Heron Court

198 Brentwood Road, Herongate, Brentwood CM13 3PN
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9.8 84 Reviews
  • Heron Court, Brentwood
Heron Court is a listed building full of charm and character. Its impressive front door waits to open you to welcome you into its warmth and friendliness. The gardens are lush and green and offer space to walk or sit quietly and enjoy the day and especially the warmth of summer.

Although not a modern building it provides all the comforts of home, good food, good company, and friendly staff. There are many activities and it is your choice of what you do each day but the team ensure there is always something. Your visit will give carers the opportunity to discuss how best they can meet your needs and the chance to find out those important things that make you the unique individual that you are. Trained staff are available 24 hours a day to ensure a stay at Heron Court is a wonderful experience.

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Care Provided by Heron Court

  • Primary Care Categories
  • Dementia
  • No Medical Intervention
  • Older Person Care
  • Physical Disability
  • Respite Care
  • Sensory Impairment
  • Care Types Provided
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 35 Service Users
  • Privately Owned
  • Care Offered
  • Alzheimer's
  • Other Care Provided
  • Convalescent Care
  • End of Life Care
  • Palliative Care

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Carly Whipps (Home Manager)
  • Admission Criteria
    • Admission is confirmed upon a satisfactory pre-admission assessment and confirmation that the needs of the potential resident can be met.
    • Ages 65+
  • Room Information
    • Single Rooms (31)
    • Couples/Companion Rooms (2)
  • Care Home Design/Build
    • Purpose Built: Yes
    • Number of floors: 2

Funding & Fees Guide for Heron Court

  • Funding Types Accepted
  • Self funding (Private)
  • Local Authority with Top-Up
  • Local Authority
  • NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) Funding
  • Weekly Charges per Person
    • Self-Funded Residential Care from £1,380
    • Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care from £1,380
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Care from £1,530
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care from £1,530
  • (these prices are only a guideline, please contact Heron Court to find out the exact price for your requirements)

Facilities

  • Close to Local shops
  • Gardens
  • Lift
  • Minibus or other transport
  • Near Public Transport
  • Own Furniture if required
  • Pet Friendly (or by arrangement)
  • Television point in own room
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Visiting

  • Upon arriving at the home, please press the buzzer on the intercom. A member of staff will greet you shortly. The home kindly request that you sign the guestbook upon both arrival and departure. This helps maintain an accurate record of who is in the building.
    In the event of an emergency, please follow the designated safety protocols provided. Your cooperation ensures everyone's safety.


  • Parking

  • The home includes dedicated parking spaces.


Heron Court Reviews (84)

Total of 84, showing 1-20
9.8

Heron Court has a Review Score of 9.8 (9.813) out of 10, based on 28 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Heron Court has 84 reviews.

Overall Experience

  • 62
  • 17
  • 5
  • 0
  • 0

Date Published

84
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16
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Review from Christine W (Daughter of Resident) published on 12 March 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Mum has been at Heron Court for a year now which has gone so quickly! She is settled now and says she is happy and has no complaints as the staff look after her. She isnt one for joining in but she does occasionally which is lovely to see. The staff are all very kind and friendly and look like they
enjoy working there and always make an effort to dress up when there is a party happening. Thank you all for caring for mum we really appreciate your hard work. Ps whens the next quiz ??

Reply from Carly Whips, Home Manager at Heron Court

Thank you for such a lovely compliment, your mum is a brilliant character and we are having a brilliant time looking after her! The next quiz will be St Patrick's day.. lock the date in!


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Review from J O (Daughter of Resident) published on 6 March 2025
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We were worried about putting mum in a home, because she never wanted to very independent.
But the staff have been wonderful it took a while for mum to settle but it is the illness that changes her.
We are very pleased with the home.

Reply from Carly Whips, Home Manager at Heron Court

Thank you so much for your review - mum is a diamond and we are happy to have her.


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Review from D W (Son of Resident) published on 20 January 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The home made a real effort at Christmas and we had some happy events like dancing, teas, cheeses, quizzes and Christmas music. The staff also dressed up and gave each resident a present. The staff member as Father Christmas was amazing.

Reply from Carly Whipps, Home Manager at Heron Court

Hi, Thank you for this review. Staff really appreciate the recognition of their efforts.


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Review from L S (Daughter of Resident) published on 26 November 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Fabulous staff, beautiful home and gardens. Can't recommend enough. 5 star. Thank you.

Reply from Carly Whips, Home Manager at Heron Court

This review is really appreciated! Thank you so very much.


