Last updated: 9 February 2026
"A friendly approachable manager, stable permanent staff and supportive team culture shine, but insufficient fire drill practice for evacuations needs improvement."
People were protected from harm. Risks were assessed and mitigated... However... It was not evident from these staff routinely received practice in how they would evacuate people or in use of evacuation equipment... area for improvement
Staff told us they felt supported by the management team, worked as a team and enjoyed making a positive difference to people.
‘Enough staff now, all permanent, makes a big difference as they all know her so well now, person-centred care, dignity and respect always.’
People were cared for by staff who were supported in their roles and given opportunities to develop their skills. They received regular supervision... There was a comprehensive training programme to develop and update skills
People and relatives were very positive the registered manager had returned to the service. Comments included, '[Name of registered manager] is friendly and approachable, good rapport with her staff, a more positive culture in the home now'
People were supported to have opportunities to engage in meaningful activities both at the care home and within the local community... partnership with the local food bank... ‘stop the clock’ initiative... local personal trainer facilitated gentle seated exercises
Staff have not done enough fire drills, especially practicing evacuating people with high needs.
It was not evident from these staff routinely received practice in how they would evacuate people or in use of evacuation equipment. This meant the needs of people, including those with high dependency needs or who were cared for in bed, had not been fully considered in the drills. Staff were therefore not sufficiently trained or rehearsed in what to do in the event of a fire... This is an area for improvement.
Only regular activities like community outings and exercises, no specialist programmes or coordinator mentioned.
People were supported to have opportunities to engage in meaningful activities both at the care home and within the local community. Buckingham House had developed a partnership with the local food bank... supported to attend local community events... ‘stop the clock’. This was a moment during the day when staff would sit with people... a local personal trainer facilitated gentle seated exercises
Just standard training and supervision, no specialist courses or funded qualifications.
There was a comprehensive training programme to develop and update skills, to meet people’s needs... Staff said they were given induction and training and were competency assessed to handle medicines safely.
AI Generated
Last inspected: November 2024
Management Quality
Well-led: Good
Direct feedback from current and former employees

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