A care home has been told it must improve for the second time after an unannounced inspection.

Little Oaks, in Little Braxted, has disputed some elements of a report published by the Care Quality Commission on July 4.

Inspectors found there were ineffective safety checks and areas of the home were in need of a deep clean.

The report said: “Despite people telling us that they felt safe and happy living at Little Oaks, we found the service needed to make improvements to the environment.

“For example, we found a very low-level three-piece sofa and two chairs in the conservatory, which felt damp.

“Environment and health and safety checks were ineffective and failed to ensure that people’s safety would be maintained.

“For example, a recent fire safety visit from Essex County Fire and Rescue Service had highlighted that the service had not been complying with fire regulations.”

Inspectors found the complaints policy in place did not meet the required standard.

The home, which accommodates 12 people, was also not identifying the communication needs of people with a disability or sensory loss, and no one had been trained in accessible communication standards.

Daniel Wylie, responsible for services at the home, said: “I am very disappointed with the report.

“There has been a lot of hard work and we are still rated good for care.

“Some of the outside bits have let us down, they have penalised us for thinks like moss in the gutter, which doesn’t affect the care we provide.

“We have a meeting with the CQC on Thursday to discuss the report.”

The report did say staff were friendly and attentive and knew people well.

Staff spoke to people in a calm and sensitive manner.