Working at Vale House
Sandford Road, Oxford, OX4 4XL
Operated by Vale House Oxford
40 bedsNursing homes
Workplace Score
6.7/10
AI analysis of latest data
Our AI workplace review
PlainSight AI Review
Last updated: 10 February 2026
Score: 6.7/10
Key Finding
"Supportive management, valued staff and strong safety, but basic training lacks regular supervisions and development."
Safety & Risk
8/10
✓
Significant improvements to medicines management, no longer in breach; staff had good understanding of safeguarding with regular training; new QR code system for checks; accidents log showed appropriate actions.
Staff Culture
8/10
✓
Staff told us they felt listened to, valued and able to contribute to the improvement of care. Records showed staff were constantly praised... we observed effective team working. The atmosphere was very pleasant.
Staffing Levels
6/10
✓
The service had enough staff to meet people's needs. We saw people were attended to in a timely manner and staff were not rushed. The registered manager told us they had reduced the use of agency staff and that recruitment was on-going.
Training & Dev
4/10
!
Per 2019 comprehensive inspection: there was the lack of evidence that meaningful staff supervisions took place and these did not provide identification of staff development opportunities.
Management
8/10
✓
The registered manager now had hands on support from the board of trustees' members which allowed them better oversight of the service. Staff said, 'This management listens to us. Very supportive. Manager supportive with childcare arrangements'
Programmes
6/10
✓
New staff appointments... around activities co-ordination (2021); per 2019: activities included animal therapy, seated exercises, aromatherapy, hand massages, reading, music therapy, local school visits.
Points to consider
Just basic training and induction for new staff, no regular check-ins or chances to develop skills.
Per 2019 comprehensive inspection: there was the lack of evidence that meaningful staff supervisions took place and these did not provide identification of staff development opportunities.
Enough staff so you're not rushed, but recruitment is still going on after using agency.
The registered manager told us they had reduced the use of agency staff and that recruitment was on-going.
Some activities like music therapy and pet visits to vary the day, but nothing specialist or innovative.
Per 2019: activities included animal therapy, seated exercises, aromatherapy, hand massages and reading... music therapy session... local primary school pupils come in to entertain residents.
AI Generated
CQC Inspection Overview
CQC Inspection
Last inspected: August 2021
Good
Safe
✓
Good
Effective
✓
Good
Caring
✓
Good
Responsive
✓
Good
Management Quality
Well-led: Good
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- Care Quality Commission (CQC) Inspection Data
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