
Food is marvelous, care is top-notch. Can't really find any faults here!Mark H(Son-in-law of Resident/Service User)

I would more than recommend the home to everyone else.L C(Daughter of Resident/Service User)


Food is marvelous, care is top-notch. Can't really find any faults here!Mark H(Son-in-law of Resident/Service User)

I would more than recommend the home to everyone else.L C(Daughter of Resident/Service User)


Church Farm at Skylarks is a community of four houses for people living with dementia. Staff at Church Farm all have specialist dementia training. In total, Church Farm at Skylarks is home for 52 people, all of whom have their own ensuite and enclosed gardens.
Set in beautiful surroundings, adjacent to Skylarks Nature Reserve and next to an animal sanctuary, Church Farm has strong community links with the local area. Its...
Care Provided by Church Farm at Skylarks
Primary Care Categories
- Older Person Care
- Dementia
- Mental Health Condition
- Physical Disability
- Visual / Hearing Impairment
Length of Stay
- Permanent Care
- Respite Care
Care Types Provided
- Residential Care
- Nursing Care
- Dementia Residential Care
- Dementia Nursing Care
- For a maximum of 52 Service Users
Dementia Care TypesMild Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "mild dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Memory problems such as misplacing items and not be able to recall recent events (however, in some forms of dementia a person's memory may be unchanged)
- Difficulties thinking through problems and planning, making decisions
- Language and communication issues such as finding it difficult to recall the appropriate word in a conversation or following a conversation
- Poor orientation, getting lost in areas previously familiar to them
- Difficulty judging distances (more falls than usual)
- Changes in their normal mood including anxiety and depression
- In certain types of dementia, personality and behaviour changes may be present alongside or instead of issues with memory or concentration.
Moderate Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "moderate dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Worsened memory problems. Not always recognising own family members and friends. Repeating the same questions over and over again
- Worsened language and communication issues, forgetting what they are saying mid-sentence. Not being able to understand what someone else is saying
- More frequent confusion, e.g. about the time of day or where they are, including their own home
- Apathy, depression and anxiety
- Believing things that aren't true (paranoia)
- Frequent hallucinations
- Lack of emotional control, quick to anger, fearfulness, sadness
- Loss of inhibition
- Difficulties sleeping or waking during the night and behaving as though it is daytime - loss of circadian rhythm.
Advanced Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "severe dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Severe memory problems. Not recognising family members and friends. Not being able to recall their own name
- Severe language and communication issues, not being able to understand what someone else is saying
- Severe confusion, e.g. about the time of day or where they are, including their own home
- Apathy, depression and anxiety
- Believing things that aren't true (paranoia)
- Frequent hallucinations
- Lack of emotional control, quick to anger, fearfulness, sadness
- Loss of inhibition
- Difficulties sleeping or waking during the night and behaving as though it is daytime - loss of circadian rhythm.
Verbally or physically aggressive behaviour
If your loved one displays this type of behaviour you may need a care home that has specially trained staff. Verbal/physical aggression is often defined:
- Consistent shouting and screaming
- Verbal abuse
- Physical abuse
How we define Dementia Care Types
Mild Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "mild dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Memory problems such as misplacing items and not be able to recall recent events (however, in some forms of dementia a person's memory may be unchanged)
- Difficulties thinking through problems and planning, making decisions
- Language and communication issues such as finding it difficult to recall the appropriate word in a conversation or following a conversation
- Poor orientation, getting lost in areas previously familiar to them
- Difficulty judging distances (more falls than usual)
- Changes in their normal mood including anxiety and depression
- In certain types of dementia, personality and behaviour changes may be present alongside or instead of issues with memory or concentration.
Moderate Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "moderate dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Worsened memory problems. Not always recognising own family members and friends. Repeating the same questions over and over again
- Worsened language and communication issues, forgetting what they are saying mid-sentence. Not being able to understand what someone else is saying
- More frequent confusion, e.g. about the time of day or where they are, including their own home
- Apathy, depression and anxiety
- Believing things that aren't true (paranoia)
- Frequent hallucinations
- Lack of emotional control, quick to anger, fearfulness, sadness
- Loss of inhibition
- Difficulties sleeping or waking during the night and behaving as though it is daytime - loss of circadian rhythm.
Advanced Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "severe dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Severe memory problems. Not recognising family members and friends. Not being able to recall their own name
- Severe language and communication issues, not being able to understand what someone else is saying
- Severe confusion, e.g. about the time of day or where they are, including their own home
- Apathy, depression and anxiety
- Believing things that aren't true (paranoia)
- Frequent hallucinations
- Lack of emotional control, quick to anger, fearfulness, sadness
- Loss of inhibition
- Difficulties sleeping or waking during the night and behaving as though it is daytime - loss of circadian rhythm.
Verbally or physically aggressive behaviour
