Inspectors found children "at the heart" of Alexander Devine Children's Hospice Service at Snowball Hill. The CQC rated it Good for safety, care and leadership.

Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice Service in Maidenhead has been rated Good by the Care Quality Commission, in every one of the five areas it inspects. The regulator’s report was published on 29 October (CQC report).

Inspectors visited the hospice on Snowball Hill on 30 and 31 March 2026. It was rated Good at its previous assessment too, under the CQC’s older method, and the regulator says it “remains good”.

“Children were at the heart of the service,” the report says. “Staff consistently went above and beyond to ensure care was personalised, meaningful and tailored to each child’s individual needs and wishes.”

The quick answer

  • Who: Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice Service, Snowball Hill, Maidenhead SL6 3LU, run by the Alexander Devine Children’s Cancer Trust.
  • Rating: Good overall, and Good for safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led.
  • Inspected: 30 and 31 March 2026. Published: 29 October 2026.
  • Who it serves: children and families across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and the surrounding area.

What families told inspectors

The report is built largely on what parents said. Several told inspectors the hospice was the only place they felt able to leave their child and properly rest. One said:

“This is the only place where we can leave our child and we can sleep peacefully.”

Parents described staff as knowledgeable and reliable. One said they “look after our child like we do”. Another described a doctor visiting their home after a conversation with staff, which left them feeling “listened to and emotionally supported”.

Families singled out:

  • respite care, which several said improved their own mental health
  • music therapy and hydrotherapy, which one parent called “so enjoyable, the space is safe where my son can have fun”
  • support for brothers and sisters, with one family saying “nothing seems too much trouble”
  • quick answers, with a parent saying “I can get in touch with a nurse and they respond straight away”

“It’s not like a hospice, it’s a fun place,” one family said.

What the inspectors flagged

The report is not without caveats. At the time of the March visit, on-site respite care was reduced because of reduced staffing, although all parts of the service were running. Some families said there was limited capacity, particularly for overnight stays, and wanted more sessions. “I wish they could do more,” one family said.

Inspectors also found the hospice had moved beyond a purely end-of-life focus. It now offers activities and support for children and families “throughout their journey”, with bereavement and family support built into the service.

What the hospice says

Fiona Devine MBE, the hospice’s founder and chief executive, said the rating was “a real reflection of the incredible teamwork, dedication and commitment shown by staff across our entire organisation” (Alexander Devine).

“As we look ahead to celebrating our 20th anniversary in 2027, this recognition gives us a real sense of positivity and momentum for the future,” she said.

What it means for you

  • If you think your child may be eligible: the hospice takes referrals for children across Berkshire, South Bucks and the surrounding counties. It says getting support “doesn’t have to mean a child’s death is imminent”. Its number is 01628 822777.
  • If you want to help: the hospice is a charity. Its website lists ways to donate, volunteer and fundraise.

Sources