Working at Ferndale
46 St Barbara's Walk, Newton Aycliffe, DL5 4AN
Operated by Oswald House Care Home Limited
3 bedsResidential homes
Workplace Score
6.8/10
AI analysis of latest data
Our AI workplace review
PlainSight AI Review
Last updated: 10 February 2026
Score: 6.8/10
Key Finding
"Managers promote a positive culture where staff feel valued and safe, but staff turnover and informal supervisions hold it back."
Safety & Risk
8/10
✓
Staff had training and a good understanding of what to do to make sure people were protected from harm or abuse. The risk assessments were detailed, and staff ensured they effectively planned for all potential risks.
Staff Culture
8/10
✓
A staff member told us, 'They are great to work for and I've personally never had any issues. All the staff members are very helpful to help me complete work if needed and I never felt pressured.'
Staffing Levels
6/10
✓
There were enough staff to safely care for people. Staff found they could meet people's need throughout the night and day as well as being able to spend meaningful time with individuals.
Training & Dev
5/10
!
Per 2018 comprehensive inspection: Staff told us, and we saw records to demonstrate, they were up to date with their training, including training to meet the specific needs of people living in the service.
Management
8/10
✓
The registered managers promoted a positive, person-centred culture... One staff member said, 'Staff meetings are held so we can put our views across... Our views are always listened to and support always given to any suggestions or improvements are always acted upon.'
Programmes
5/10
!
Per 2018 comprehensive inspection: People told us they could choose what they wanted to do... such as bowling... goes into town, bowling and goes out for walks... activities tailored to him, just last week they took him out to photograph the fields.
Points to consider
Staff turnover means managers sometimes do hands-on care shifts to cover.
Per 2018: 'There's been a bit of rotation with staff, but everything is ok.' We saw that the registered managers provided hands on care to cover any staff shortages.
Supervisions are often informal chats without records, and appraisals not done yet.
Per 2018: Staff received supervision but some of this was informal and not recorded. Staff appraisals were planned but staff had not yet been appraised.
No activities coordinator or specialist programmes, just supporting outings, bowling and personal hobbies.
Per 2018: No dedicated activities coordinator mentioned. People supported with bowling, going out, volunteering, photography.
AI Generated
CQC Inspection Overview
CQC Inspection
Last inspected: July 2023
Good
Safe
✓
Good
Effective
✓
Good
Caring
✓
Good
Responsive
✓
Good
Management Quality
Well-led: Good
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Chat on WhatsAppSources
- Care Quality Commission (CQC) Inspection Data
- PlainSight staff reviews