Willowcroft
Willowcroft is a residential care home in Chingford, Essex (E4 7RF). It holds a CQC rating of Good.
About Willowcroft
Here at Willowcroft, we are proud to offer residential care and specialist support for people living with mental health conditions, right in the heart of Chingford, Essex. Our home is a place where residents are genuinely known as individuals, where their histories, preferences and personalities shape the way we care for them each day. We understand that moving into a care home is a significant step, and we take that responsibility seriously. From the moment someone walks through our door, whether as a prospective resident, a family member or a friend, we want them to feel at ease. We take the time to listen, to ask the right questions, and to make sure that the support we provide truly fits the person in front of us. Our team works closely with residents to maintain as much independence and routine as possible, while ensuring that the right level of care is always there when it is needed. For those living with mental health conditions, we recognise that good support goes well beyond practical assistance. It means building trust, creating consistency and fostering an environment where people feel safe and understood. We are pleased that our most recent Care Quality Commission inspection rated Willowcroft as Good, and we see that as an honest reflection of the standards our team works hard to uphold every single day. That said, we never see it as a reason to stand still. We are always looking at how we can do better and listening to feedback from residents and their families. Chingford is a community we are genuinely part of, and we value the connections our residents have with the local area. If you would like to find out more about life at Willowcroft, we would love to hear from you.
Care provided at Willowcroft
- Mental health care
- Respite care
- Last CQC inspection: 14 December 2023
Read the full inspection report on the CQC website.
What the inspectors found
A plain English summary of the Care Quality Commission inspection behind the current rating of Willowcroft. Report published 14 December 2023.
- 6 November 2023
- 7 places, 6 people were using the service at the time
Safe
Inspectors found that staff provided safe care and managed risks appropriately. Staff were well trained, and the staff team was consistent and had been safely recruited. Agency staff were not needed because staff retention was good. Medicines were well managed.
Well-led
Inspectors found that staff felt supported and the management team were always available. The registered manager understood their responsibilities and was receptive to making care plans include more about the character of the person. Systems were in place to monitor quality and learn from accidents and incidents.
What people told the inspectors
A family member told inspectors that living at Willowcroft was the best thing that could have happened to their loved one.
I am living a life of luxury at Willowcroft. A person living at the home
Since the last inspection
Rated Good in December 2023, the same overall rating as before (Good).
Safe is still Good; Effective is still Good; Caring is still Good; Responsive is still Good; Well-led is still Good.
- 6 November 2023: Inspection looking at part of the service
- 8 January 2018: Routine inspection
- 17 November 2015: Routine inspection
- 24 July 2013: Routine inspection
- Date not held: Our previous inspection on 04
- Date not held: Our inspection on 24
Read the full report on the CQC website
Source: Care Quality Commission inspection report, summarised by CareAssura. Contains CQC data used under the Open Government Licence.
How Willowcroft compares in Epping Forest
Measured against the 24 care homes registered in Epping Forest. The dark dot is this home.
- Size
- 7 places. Smaller than 22 of the 24 homes. The local average is 49 places.
- CQC rating
- Good. 16 of the 24 homes (67%) are rated Good or Outstanding. Across Essex the figure is 76%.
- Latest report
- 14 December 2023. 3 of the 24 homes have published a newer inspection report since.
- Registered
- July 2011. 8 of the 24 homes registered more recently.
- Food hygiene
- 4 out of 5. The same rating as 2 of the 23 homes that have one.
Powered by Orrery Intelligence. Data: CQC register and Food Standards Agency ratings. Counts cover registered care homes in Epping Forest.
The local picture: Epping Forest
What the numbers say about care for older people in Epping Forest, in Essex.
What care costs in Essex, per week
| Type of care | What the council pays | What self-funders are typically asked |
|---|
| Residential care | £849 | £1,384 to £1,672 (Middle half of prices from 11 Essex homes. Median £1,520.) |
| Nursing care | £1,103 | £1,800 to £2,126 (East of England figure, because too few Essex homes publish this price. 17 homes. Median £1,935.) |
| Residential dementia care | Not published separately | £1,602 to £1,877 (East of England figure, because too few Essex homes publish this price. 33 homes. Median £1,785.) |
| Nursing dementia care | Not published separately | £1,870 to £2,100 (East of England figure, because too few Essex homes publish this price. 10 homes. Median £1,940.) |
Published prices are often starting prices, and come from homes that publish fees, so treat them as a guide. Ask the home for its own price.
- People aged 75 and over: 14,700. Rising to 16,600 by 2035, up 13%
- People aged 85 and over: 4,100. Rising to 5,900 by 2035, up 43%
- Living with dementia, aged 65 and over (estimate): 1,900. Rising to 2,400 by 2035, up 22%
- Dementia diagnosis rate: 86%. The NHS ambition is 67%. Essex as a whole is 67%.
- Care home beds per 1,000 people aged 75+: 78. Essex average is 67.
- Care homes, last 12 months: 0 opened, 0 closed. 2 changed owner, covering 74 beds.
- Care home beds filled across Essex: 88%. The 12 month average is 87%.
- Who pays, across Essex (estimate): 36% council, 38% self. The rest is NHS funded or other.
Powered by Orrery Intelligence. Market model built 22 October 2026 (ONS 2022 based population projections, dementia estimates, CQC register), published care home prices, council planning records.
Good to know about Willowcroft
Facts from public registers, and what is close by.
- Registered with CQC
- 22 July 2011, so 15 years.
