Working at St Barbara's
35 St Barbaras Walk, Newton Aycliffe, DL5 4AN
Operated by Oswald House Care Home Limited
3 bedsResidential homes
Workplace Score
7.3/10
AI analysis of latest data
Our AI workplace review
PlainSight AI Review
Last updated: 10 February 2026
Score: 7.3/10
Key Finding
"Approachable managers and supportive culture ensure enough staff and strong safety, although training is standard with informal supervisions and activities lack specialist programmes."
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
✓
One staff member said, 'They are an extremely supportive and caring company to work for. They are very mindful of the residents and staffs well-being.'
Staffing Levels
7/10
✓
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
6/10
✓
Per 2018 comprehensive inspection: Staff told us they felt well supported... they received induction and training. Staff received supervision but some of this was informal and not recorded.
Management
8/10
✓
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 told us, 'I go to Taekwondo, the gym and do the gardening.' People supported to volunteering, community activities, public transport.
Points to consider
Only standard training and induction with some supervisions informal and not always recorded, no specialist courses or funded qualifications 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.
Activities are regular community and personal ones like gym and volunteering but no dedicated coordinator or specialist programmes to make the role more varied.
Per 2018 comprehensive inspection: People told us, 'I go to Taekwondo, the gym and do the gardening.' People were supported to look for paid employment, volunteering roles and training.
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