Craven Nursing Home is proud to announce the publication of its latest Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection report following visits to the home on 20th and 23rd January 2026. The report describes a “positive, learning-focused culture with high standards of care and consistently good outcomes for people”.
As a family business established in 1990, Spellman Care’s founding aim was to build a modern, luxurious environment that felt like a “home from home”. After joining the family in 2004, Craven Nursing Home quickly became a highly regarded home of choice for many locals. Nestled in its own grounds within the picturesque market town of Skipton, the home features 64 light, spacious rooms, all equipped with an en suite lavatory. Backing onto the stunning Leeds and Liverpool Canal, the home offers tranquil views and an annual summer trip on an accessible canal boat.
A Culture of Compassion and Kindness
The inspection findings highlight that “people experienced caring and compassionate support” and consistently described staff as “kind, patient and respectful”. Residents told inspectors they felt safe, well-cared for, and “consistently treated with kindness and respect,” with several people stating, “I couldn’t have picked a better place”. Relatives repeatedly referred to the home as “fabulous,” praising the welcoming atmosphere and clean environment. One individual beautifully described the staff by saying, “like sticks of seaside rock – kindness runs right through them”.
Steven Spellman, Director at Spellman Care, said:
“Over the last 35 years, our family’s commitment has been to provide the very best care for our residents, whatever their needs. We are passionately dedicated to providing an outstanding quality of care and accommodation which enriches the lives of our residents. It is wonderful to see the CQC report reflect this, noting that our environment is clean, welcoming, and homely, with personalised bedrooms and well-maintained communal spaces”.
Excellence in Leadership and Clinical Care
Leadership at the home was described as “strong,” with staff and relatives praising the visibility and effectiveness of managers. Registered Manager Stephanie Bowers was hailed as a “capable, compassionate and inclusive leader” who is “highly visible” and “consistently praised”. Governance arrangements were found to be “robust,” with “exceptionally strong governance” leading to “clear and sustained improvements”. The home also demonstrated “strong clinical oversight,” “robust auditing,” and “proactive partnership working with the pharmacy and GP” to ensure safe care that met individual needs.
Philippa Young, Group Operations Manager, commented:
“We are extremely proud of our highly skilled team of Carers, Nurses, and Managers who are renowned for providing a consistent and high-quality standard of care. The report highlights our stable staff team, positive teamwork, and the fact that staff feel supported by leaders. We remain committed to our comprehensive wellbeing programme, including the Wellbeing & Development Hub and Star Awards, to ensure our workforce feels valued and listened to. We strongly believe that if we support our team, they are best equipped to provide our residents with homely and heartfelt care”.
Empowering Residents and Community Connection
Within the report, residents at Craven Nursing Home expressed that they have “genuine choice and control over daily life,” from choosing what to wear to deciding how to spend their day. One resident noted, “If I want a lie in I can… if I fancy a walk along the canal there is always a member of staff to take me”. The home is well integrated into the local community through regular outings on the “Spellman Express” minibus to garden centres and parks, alongside initiatives like the “Adopt a GrandFriend” scheme and annual summer fetes.
Stephanie Bowers, Home Manager at Craven Nursing Home, added:
“Our ‘My Voice, My Choice’ initiative ensures that all voices are heard and acted upon. I am delighted that the CQC recognised our varied programme of activities, including baking, themed events, and meaningful one-to-one trips. Whether it is our ‘Country of the Day’ celebrations or being the second care group nationally to receive Veteran Friendly Framework accreditation, we strive to celebrate diversity and empower every resident to live a full and active life”.
Quality Outcomes and Professional Partnerships
The service was found to be “responsive to people’s needs,” with “care plans that were detailed and person-centred”. Visiting professionals reported “strong partnership working” and stated they had “no concerns about the service,” noting that staff provided “clear handovers and acted on guidance promptly”. Mealtimes were described as “relaxed and well supported,” with people consistently telling inspectors the food was “lovely” and that there was “always a choice,” even including custom-made omelettes to suit personal preferences.
Overall, the report confirms that Craven Nursing Home provides “safe care that met people’s individual needs” delivered by a “stable staff team which ensured consistency” and a “strong commitment to improvement”.
Craven Nursing Home is incredibly proud of this report and the dedication of the entire team. We actively encourage members of the public to read the full report online themselves here: https://www.cqc.org.uk/location/1-109407956/reports/AP20288/overall