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Review from C C (Daughter of Resident) published on 26 November 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Mum has had a few concerns recently and the staff have dealt with them excellently. Most of the staff are really friendly, some are a little quiet and less confident. The care mum receives is very good. She does not tend to mix in the lounge as most residents have dementia and mum does not. The staff
are very busy and do not always have time for a chat which would be nice. She has her iPad for company but sometimes gets a little lonely. The staff are very busy and do not always have time for a chat which would be nice. One of ladies from Admin took mum out a couple of times for a walk that was really lovely and mum enjoyed it. Probably a bit cold now.

Reply from Carly Whips, Home Manager at Heron Court

Thank you for this review. We are making sure staff are having chats with mum throughout the day which is recorded. I hope this helps.


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Review from P H (Son of Resident) published on 26 November 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Excellent care all round. Many thanks

Reply from Carly Whips, Home Manager at Heron Court

Thank you for your kind review! All of us at Heron appreciate it.


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Review from E H (Daughter of Resident) published on 13 November 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I couldn't ask for a better place for my dad who has advanced dementia to be cared for. Every time I go visit him, all the staff are going above and beyond to make sure all residents are happy and comfortable, the food is always excellent as well as the cleanliness. Thank you for looking after Dad so
well!

Reply from Carly Whips, Home Manager at Heron Court

Thank you for a lovely review. We appreciate such kind words.


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Review from Lorraine D (Daughter of Resident) published on 8 November 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

As Mum's condition continues to deteriorate, the staff have shown nothing but patience and kindness whilst providing everything she needs. She is peaceful and safe and that means everything to her family.

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Review from J F (Daughter of Resident) published on 22 August 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I visited my mum last week and was welcomed by her smiling face when she spotted me. The carers were engaging the residents in various activities in the main lounge and the atmosphere was very friendly and warm.
The reception area, main lounge, gardens, and outside patio areas were bursting with beautiful
flowers and all decorated with bunting. It is so nice to see the effort that the care home goes to, to enrich the environmental surroundings of the home, for their residents.
The cleanliness of the place is very good and should also be mentioned, as it makes a huge difference to the residents.
My mum is happy and said she is pleased to be living there.

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Review from Sarah W (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 3 July 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

What can I say other than what an amazing team? In particular, the Administrator from the very start helped and supported us with a very challenging unco-operative social worker. She dealt with him in a clear, concise and professional manner, almost doing his job! Making the emotional journey for us
as a family so much less stressful. Supporting us all and there’s a lot of us! Her support and understanding of the situation were outstanding, she understood my mother-in-law instantly and she would co-operate with the Administrator! I can’t praise this young professional woman enough, we need more Administrators in the world to make it a much better place. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Sadly my mother-in-law was only in the home for a short period before she passed away but we witnessed on a daily basis how the Administrator was a ray of sunshine to all the residents and their families too. May the team, but in particular the Administrator carry on being so wonderful for people who are unable to continue to live independently.

Reply from Carly Whipps, Home Manager at Heron Court

Thank you so much for the review, it's very much appreciated and we were so sad to lose her so soon. We wish you all the very best and hope to see you again soon.


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Review from J A (Daughter of Resident) published on 26 June 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Mum has only been in the care home for 4 weeks, therefore my findings are limited. The staff are always very friendly and helpful. Very informative when I call, suggesting different ways to keep Mum busy. She has taken up knitting again after many years, which she seems to enjoy.

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Review from B P (Partner of Resident) published on 16 May 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 3.0 out of 5

Grateful for the way she is looked after. She is very happy. Would be nice to use the wheelchair around the home and garden more.

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Review from Sue P (Daughter of Resident) published on 23 April 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My Mum’s happy place, what a difference this lovely home has made for Mum's wellbeing on her dementia journey and our peace of mind. Now that spring is in the air, we will look forward to seeing and joining in with the staff and residents as they start to prepare the hanging baskets, pots, or just simply
pottering around enjoying the beautiful gardens.

Reply from Carly Whipps, Home Manager at Heron Court

Thank you again for a lovely review, I will pass it on to the team.


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Review from Phil O (Son of Resident) published on 23 April 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Dad has settled into the routine of being in a care home and certainly looks forward to meal time each day, especially Fridays Fish and Chips. Also Dad enjoyed his first visit out to the garden centre.

Reply from Carly Whipps, Home Manager at Heron Court

Thank you, we appreciate the feedback, I will pass it on to the team.


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Review from D B (Daughter of Resident) published on 3 April 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mum is so well cared for and we love the staff. All of them are always smiling and happy when I see them, they have little chats and banter with Mum, and she loves that! Mum tells them all her amazing stories of when she was an evacuee during the War.

