Bluebird Care Oxford

On this page

• Overview
• Learning culture
• Safe systems, pathways and transitions
• Safeguarding
• Involving people to manage risks
• Safe environments
• Safe and effective staffing
• Infection prevention and control
• Medicines optimisation

Safe – this means we looked for evidence that people were protected from abuse and avoidable harm.

At our last assessment we rated this key question good. At this assessment the rating has remained good. This meant people were safe and protected from avoidable harm.

This service scored 81 (out of 100) for this area. Find out what we look at when we assess this area and How we calculate these scores.

The provider had a strong proactive and positive culture of safety, based on openness and complete honesty. The provider demonstrated an exceptional commitment to learning and continuous improvement. Staff actively listened to concerns about safety and thoroughly investigated and reported safety events. Lessons were always learnt to continually identify and embed good practice.

Leaders fostered a culture where staff were encouraged to reflect on practice, share experiences, and learn from incidents. Lessons learned were not only identified but translated into meaningful actions that improved safety and quality.

For example, following a previous delay in emergency response due to missing medical information, the provider introduced a high-risk alert feature in care records, ensuring vital details are immediately visible to carers and emergency services. Also, after a medication error caused by a date entry mistake, a countersigning process was implemented for all medication changes, adding an extra layer of safety. Staff also received additional training on medication administration and dementia care, supported by regular discussion groups to build confidence and resilience.

Staff, were enthusiastic and spoke positively about the open culture, describing managers as approachable and proactive: “All ideas are welcome – they are always looking for the best.” Carers valued opportunities for accredited training and personal development plans, which were tailored to individual needs.

The provider worked with people and healthcare partners to establish and maintain safe systems of care, in which safety was managed or monitored. They made sure there was continuity of care, including when people moved between different services.

People told us they felt safe and supported during changes in care. On-call arrangements were in place for out-of-hours emergencies. People were safely assessed before they commenced a package of care with Bluebird Care. The provider worked with other medical professionals, such as hospitals to ensure people’s care packages recommenced once they were discharged.

The provider worked with people and healthcare partners to understand what being safe meant to them and the best way to achieve that. Staff concentrated on improving people’s lives while protecting their right to live in safety, free from bullying, harassment, abuse, discrimination, avoidable harm and neglect. The provider shared concerns quickly and appropriately. Policies for safeguarding adults and children were comprehensive, and staff understood their responsibilities. People told us they feel safe and supported at home. No one was subject to any Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards through the Court of Protection.

The provider worked with people to understand and manage risks by thinking holistically. Staff provided care to meet people’s needs that was safe, supportive and enabled people to do the things that mattered to them. Risk assessments were detailed and person centred. There was a real in depth focus on what the person could do for themselves and what support was required from staff and how that support should be delivered. For example, we saw how 1 person required support with certain aspects of looking after their pet, and what this meant to them. Such as help buying food, however the person does the actual care themselves.

The provider detected and controlled potential risks in the care environment. They made sure equipment, facilities and technology supported the delivery of safe care. Environmental risk assessments had taken place with people in their homes before their care package commenced in order to accommodate and mitigate any potential risks staff may encounter while working in people’s homes. There was also information regarding contingency plans and how staff should support the person with reporting any environmental repairs if this was something which was required.

The provider made sure there were always enough qualified, skilled and experienced staff, who received thorough support, supervision and strong development opportunities. They worked together well to provide safe care that met people’s individual needs.

Staffing at Bluebird Care demonstrated above and beyond practice. People consistently told us they feel safe and supported because staff were well-trained, competent, and familiar with their needs. Continuity of care was prioritised, especially for those with complex needs, and rotas were managed to minimise disruption. Staff arrived on time, stayed the full duration, and in some specific examples, longer to ensure care was completed without rushing.

Recruitment processes were robust, with verified references, DBS checks, and thorough induction. Ongoing supervision, appraisals, and specialist training were embedded, and staff spoke positively about opportunities for development. One staff member said, “We are so well trained, we don’t compromise on quality. Makes me proud.” Another told us, “The managers genuinely care, all ideas are welcome – always looking for the best.” This reflects a culture where staff feel valued and supported meaning people received high-quality care for people.

Training was comprehensive and included safeguarding, medication, and dementia care. Staff demonstrated strong understanding of their responsibilities, and feedback from people and families confirmed staff were skilled and compassionate. A family member described carers as “very capable, competent, professional and flag any marks to me!” This proactive approach helps keep people safe and well.

The provider used digital systems to monitor staffing, supervisions, and audits, ensuring compliance and continuous improvement. Personal development plans and champion roles for example, medication and positive behaviour support, were in place, showing commitment to excellence. One staff member told us they would “Recommend the company 120%.”

The provider assessed and managed the risk of infection. They detected and controlled the risk of it spreading and shared concerns with appropriate agencies promptly. Policies are clear, and staff follow hygiene protocols. PPE compliance was confirmed by people using the service. People’s homes were left clean and tidy after visits. Audits show infection control was monitored and spot checks took place.

The provider made sure that medicines and treatments were safe and met people’s needs, capacities and preferences. Staff involved people in planning, including when changes happened. Medication was well managed, with clear instructions and audits. Occasional missed doses were recorded, but these were not frequent, and reasons were documented. The provider had introduced countersigning processes and clearer task instructions to reduce errors.