Working at Cole Valley

Staff told us they felt supported by the management team, who were quick to respond to queries or concerns. Staff told us they had seen improvements at the home and the new management team listened and took action with any concerns raised.

Our observations were there were enough staff to meet people's needs. The provider had recruited more permanent care staff to reduce the use of agency staff. Whilst some agency care staff and nurses were used, the provider had systems in place to ensure these were the same agency staff to provide consistency.

Staff received mandatory training and additional training to reflect the individual needs of people living at the home. The provider had developed training further by using a local college to deliver training. Competency assessments were taking place to ensure staff had the skills and knowledge to support people. Staff received regular supervision.

The new registered manager had made positive changes in the service and was supported by the provider and staff team. People, staff and relatives/representatives spoke positively about the management team and regular meetings were held so they could share their views on the home.

We received a lot of positive feedback from relatives/representatives and people about the activities within the home. One relative told us, 'The activities co-ordinator has done so much to liven this place up.' We observed the activities co-ordinator involving people in choices about activities.