Winner of the Care Team of the Year Award in the Caring UK Awards 2025
It was the red-carpet treatment for our team at Watlington in Oxfordshire, recently, when they scooped victory at the prestigious Caring UK Awards 2025.
Watlington and District Residential and Nursing Home won the Care Team of the Year accolade in the annual awards, which celebrate the very best in the care sector across the country.
Watlington, which is rated Outstanding by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), is run by devoted Home Manager Julie Cooper, who has worked there for over 20 years.
Speaking of the win Julie said: “We are absolutely over the moon – this is a victory for not only the team, but the amazing community we have which makes Watlington such a special place – our residents, their loved ones and friends, and all the professionals we work alongside to provide such outstanding care for our residents.”
“Enriching the lives of our residents and their families is something that every single member of the team is passionate about – it’s about always pushing yourself to go that extra mile and I am so very proud of the team for everything they do.”
Here’s a snapshot of some of the examples that make Watlington an award-winning home:
• The gardener accompanies residents to football matches, including Oxford United games.
• The chef hosts popular ‘bake-offs’ and cookery workshops, with a top five-star rated kitchen
• Nurses and the care team share their musical talents, while the maintenance team helps residents ‘grow their own’ fruit and vegetables, and are even building a miniature adventure golf course.
• Reception, activities and supporting staff organise fetes and fundraising events that connect the home with the wider community.
• The housekeeping and laundry team keep the home spotless, with visitors often commenting on how beautiful the environment looks and feels.
• Even when his shift has finished, the driver will happily take residents on trips and to appointments.
This dedication is reflected in Watlington’s outstanding 9.9 rating on carehome.co.uk and its recognition in the Lottie Top 100 Awards – all in recognition of the glowing independent reviews left by residents and their families and friends.
For more about life at Watlington, visit Watlington Care Home | Oxfordshire Care Home
