Working at Hollies
Reading Road, Reading, RG7 3BH
Operated by Optalis Limited
58 bedsNursing homes
Workplace Score
7.0/10
AI analysis of latest data
Our AI workplace review
PlainSight AI Review
Last updated: 9 February 2026
Score: 7.0/10
Key Finding
"Clear leadership and a compassionate culture support staff well, but basic training and activities without a dedicated coordinator are limitations."
Safety & Risk
8/10
✓
People were protected from avoidable harm and abuse by staff members, who understood their role and responsibility in relation to safeguarding and keeping them safe. The provider used effective systems and processes for assessing and monitoring risk.
Staff Culture
8/10
✓
Staff spoke about people in a very compassionate manner and they were committed to providing a caring service. One staff member told us, 'I love the place, I really enjoy it, I look forward to it. It's just nice to be with people, their characters are so interesting.'
Staffing Levels
6/10
✓
People were supported by sufficient numbers of staff, with the right mix of skills to deliver care and support to meet people's needs safely. People told us they experienced good continuity and consistency of care from regular staff, who knew them well.
Training & Dev
6/10
✓
Staff members underwent a thorough induction programme, which included time getting to know the person and shadowing an experienced colleague. The provider's training programme was based on the Care Certificate, which defines national standards for care workers.
Management
8/10
✓
The service was well-managed by a registered manager, who provided clear and direct leadership. Staff felt that they were well supported in their roles and felt able to approach the registered manager at any time for guidance or advice. One staff member told us, 'I could not wish for a better boss [registered manager]. Anything I ask, she's so approachable.'
Programmes
6/10
✓
The home had supported people to take part in activities including Christmas shopping in the local town, arts and crafts and baking. The home had an activities room which was open to people and their relatives at any time they wished.
Points to consider
Only standard training like the Care Certificate and induction, no specialist courses or funded qualifications.
The provider's training programme was based on the Care Certificate, which defines national standards for care workers.
Staffing is sufficient with good continuity, but no details on low agency use or long team retention.
People were supported by sufficient numbers of staff, with the right mix of skills to deliver care and support to meet people's needs safely.
Activities include arts, crafts, outings, and a therapy dog, but no dedicated coordinator or specialist programmes.
The home had an activities room which was open to people and their relatives at any time they wished. There was an abundance of games, books, puzzles and a piano for people to enjoy.
AI Generated
CQC Inspection Overview
CQC Inspection
Last inspected: June 2019
Good
Safe
✓
Good
Effective
✓
Good
Caring
★
Outstanding
Responsive
✓
Good
Management Quality
Well-led: Good
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- Care Quality Commission (CQC) Inspection Data
- PlainSight staff reviews