- Food hygiene rating
- 4 out of 5. Good. Last inspected by the local council on 3 August 2026.
- Run by
- Willowcroft Care Home Limited, which runs this service only.
Sources: CQC register, Food Standards Agency, OpenStreetMap contributors. Distances are in a straight line from the postcode, not walking or driving routes.
Local services near Willowcroft
The closest places to this home, measured in a straight line from its postcode. They are the nearest, not necessarily the ones the home uses. Ask the home which GP, dentist and pharmacy its residents are registered with.
Nearest 24 hour A&E
- North Middlesex University Hospital, Edmonton, 4.3 miles away
It is about 4.3 miles in a straight line from the postcode. The drive is usually longer. In an emergency call 999; the ambulance may take you elsewhere.
Nearest GP practices
Nearest dentists
Nearest pharmacies
Nearest railway stations
- Brimsdown Station, 1.1 miles away
- Enfield Lock Station, 1.4 miles away
- Ponders End Station, 1.7 miles away
Around Willowcroft
- H: Willowcroft
- A: 24 hour A&E
- G: GP practice
- D: Dentist
- P: Pharmacy
- S: Railway station
Straight line distances, not routes. Places very close to the home are spread out slightly so they can be told apart.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Practice and pharmacy details from the NHS England Organisation Data Service. A&E sites from NHS England A&E data and the Organisation Data Service. Railway stations from the Department for Transport NaPTAN dataset. Distances are straight line and approximate.
Local care news in Essex
More local care news for Essex
Common questions about Willowcroft
Where is Willowcroft located?
Willowcroft is a residential care home in Chingford, Essex, E4 7RF. You can view its exact location and get directions from the map on this page.
What type of care does Willowcroft provide?
Willowcroft is registered to provide residential personal care, with support that includes Mental health care, Respite care. The full list of services is shown on this page.
What is Willowcroft's CQC rating?
Willowcroft is registered with and inspected by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Its most recent overall rating is Good following its last inspection on 14 December 2023. You can read the full CQC report from the link on this page.
Does Willowcroft offer respite or short-term care?
Yes. Willowcroft offers respite and short-term care. Availability changes regularly, so it is best to enquire directly.
Questions families ask about Willowcroft
Can Mum or Dad stay here if their dementia gets worse?
No. Willowcroft is not listed for dementia care on the CQC register. If dementia is likely, choose a home that is, so a second move is not needed later.
Is there a nurse on site if health needs change?
No. Willowcroft is a residential care home without on-site nursing. District nurses and GPs visit, but someone who needs daily nursing may have to move to a nursing home.
Can they try a short stay before deciding?
Yes. Yes. Willowcroft offers respite and short stays, which is a good way to see whether the home is the right fit.
Will they support end of life care, so there is no move at the hardest time?
Ask the home. End of life care is not listed on the register. Ask the manager whether residents can remain in the home with hospice or district nurse support.
Can she bring her cat or dog?
Ask the home. The home has not told us its pet policy yet. Ask directly; some homes allow small pets in residents' rooms or welcome visiting dogs.
Can a couple stay together?
Ask the home. We do not know whether the home has rooms for couples. Ask about shared or adjoining rooms if this matters.
Will the council help pay, or is it self funded only?
Ask the home. The home has not told us which funding it accepts. Most homes take both council funded and self funded residents; ask about council rates and any top up.
Do they take younger adults as well as older people?
Ask the home. The register does not say which age groups the home supports. Ask the home.
Can I visit before deciding, and are there visiting hours?
Ask the home. Every home should welcome a visit. Call to arrange one, ideally at a mealtime or during an activity, and ask about visiting hours for family.
Typical weekly fees in the East
Willowcroft has not published its fees yet. These are typical weekly fees for the East, so you know roughly what to expect before you call.
- Residential care: £1,000 to £1,350 per week per person, typical range
Indicative figures for the East, not a quote from Willowcroft. Actual fees depend on the room, the level of care and how it is funded.
More about the care at Willowcroft
Respite Care at Willowcroft
Booking a short break at Willowcroft is worth arranging several weeks ahead, since respite rooms are often limited and many homes ask for a minimum stay of one or two weeks. Pack clothing, toiletries, current medication in its original packaging and a summary of care needs. Respite can also serve as a low pressure trial before committing to a permanent move. Ask about daily rates, which sit within regional norms, and what a typical day looks like.
Residential Care at Willowcroft
Everyday living support sits at the core of residential care, covering help with washing, dressing, medication prompts, meals and the small routines that keep daily life feeling normal. Unlike nursing care, it does not include round the clock input from a registered nurse, so it suits people whose needs are personal and social rather than clinical. Willowcroft is registered with the Care Quality Commission for residential care, and its most recent inspection in December 2023 resulted in an overall rating of good. Typical weekly fees across the East of England run between £1000 and £1350, while Essex County Council usually funds placements at around £750 to £900. Families should ask how activities are planned, how meals are chosen, and what happens if a resident's needs change over time.
Mental Health at Willowcroft
Adults living with enduring mental health conditions often rely on stability, familiar routines and staff who treat them with dignity rather than defining them by diagnosis. Willowcroft in Chingford is registered to support people with mental health needs alongside residential care. Worth asking is what experience the team has with specific conditions, how medication reviews are handled, and what the plan looks like if someone becomes acutely unwell or needs input from community mental health services.
Explore more
Browse all care homes in Chingford.