. The team prove that day in and day out and rightly deserve this fantastic rating."

Next week, Foundation House residents are staging their own 2.6 Challenge danceathon to raise money for Star College, which has had its fundraising hit, like many charities. They have so far raised £1.1k. You can sponsor them here https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/FoundationHouse