A social care organisation used by families in Prestwich and Whitefield has been given the highest possible rating after its first inspection by the healthcare watchdog.

The Focus Foundation, set up just under two years ago, provides Jewish people with learning disabilities, physical disabilities, and autism, individual support to live "fulfilling and high-quality lives".

The foundation, which is based on Middleton Road in Crumpsall, is said to be the largest Jewish provider of supported living to disabled people outside of London.

After a visit by regulator, the Care Quality Commission (CQC), the provider received an overall score of "outstanding".

Its responsiveness and whether it is caring was marked "outstanding" while its safety, effectiveness and leadership received "good" grades.

Chief executive Ivan Lewis, who was Bury South MP for more than two decades, said: “We are proud of our wonderful care team led by Paige Neal who go the extra mile for our members and their families.

“It is their dedication, care and professionalism which has been recognised by this outstanding grade.

“We have been providing care for less than two years which makes this recognition particularly special. 

“This outstanding grade will strengthen us in our determination to strive for continual improvement in all aspects of our services.”

During the inspection, people and their relatives shared examples of the “exceptional care and support” they received and the positive relationships they had with the staff.

All staff were described as very kind, very caring and lovely and one person told the inspector: "The staff treat me with dignity and respect. They understand."

Another person's relative said: "Yes, they are kind and caring. I immediately had a positive image of Focus Foundation. They try their best of new ways to help, which is fantastic."

The CQC report states that people were at the heart of the service and were respected and valued as individuals.

It also details that people received exceptional care because staff and the management team were passionate about providing people with high-quality person-centred care.

Jonny Manson, who set up Focus Foundation, added: “I made it clear from the outset that our aim is to provide excellence in the support we offer our members and their families.

“This outstanding grade and comprehensive report highlights the care and extra special commitment of our wonderful staff team.

"As the report makes clear their level of service is exceptional.

“The demand for our service has exceeded all expectations and we will need the community’s continued generosity and support to expand and deliver on our commitment to excellence.”

Focus works closely with the Friendship Circle and encourages building independent living skills, access to employment and training, full social lives and participation in Shabbat and Yomtov activities.

The report also praises the foundation's respect for culture:

It said: “Staff provided culturally appropriate care and support respecting family traditions, ways of living and communicating.”

Staff were also praised for continuously looking for ways to enhance the quality of people’s lives, giving them maximum choice and control of their lives with support being given in the least restrictive way possible.