If your loved one displays this type of behaviour you may need a care home that has specially trained staff. Verbal/physical aggression is often defined:
- Consistent shouting and screaming
- Verbal abuse
- Physical abuse
How we define Dementia Care Types
- Mild Dementia
- Moderate Dementia
- Advanced/Complex Dementia
Other Care Provided
- Parkinson's Disease
- Stroke
- Palliative / End of Life Care
- COPD/Pulmonary Disease
- Bariatric Care/Obesity
- Convalescent Care
- Acquired Brain Injury (ABI)
- Day Care
Facilities
- Own Furniture if required
- Pet Friendly (or by arrangement)
- Smoking not permitted
- Close to Local shops
- Near Public Transport
- Minibus or other transport
- Lift
- Wheelchair Access
- Ground Floor Accommodation only
- Gardens
- Bar/Café
- Residents Kitchenette
- Phone Point in own room
- Television point in own room
- Residents Internet Access
Funding & Fees
Contact Church Farm at Skylarks to confirm what's included and get a personalised quote:
Funding Types Accepted
- Self-Funding (Private)
- Local Authority with Top-up
- Local Authority
- NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC)
Good to Know
Group / Owner
- Church Farm Care
- Private Owned
Person in charge
- Maria Spollin (Manager)
Local Authority / Social Services
Admission Information
- Ages 65+
Care Home Design/Build
- Purpose Built: Yes
- Year Purpose Built: 1976
- Last Refurbishment: 2021
- Number of floors: 1
Room Information
- Single Rooms (52)
- Single Rooms with ensuite Wet Room (52)
Parking
- There is plenty of free parking available on-site
Church Farm at Skylarks Reviews (48)
Church Farm at Skylarks has a Review Score of 8.9 (8.907) out of 10, based on 13 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Church Farm at Skylarks has 48 reviews.
We looked at a number of care homes locally and nearer to her home in the south. After meeting the team at Church Farm at Skylarks Care Home, seeing first-hand how they were caring for the existing residents we had no hesitation in choosing Skylarks.
It was the best decision we could ever possibly make for Mum and has given us such great peace of mind.
Skylarks is very special, the management/staff are absolutely fantastic. They treat the residents as "family" and we can hand on heart say this is true. Mum stopped remembering us some while back now and, although that gives us sadness, when we visit her we see her so happy with her Skylarks family. She has a life again, new friendships, days out, daily entertainment. We get regular updates and access to private social media so we can keep updated on Mum.
Mum had not smiled for a long time, she is always smiling now when we see her.
Thank you for sharing your experience. We are extremely proud of our colleagues and will ensure they are aware of your feedback.
My mum needed some new clothes and Skylarks organised something which I didn't think would be ever possible again, they took her to a department store shopping, the photos were heartwarming. Her anxieties were minimised due to the staff knowing her and helping her, my mum has always loved shopping and she looked like she loved the experience. Sadly she forgot where she had been but we know that for those hours she had such a positive and enjoyable trip. I will always be grateful. This has continued and Mum now joins group shopping trips.
The people around Mum caring for her are always helpful when I contact them, even down to what can I get Mum for Christmas! I know Mum is in very safe hands.
We are extremely proud of our colleagues and will ensure they are aware of your feedback.
Due to the nature of his condition, he is allocated a designated carer who is able to accompany him on his walks (around the home) which allows him to be active (as he likes to be) but in a safe manner.
Thank you for everything you do for him.
We will make sure the team are provided with your feedback.
The staff: management, carers, support workers and catering; joined us to ensure that we were able to provide a memorable and enjoyable day for all concerned (6 months - 98 years). Nothing was too much trouble and the day passed effortlessly. Staff were inobtrusive but at our elbow whenever we needed anything.
Since then my mother's spirits have been noticeably uplifted. We cannot praise the staff highly enough for their commitment to those they care for, attending equally to physical and emotional needs with a positive and creative approach to individual needs.
We will make sure our team are aware of your feedback.
Was very anxious when we had to transfer my mum here from residential care in October last year, where she had been very happy. However, we’ve been really pleased with the quality of the care that she’s had. It is clear that staff know her well and hold her in genuine affection and treat her with dignity. She has a lovely room. As a family, we’ve never regretted moving her here.
Our colleagues at Skylarks will be encouraged to hear your comments.
Dad was at Skylarks for two years and our experience was amazing, the staff became like family to him. There are always so many innovative activities to engage residents. Heartfelt thanks go to all staff and management for excellent care, especially during the pandemic.
We were very touched to see the managers coming to mom's funeral. Thank you all very much for everything.
My partner has been at Skylarks for eighteen months. She has early-onset dementia and can get very anxious and often walks around the home looking for me. It doesn’t matter where she goes, she speaks to everyone, residents and staff alike, and gives them hugs and if she loses her way there is always someone to take her back to the lounge.
Residents are never on their own. The carers provide lots of activities to keep the residents active, doing exercises, food preparation, making cakes, painting and colouring, and planting and watering flowers.
I am kept fully informed by management of all information regarding my partner.
In conclusion, my partner couldn’t be in a better place and I'm extremely happy with her care.
Thank you for taking the time to leave this feedback. Our staff team will be most grateful. We are delighted that you feel positive and satisfied by the approach that we provide and acknowledge our efforts to help our family members feel busy each day.
