Holly House, Houghton Le Spring
CQC Inspection Breakdown
| Safe | Good |
| Effective | Good |
| Caring | Good |
| Responsive | Good |
| Well-led | Good |
About Holly House
Holly House is a residential care home providing accommodation and personal care to up to 8 people with Autism Spectrum condition. At the time of our inspection there were 7 people using the service. We expect health and social care providers to guarantee people with a learning disability and autistic people respect, equality, dignity, choices and independence and good access to local communities that most people take for granted.
What residents and families say
“[Name] goes out a lot, they enjoy going out for lunch and to the shops.”
Source: CQC inspection report
Specialisms
About Holly House
Holly House is a residential care home in the heart of Houghton Le Spring, Sunderland, providing a supportive environment for those who need it most. The home is operated by Education and Services for People with Autism Limited and can accommodate up to 8 residents. Following their most recent inspection on 06/12/2023, the Care Quality Commission rated Holly House as Good. Across the five inspection categories, the home scored Good for Safe, Effective, Caring, Responsive, Well-led. The home specialises in supporting people with learning disabilities. The service supports learning disabilities or autistic spectrum disorder. The DH5 postcode area has 9 registered care homes with a combined 198 beds — so there are options to compare in the local area.
Finding the right care home is a deeply personal decision, and we hope this information helps you and your family feel more confident as you explore your options. Every person deserves care that respects their individuality, and the right home will feel welcoming from the moment you walk through the door.
Holly House is one of the care homes in Sunderland — a local authority with 87 CQC-registered homes, 82 of which are rated Good or Outstanding.
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Further Reading & Official Sources
- Official CQC inspection report for Holly House
- View Holly House on Google Maps
- NHS care home finder near DH5 8DA
We link to official and independent sources so families can verify the information on this page.
What to Expect When Visiting
When visiting a residential care home, pay attention to the atmosphere as much as the facilities. The best homes feel warm, unhurried, and genuinely caring — like a place where your loved one could feel at home.
- Try to visit at different times of day, including mealtimes, to see the home in action.
- Speak with staff and, if possible, current residents or their families about their experience.
- Ask how the home supports residents who may need nursing care in the future.
- Look at the communal spaces — do they feel welcoming, clean, and well-used?
Questions to Ask When Visiting
It can be hard to know what to ask during a care home visit. Here are some questions tailored to Holly House's type of care that may help guide your conversation:
- 1 What happens if a resident's care needs increase beyond what you can provide?
- 2 How do you support residents to stay active and connected to their community?
- 3 Can residents personalise their rooms with their own furniture and belongings?
- 4 What does a typical day look like for someone living here?
For a more complete checklist, see our guide to choosing a care home.
Official CQC Inspection Report
The Care Quality Commission last inspected Holly House on 06/12/2023 and rated it Good. The full report includes detailed findings on safety, staffing, and quality of care.
Read the full CQC reportWhat families typically look for
- - How friendly and attentive the care staff are day-to-day
- - What activities and social events are available for residents
- - How the home handles changing care needs over time
These reflect common priorities we see from families researching care homes. For personalised advice, we recommend visiting in person and speaking to current families.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if a resident's care needs increase beyond what you can provide?
CQC rated Holly House as Good for Responsive care on 06/12/2023, which includes how the home adapts to residents' changing needs. Ask what the home's protocol is when a resident needs a higher level of nursing care — whether they support a managed transition or have partnerships with local nursing homes.
How do you support residents to stay active and connected to their community?
CQC rated Holly House as Good for Caring on 06/12/2023. This domain covers how staff support residents' emotional wellbeing, social connection, and sense of purpose. During your visit, ask to see the activities timetable and speak with current residents or their families about daily life.
Can residents personalise their rooms with their own furniture and belongings?
Most residential care homes encourage residents to bring personal furniture and belongings to make their room feel like home. When visiting Holly House, ask about room sizes, any restrictions on furniture, and whether residents can hang pictures and decorate their space as they wish. A personalised room can make a significant difference to a resident's sense of comfort and identity.
What does a typical day look like for someone living here?
With 8 residents and care tailored to learning disabilities, daily routines at Holly House will be shaped around individual needs. During your visit, observe the lunchtime atmosphere, ask about morning routines and whether residents have flexibility around wake-up times and meal choices, and check what a typical afternoon looks like.
What is the CQC rating for Holly House?
Holly House in Houghton Le Spring is rated Good by the Care Quality Commission. The most recent inspection was on 06/12/2023. The home has 8 beds.
How many beds does Holly House have?
Holly House has 8 beds and operates as a residential care home in Houghton Le Spring.
Location
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Other Care Homes in DH5
More from Education and Services for People with Autism Limited
- Garden Lodge Seaham · Good
- Orchard House Seaham · Good
- Ashleigh Newcastle Upon Tyne · Outstanding
Similar Learning disabilities homes
- Sandhurst Court Dewsbury · Good
- Firs Court Chessington · Good
- Hillside Lodge Halstead · Good
Data from the Care Quality Commission, last updated March 2026. View on CQC website → How we use this data