Reply from Carly Whipps, Home Manager at Heron Court

Thank you for a great review, I will pass this on to the team.


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Review from Annette J (Daughter of Resident) published on 2 April 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We can’t fault the care that Mum receives at Heron Court. All the staff are friendly and attentive. There are activities throughout the day which help Mum become engaged and stimulated which is so important as her dementia has advanced rapidly. As a family we are so glad that Mum is at Heron Court and
being very well looked after.

Reply from Carly Whipps, Home Manager at Heron Court

Thank you for the review and for the support you give.


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Review from Jill F (Daughter of Resident) published on 13 March 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Very happy with the care and support my dad receives in the home. Staff are friendly, helpful.

Reply from Carly Whipps, Home Manager at Heron Court

Thanks for taking the time to give us a good review.


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Review from Carol T (Daughter of Resident) published on 29 February 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Both my parents went into Heron Court Care Home in March 2023. Sadly my Dad passed away in August 2023. The home was excellent in caring for my Dad in his final days and now caring for my Mum who has dementia. She has good days and bad days but the care she receives is always the same from the dedicated
care team.

Reply from Carly Whipps, Home Manager at Heron Court

Thank you Carol for your lovely review it's very much appreciated.


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Review from D S (Daughter of Resident) published on 30 January 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I can highly recommend this lovely care home. The staff are wonderful friendly respectful and hard working. Their interactions with residents is wonderful to see. It's spotlessly clean. Food is good I ate a few Fridays with my mum and had fish and chips and fresh fruit with ice cream. They provide tea
and coffee and snacks of fresh fruit cakes and biscuits throughout the day. They have lots of activities going on and also have visiting entertainers.
Our experience has all been positive at Heron Court.

Reply from Carly Whipps, Home Manager at Heron Court

Thank you so much, what a lovely comments for us. It was a pleasure looking after Mum and the family!


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Review from Jenny G (Daughter of Resident) published on 21 December 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mum was placed in Heron Court by the discharge team at hospital for an initial 6 weeks. From the first time I saw the place I knew this is where I wanted my mum to live permanently. The professionalism, friendliness and compassion by all the staff was evident. Mum was granted permission to live permanently
at Heron Court and there she enjoyed 6 months of being cared for and feeling loved. All the staff not only made Mum's life enjoyable, they also took good care of family and friends and nothing was too much trouble. I would have no hesitation in recommending this care home. I have such fond memories of Mum's short stay there and thank all the staff for excelling at caring.

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Current Review Score: 9.8 (9.813)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.8 (9.813) out of 10 for Heron Court is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.8 out of 5 from 28 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 27 positive Reviews in the last 24 months.

Detailed Breakdown of Review Score

The maximum Review Score for a Care Home is 10, which is made up from the Average Rating of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) and the Number of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) in the last 24 months:

  • a) 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months.

    The Average Rating of 4.813 for Heron Court is calculated as follows: ( (279 Excellents x 5) + (42 Goods x 4) + (10 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 331 Ratings = 4.813

  • b) 5 Points are available for the number of Positive Reviews in the last 24 months. A Positive Review is defined as any Review with an 'Overall Experience' of '4' or '5' (out of a max rating '5').

    The 5 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Heron Court is based on 27 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    • i) 4 points are available for the first 10 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months; 3 points for the first Positive Review, and then 0.125 Points for each of the next four Positive Reviews and then 0.1 Points for the next five Positive Reviews. (1st = 3.000, 2nd = 0.125, 3rd = 0.125, 4th = 0.125, 5th = 0.125, 6th = 0.100, 7th = 0.100, 8th = 0.100, 9th = 0.100, 10th = 0.100) 3 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 = 4

    • ii) 1 point is available for the number of Positive Reviews reaching 20% of the registered maximum number of service users in the last 24 months. If this number is partially reached, then that proportion of 1 point is given. eg a Care Home registered for a maximum of 50 service users has to reach 10 Positive Reviews to receive 1 point, if it has 7 reviews it will receive 0.7 points. 20% of the 35 registered maximum number of service users is 7, which has been reached with 27 Positive reviews. Points = 1

  • When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.

  • If a Care Home does not have a review in the last 24 months, then it will not have a Review Score.

Performance

Care Quality Commission (CQC) Rating

Date: 28 May 2024

Overall
Good

  • Caring

    Good

  • Effective

    Good

  • Responsive

    Good

  • Safe

    Good

  • Well-led

    Good

Care Quality Commission is responsible for the registration and inspection of social care services in England.