Mum moved into Church Farm at Skylarks in the middle of the pandemic, she was transferred from hospital at what must have been an extremely confusing time for her. I went from being her main carer and seeing her at least twice a day to not seeing her for weeks. The staff at Skylarks have been brilliant, not only with Mum but her family as well. Every member of staff I have met/spoken to has been so kind and patient, I feel that they really know Mum and genuinely care for her. Obviously, the circumstances over the last year have been unprecedented and I can't wait to see Mum's room! But thank you Skylarks for making a distressing situation, not just bearable but turning it into a positive caring and dignified experience.
Thank you for taking the time to share your feelings; the team at Skylarks always appreciate it. It has been and will continue to be our pleasure to care for your Mum and look forward to a time when you can become a closer member of the Skylarks family.
Skylarks was excellent. My brother had the best care, the staff, the care staff and everyone you meet there were very friendly and so helpful. Thank you to all. The building looks lovely when driving in. It's in a good location in the countryside.
Very friendly and welcoming place. Not just for residents, but everyone. Food is marvelous, care is top-notch. Can't really find any faults here! A very bright and cheerful place to stay. Well done to all involved.
Church Farm Skylarks is an excellent care home where my wife has been a resident for over three years with Alzheimers. During this time I have been highly impressed by the staff's care and attention. Nothing is too much for them and I cannot praise them enough.
My father has been at Skylarks for nearly a year, he has been made very welcome despite having a few challenges. The staff are caring, compassionate and helpful and include family where possible. Dad has recently had Covid-19 but thanks to the superb nursing care with management support he has come through. Thank you all.
Thank you for your feedback, Julia. The team have worked exceptionally hard during this time and will really appreciate your kind words.
My brother was very happy and even put on weight as he enjoyed the food, which always smelt good. His room, like the whole home, was always very clean without smelling sanitised.
His end of life care was, all be it unexpected, dealt with like everything else with care and compassion to both my brother and myself.
Summing up, the home is an excellent caring home and a credit to everyone.
Thank you so much for your lovely review of our home.
It's warm and inviting. Loads of attention to detail in making it feel homely. My sister-in-law has been in one particular 5-star-hotel-like residential home locally but it lacked the warmth of a really good caring staff. Skylarks is based on the Butterfly model worth looking up and I believe is done really well. Loads of different pictures objects on the wall and although might to some seem a bit of a hotchpotch around the home it's clearly been well thought out. Themed wallpaper areas and different seating areas as you would in your own home. Visitors are welcomed and the staff have no uniform and photos of residents are mixed with staff but without labels - a real sense of equality. I loved one particular lounge that had different sorts of areas - a few fairy lights here and there, a disco ball surrounded by records - a themed Uk area and much more - all I know will provoke memories or even conversation for some but without being deliberately seen as reminiscing work.
Thank you for your favourable review of your experience at Skylarks. We will pass this feedback to the team who work extremely hard to maintain the approach that you describe and appreciate.
My father is very well cared for at Church Farm at Skylarks and he has been there for nearly two years. I am particularly impressed with the level of good interaction with care staff and positive communication that takes place at Church Farm at Skylarks. The gentleness and understanding of my father's needs is, in my opinion, of a very high standard and a 'family feel' to the room that he is in is of great benefit to him.
My dad has lived here for two years and I wouldn't have placed him anywhere else. The home is very well staffed, clean, friendly and they can't do enough for him. I would more than recommend the home to everyone else.
I come to see my friend, she seems to have settled in very well here. It seems to be very homely, very well run and with lots of activities to do. I couldn't think of a better home to be in.
I feel so grateful that there is somewhere like Skylarks where staff deal with the residents and service users as adults and in a non-condescending way.
The premises too are arranged in a very homely way.
I come to visit my friend now for over a year and every time I come the staff are very friendly and kind to both me and my husband. I always see the staff working well with all the residents helping them do activities and with anything that may need doing.
Regulatory Rating
Care Quality Commission (CQC) Rating
Date: 25 November 2022Good
- CaringGood
- EffectiveGood
- ResponsiveGood
- SafeGood
- Well-ledGood
Inspection ratings
We rate most services according to how safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led they are, using four levels:
- Outstanding - The service is performing exceptionally well.
- Good - The service is performing well and meeting our expectations.
- Requires Improvement - The service isn't performing as well as it should and we have told the service how it must improve.
- Inadequate - The service is performing badly and we've taken action against the person or organisation that runs it.
- Not rated - we have not yet rated this area of the service, this is normally because the assessments we have carried out have been focused on other key questions.
Bed Vacancies
Please contact us for latest vacancies.
News (0) & Events (0)
There are no news items for Church Farm at Skylarks.
There are no upcoming events for Church Farm at Skylarks.
Awards / Recognitions (2)
- 17 Nov 2021Recipient: Church Farm at Skylarks
- 01 Apr 2018Recipient: Church Farm at Skylarks
Accreditations
There are no accreditations posted yet for Church Farm at Skylarks.
Meet the Team (3)

