Working at The Sycamores
60 Stockingate, Pontefract, WF9 3RA
Operated by Hollybank Trust
8 bedsResidential homes
Workplace Score
7.2/10
AI analysis of latest data
Our AI workplace review
PlainSight AI Review
Last updated: 9 February 2026
Score: 7.2/10
Key Finding
"Approachable management and a happy family culture where staff feel valued, but basic training and activities without specialist courses or a dedicated coordinator hold it back."
Safety & Risk
7/10
✓
Safe recruitment procedures... safeguarding training... medicines managed safely with PRN protocols... accidents and incidents were managed and lessons learnt.
Staff Culture
8/10
✓
Staff told us they felt valued and really enjoyed their role... open and transparent culture; staff described 'one big happy family' with lots of interaction and fun.
Staffing Levels
/10
✕
Training & Dev
6/10
✓
The registered manager had a training programme in place. We saw staff had received training in mandatory topics... and also personalised training on an individual basis. We saw evidence of staff receiving supervisions and an annual appraisal.
Management
8/10
✓
There was a clear management structure... open and transparent culture in which staff felt valued and able to approach the registered manager; staff said 'Management are very approachable'.
Programmes
6/10
✓
People had access to a range of activities in and outside the home including outings, sailing, arts and crafts, wheelchair dancing, shop trips, and supporting jobs.
Points to consider
Only standard must-do training like first aid plus some personalised sessions, no specialist courses or funded qualifications.
staff had received training in mandatory topics, such as first aid and fire safety and also personalised training on an individual basis.
Varied basic activities like crafts, outings and wheelchair dancing, but no dedicated coordinator or special innovative programmes.
We do arts and crafts in-house and make decorations. We move tables in the evening to do wheelchair dancing.
AI Generated
CQC Inspection Overview
CQC Inspection
Last inspected: May 2018
Good
Safe
✓
Good
Effective
✓
Good
Caring
✓
Good
Responsive
✓
Good
Management Quality
Well-led: Good
Staff Reviews
Direct feedback from current and former employees
No one has reviewed yet. Be the first.
Scan the QR code or tap the button to chat with us on WhatsApp. Your identity stays completely anonymous.
Chat on WhatsAppSources
- Care Quality Commission (CQC) Inspection Data
- PlainSight staff reviews