A care home for disabled people has been told it needs to improve by a health watchdog.

The report follows an unannounced inspection of Church Lane in Bearsted by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in May.

It provides accommodation and care for up to 20 people with disabilities including sensory impairments, epilepsy, limited mobility and communication difficulties.

But during the visit, inspectors found three breaches of Health and Social Care Act regulations.

Among concerns raised by the CQC were safety issues, such as trip hazards in the corridors and the temperatures of fridges and freezers not being checked daily.

At the time of the inspection, a cellar door was found unlocked and ajar, which inspectors said posed a “serious risk” to disabled residents.

The premises were described as “unsightly” where there had been water leaks in a dining room and staff office, although the home was otherwise deemed to be fit for purpose.

The report also criticised the lack of mental health awareness training, and found that many of the policies and procedures for staff were out of date, in one case by more than 10 years.

It also highlighted a lack of activities and stimulation for residents.

But inspectors noted the home provided a good level of care, with staff understanding the needs of residents and administering medicines safely.

It said: “Staff were clear about the aims and objectives of the home, which are to offer a personalised, individual service to ensure people have choices and independence.”

Effective procedures were also found to be in place to keep people safe from abuse and mistreatment.

The home was last inspected in February 2014, when no concerns were raised.

The management has been asked to provide reports explaining what action will be taken to correct the breaches.