With a background in nursing and a deep passion for delivering truly person-centred care rooted in emotional connections, I'm proud to be a part of the Skylarks family as Home Manager. I hold a BSc in Dementia Studies and an MSc in Advanced Dementia Studies from the University of Bradford - qualifications that reflect my commitment to understanding and supporting people living with Dementia in the most compassionate and evidence-based way possible.
Before joining the team, I had the privilege of supporting a care service in its journey from "Requires Improvement" to achieving an "Outstanding" CQC rating in 2025. I've also managed multiple nursing home settings concurrently, always with a focus on building strong, supportive teams and nurturing meaningful connections with family members, relatives and staff.
Outside of work, I'm happiest in the garden with my two much-loved dogs, Benjamin and Montgomery, who keep me smiling and active. I find real joy in nature and in the simple things - whether it's tending to plants or sharing a refreshment and a story with someone.
I'm thrilled to be a part of the Church Farm family, where kindness, curiosity, and community are at the heart of everything we do. Where "People Matter".

Maria's early years were spent in Long Eaton, Northumberland, Leicestershire then Nottingham, primarily due to her Dad’s work in open-cast mining. Her Mum was a nurse and when they moved to Nottingham her parents ran a residential home which shared the same philosophy as the Church Farm approach today. This was Maria's introduction to the world of care, as she spent every weekend for 2 years working as a care assistant in the family 'home' until she began her nurse training after leaving school.
When qualified, Maria worked on a medical ward specialising in children’s and occasionally adult cardiothoracic surgery at Glenfield Hospital. During her 20-plus years there Maria did various specialist courses, including becoming a specialist in the most advanced form of life support available. Glenfield being the first of 5 centres in the UK to provide this level of support.
Since 1995 Maria has been involved with Church Farm through family links and attended a trip with some residents to Blackpool and also summer fetes and other social gatherings. Maria's previous experience helps her to prevent unnecessary hospital admissions and to appreciate the need for privacy, dignity, and patience for everyone living in the home.
Away from work, Maria keeps busy with her family life. In her spare time, she likes to read a good crime novel.

Samantha works as House Leader overseeing all our Lounges.
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