CQC registration guide · England
CQC Registration for Learning Disability & Autism Services
CQC applies extra scrutiny to new services for autistic people and people with a learning disability. Whatever model you choose — supported living, home care or a care home — you must show how the service will enable choice, control, independence and inclusion, in line with Right support, right care, right culture.
Written by Sheref Ergun, Founder of MyCareAudit · 20+ years in health & social care compliance · Last updated
Regulated activity
- Personal care (supported living or home care)
- Accommodation for persons who require nursing or personal care (care homes)
Who this guide is for
- Supported living providers
- Small care homes for people with a learning disability or autistic people
- Providers supporting people with behaviour that may challenge
What CQC will expect
Right support, right care, right culture
CQC’s guidance for these services. Your application should show how the model, size, location and culture of your service support people to live ordinary lives in their community.
Service design
CQC looks at the size and setting of the service. Campus-style or large congregate settings are unlikely to be seen as meeting the guidance.
Positive behaviour support
Person-centred support plans, a commitment to reducing restrictive practice, and staff trained in approaches such as positive behaviour support.
Statement of Purpose
A legally required document setting out your aims and objectives, the regulated activities you will carry out, the people you will support and where the service is delivered from. CQC reads it closely and it must match everything else in your application.
Registered manager
Each regulated activity normally needs a registered manager. They apply to CQC separately, need an enhanced DBS check and must show they understand the regulations, safeguarding and how they will run the service day to day.
Policies and governance
CQC expects working policies (safeguarding, medicines, complaints, infection control, recruitment and more) and a clear plan for monitoring quality and improving the service (Regulation 17, good governance).
Startup steps
- 1Choose a model (supported living, home care or small care home)
- 2Check the size and location fit the guidance
- 3Appoint a registered manager with relevant experience
- 4Write your Statement of Purpose around outcomes and independence
- 5Develop restrictive-practice and positive behaviour support policies
- 6Submit your CQC applications
- 7Prepare to explain how your service meets the guidance at interview
Common pitfalls
- Service size or setting that doesn’t fit Right support, right care, right culture
- Generic policies with no positive behaviour support or restrictive practice content
- No evidence of involving people and families in designing the service
- Registered manager without learning disability or autism experience
Two ways to get started
Done-with-you registration
From £1,995
Fixed-fee packages covering your applications, Statement of Purpose and policies. 50% deposit or 10% off paying in full.
Compare packagesDo-it-yourself with software
£59/month
Pre-CQC Starter: registration document pack, care records for up to 5 people and a readiness audit. Move to Solo (£87/month) once registered.
See the Starter planCQC's own annual registration fee is set by CQC and paid directly to CQC.
Frequently asked questions
Is it harder to register a learning disability service with CQC?
CQC applies Right support, right care, right culture to every application for these services, so you need to evidence your model more thoroughly than for many other service types.
Which regulated activity do I need?
It depends on your model: personal care for supported living and home care, or accommodation for persons who require nursing or personal care for a care home.
Can MyCareAudit help after registration?
Yes. The platform includes care records, audits aligned to CQC’s assessment framework, and policies, so you can keep evidencing good practice from day one.
Related registration guides
CQC registration for supported living
Register to provide personal care to people living in their own tenancies.
CQC registration for care homes
Register a residential care home providing accommodation and personal care.
CQC registration for domiciliary care
Register a home care agency that provides personal care in people’s own homes.
Local CQC registration support
Not sure where to start?
Book a free call and we'll tell you which regulated activities you need and what your application should include.