Working at Oswald House
33 St Oswalds Walk, Newton Aycliffe, DL5 4BQ
Operated by Oswald House Care Home Limited
8 bedsResidential homes
Workplace Score
7.1/10
AI analysis of latest data
Our AI workplace review
PlainSight AI Review
Last updated: 10 February 2026
Score: 7.1/10
Key Finding
"Long-serving staff ensure enough people for safe care and meaningful time with residents, although informal supervisions and no activities coordinator are drawbacks."
Safety & Risk
8/10
✓
Staff understood when people required support to reduce the risk of avoidable harm, and risk assessments were in place. The risk assessments were detailed and staff ensured they effectively planned for all potential risks. The provider had safeguarding systems in place. Staff had training and a good understanding of what to do to make sure people were protected from harm or abuse.
Staff Culture
7/10
✓
The registered managers promoted a positive, person-centred culture. Staff were passionate about providing good care outcomes and took ownership of their practice. They understood their roles, responsibilities and their accountability.
Staffing Levels
8/10
✓
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. Staff members told us, 'I've worked for Oswald house 20+ years' and 'I find that there are enough staff on each shift and ample time to complete my tasks.'
Training & Dev
6/10
✓
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, such as diabetes. Staff received supervision but some of this was informal and not recorded.
Management
7/10
✓
People told us the registered managers were approachable and acted swiftly to address any issues. They ensured people and their families were involved in discussions about their care and support needs.
Programmes
6/10
✓
Per 2018 comprehensive inspection: People were able to take part in a range of activities of their choosing and which were meaningful to them. People told us about going bowling, seaside trips, shopping, horse riding, volunteering in a café, and community involvement.
Points to consider
Training covers basics and some specific needs like diabetes but supervisions are often informal without records and no funded qualifications or career paths mentioned.
Per 2018 comprehensive inspection: Staff received supervision but some of this was informal and not recorded. Staff appraisals were planned but staff had not yet been appraised.
Varied outings like bowling, beach trips and volunteering but no dedicated activities coordinator or specialist programmes.
Per 2018 comprehensive inspection: People told us about going bowling, preparing to watch the Grand National, going on a day trip to the seaside, shopping, horse riding, and volunteering.
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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- Care Quality Commission (CQC) Inspection Data
- PlainSight staff reviews