Loch Park secures highest-ever rating

A unique day service for people with learning difficulties has secured its highest-ever ratings after an unannounced inspection by Care Inspectorate Scotland. 

Loch Park, near Keith in picturesque Banffshire, Scotland, was rated ‘very good’ in four out of five quality indicators, with a ‘good’ rating in another. 

It supports up to 30 people with learning disabilities, and autism and is made up of several indoor spaces, well-maintained grounds, workshops and gardens used for unique indoor and outdoor-based activities. 

It was rated Very Good (the second highest possible rating) for: 

• how well we support people’s wellbeing 
• how good is our leadership 
• how good is our staff team 
• how well is our care and support planned.  

It was rated ‘good’ for how good is our setting. 

Inspectors also rated Loch Park as ‘Excellent’ - the highest possible rating – for "people getting the most out of life". 

Fiona Barrie-Higgins, Regional Director for Supported Living in Scotland, said: “This is a wonderful outcome for the team who work so hard to provide the highest quality service for the amazing people we support. 

“I know how much work everyone puts in each day to make our Loch Park day service a joyful experience and to receive such high rating after an unannounced inspection is a testament to the high standards we set ourselves. I’m so proud of the team for this well-deserved achievement.” 

Care Inspectorate Scotland is the national regulator for social care and social work services in Scotland. Its report on Loch Park is based on an unannounced inspection which took place between 13 and 15 May 2025 by two inspectors. 

Key highlights

The main highlights from the report included:  

• People had incredibly positive experiences due to the inclusive culture and ethos within the service 
• Work-based activities had a significant positive impact on people's self worth and confidence 
• People had gained confidence and built meaningful connections with their local community 
• Leaders had a positive and collaborative approach to quality assurance 
• People had enough staff to give them the care and support they needed 
• The outdoor environment had a positive impact on people, supporting independence and positive mental health 
• Infrequently used areas were not always maintained to an acceptable standard 
• Care plans were person-centred, accessible and respectfully written. 

Significant Strengths

Inspectors said some aspects of supporting wellbeing were “innovative and sector leading” and they found significant strengths in “aspects of the care provided and how these supported positive outcomes for people”. 

They also reported how people we support “had extremely positive experiences due to the inclusive culture and ethos within the service” and how “people were enabled, and actively encouraged, to exceed their own expectations”. 

Inspectors were also impressed at how people in the service had “enormous pride in their work for the local community. People were enabled to be champions in the community through various workplace activities and charitable endeavours.” 

Staff and leaders at the service were described as “kind, caring and attentive” and “collaborative”, fostering “positive and trusting” relationships throughout the staff team. 

They also praised the person-centred approach to care plans which were tailored to every person supported at the service. 

The only area for improvement identified by inspectors was more frequent cleaning of shower rooms. 

The service was last inspected in April 2017 when it received two ‘very good’ ratings and two unrated across four criteria. 

Lifeways’ services in Scotland currently have a 100% compliance rate and a string of inspections in the last 12 months revealed consistently high ratings and standards. 

For more information on Loch Park, visit: Loch Park Day Service | Lifeways