A RADCLIFFE care home has been recognised among the best in the country, after being chosen for a prestigious new pilot scheme.

Rose Court Care Home, in Water Street, has been handpicked by the Department of Health to participate the in Teaching Care Home project, aimed at developing innovative, new training techniques for nurses in care homes.

Just five homes from across the country have been selected to introduce the scheme, which will seek to improve the learning environment for staff working in homes, develop new undergraduate nurse apprenticeships and encourage nurses to join learning placements in care homes.

Home manager Karen Davies said: “The team at Rose Court are delighted to have been chosen to take part in this pilot. In addition to being a great career opportunity for our team, it is training schemes like this that are a big part of us providing the kindest care to our residents.”

Chai Patel, chairman of HC-One, which manages the home, said: "HC-One are proud to have been chosen to participate in this exciting new pilot scheme, which underlines our commitment to providing the kindest care, with the most-professional care team.

"We have already developed an industry leading, multi-award winning training and career development programme for colleagues, which is in use across all HC-One homes.

"Through the pilot scheme at Rose Court we hope to build on these existing programmes, and develop new training techniques which will drive up standards across the sector, and encourage more nurses to take advantage of the career opportunities care homes provide."

The launch follows the advent of the Care England and Nursing Times microsite, a new resource for nurses working in the care sector. The website provides a community hub for nurses working in the sector and provides an opportunity for care homes and care providers to share best practice.

Alistair Burt MP, Minister for Community and Social Care, added: "I am delighted to support these pilots, which will play an integral role in meeting the growing workforce demands in social care.

"By providing a vehicle for nurses and care workers to learn together, this initiative will foster strong partnerships and develop a sustainable workforce who take pride in providing high quality, joined up care."