View Latest Report

Bed Vacancies

Please Contact Us for Latest Vacancies

Awards / Recognitions (1)

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Meet the Team (6)

Carly

Carly Whipps

Job Title: Home Manager

Joined: 2002

I have worked at Heron Court since 2002, starting as a Kitchen Assistant, Care Team Leader, Administrator and now Home Manager. I enjoy my job and have a passion for helping people. Heron Court is a lovely place to work with our well trained friendly staff who have good relationships with all our residents. We are often complimented on our relaxed friendly atmosphere and how homely the feel is when visitors walk into the home.


Heron Court was built in 1892 so still has plenty of character and original features which all who visit appreciate. Thank you for taking the time to consider us, and please feel free to visit to have a look around!


Michelle

Michelle Tiganasu

Job Title: Deputy Manager

Joined: 2008

I’m Michelle, and I have been with the team for 16 years, serving as the Deputy Manager. My passion lies in supporting service users every day, helping them feel valued and cared for. I take great pride in ensuring that the job is done properly, and I’m always happy to be with them, offering my support.


One of my key achievements has been learning about dementia and how to provide the best care for people affected by it. I hold both Level 2 and Level 3 NVQs, which have equipped me with the knowledge and skills to excel in my role.


I also love dressing up for all occasions and parties, no matter how I look—because if others are happy, that’s what matters most to me. Outside of work, I enjoy cooking, travelling, and listening to music. These activities bring me joy and balance in my life.


Shannon

Shannon Whipps

Job Title: Home Administrator

Joined: 2013

I'm Shannon, Home Administrator at Heron Court.


With 11 years of experience as the Home Administrator at Heron Court, I am deeply passionate about creating a joyful and fulfilling environment for our residents. My greatest joy in life is seeing their smiles and ensuring they live their best lives. I hold a diploma in Knowledge of Policing and a Level 3 NVQ in Health & Social Care, both of which have equipped me with a strong foundation to provide top-quality care.


I love adding a touch of fun to everyday life, often dressing up in fancy dress to make people laugh and brighten their day. I don't take myself too seriously and believe that laughter is one of life's best remedies. Outside of work, I am an avid car enthusiast and often spend my weekends driving in my pyjamas. Above all, I cherish time spent with my family and our dog, as they are the heart of my world.


Ariel

Ariel Da Costa

Job Title: Lifestyle Coordinator

Joined: 2024

Hi, I’m Ariel, and I’ve had the pleasure of being the Lifestyle Coordinator at Heron Court for the past five months. What I love most about my role is the opportunity to spend quality time with each resident and create personalised experiences that bring joy to their lives. I’m passionate about bringing a sense of fun and excitement to our community, and I’m never afraid to embrace my playful side. Whether it's being a clown or simply brightening someone’s day, I’m always ready to make a difference!


Artur

Artur Kwiatkowski

Job Title: Chef

Joined: 2009

I am the cook at Heron Court, where I've proudly served for 15 years. What makes my role special to me is that it is not just a job but a true passion. I am deeply invested in every aspect of the industry—from the food itself to working alongside my talented kitchen team to the service provided by our dedicated servers. I hold a Level 3 Award in culinary skills, which has helped me refine my craft over the years. Having gained early experience by running my own Polish restaurant when I was younger, I’ve built a solid foundation in the culinary world. Outside of work, I enjoy watching science fiction films, classic Polish cinema, and various series, which offer a creative escape from the kitchen.


Constahtih Iuuah

Constahtih Iuuah Zorocliu

Job Title: Maintenance

Joined: 2009

Hi, my name is Constahtih, and I have worked at Heron Court for 15 years. I enjoy helping everyone—whether it's ensuring that residents eat and drink well, are dressed nicely, or simply look their best.


One of my proudest achievements has been learning about dementia, and I also hold an NVQ Level 2 in Care.


When I hear music, I can't help but sing and dance along! In my spare time, I love fishing and travelling.


Frequently Asked Questions about Heron Court

What types of Care is Heron Court registered for?

Older Person Care, Dementia, Respite Care, Physical Disability, Sensory Impairment & No Medical Intervention are the registered (by the Care Quality Commission) categories of Care.

What additional types of Care does Heron Court provide?

Palliative Care, Convalescent Care & End of Life Care are other types of care provided.

How many Rooms does Heron Court have?

There are 31 Single Rooms and 2 Couples/Companion Rooms.

What are the Facilities & Services at Heron Court?

Own Furniture if required, Pet Friendly (or by arrangement), Close to Local shops, Near Public Transport, Minibus or other transport, Lift, Wheelchair Access, Gardens & Television point in own room are some of the Facilities & Services.

How far is Heron Court to the centre of Brentwood?

3.0 mile(s) as the crow flies, distance by road may be significantly further.