Working at Valmar Care t/a Locharwoods of Birkdale
45 York Road, Southport, PR8 2AY
Operated by Valmar Care Limited
19 bedsResidential homes
Workplace Score
7.0/10
AI analysis of latest data
Our AI workplace review
PlainSight AI Review
Last updated: 10 February 2026
Score: 7.0/10
Key Finding
"Supportive management and a caring team culture shine through, but uncertain staff retention and basic activities need improvement."
Safety & Risk
8/10
✓
2021 targeted inspection: We were assured that the provider was using PPE effectively and safely... accessing testing for people using the service and staff... promoting safety through the layout and hygiene practices of the premises.
Staff Culture
8/10
✓
Per 2018 comprehensive inspection: There was a caring, person-centred, and open culture in the home. Staff worked as a team and supported each other.
Staffing Levels
6/10
✓
Per 2018 comprehensive inspection: There were sufficient staff on duty to meet people's needs. Staff rotas showed a consistent number of staff were on duty each day.
Training & Dev
6/10
✓
Per 2018 comprehensive inspection: Staff had attended training in subjects such as first aid, fire safety, food safety, safeguarding and medication. Staff were supported by the registered manager through regular supervisions, annual appraisal.
Management
8/10
✓
Per 2018 comprehensive inspection: Staff reported that the registered manager was supportive... Comments were received, such as 'They're brilliant,' 'Best manager I've ever had' and 'Very supportive and approachable'.
Programmes
6/10
✓
Per 2018 comprehensive inspection: A programme of activities was in place. Care staff were allocated responsibility for doing an activity each morning and afternoon. These included, reminiscence, relaxation, art and craft, bingo, 'knit and natter group', baking, exercises and board games.
Points to consider
Staff numbers are enough to meet needs but no info on low agency use or long-term staff retention.
Per 2018 comprehensive inspection: There were sufficient staff on duty to meet people's needs. Staff rotas showed a consistent number of staff were on duty each day.
Only standard training like first aid and safeguarding plus supervisions, no specialist courses or funded qualifications.
Per 2018 comprehensive inspection: Staff had attended training in subjects such as first aid, fire safety, food safety, safeguarding and medication. Staff were supported by the registered manager through regular supervisions, annual appraisal.
Activities like bingo, crafts and baking run mostly by care staff in afternoons, no dedicated coordinator or innovative programmes.
Per 2018 comprehensive inspection: A programme of activities was in place... mostly each afternoon... morning activities often did not happen. This was because staff were busy supporting people with personal care.
AI Generated
CQC Inspection Overview
CQC Inspection
Last inspected: September 2018
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