Valleyview

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 75 (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 proactive and positive safety culture, based on openness and transparency.

Relatives were clear about how to raise concerns or make a complaint and told us they understood the procedure well. Staff used a variety of methods to help people express their views, including communication aids, visual cues and personalised one‑to‑one support. These approaches supported ongoing learning and participation across the service.

Staff were encouraged and supported to record and report incidents through clear, well‑established processes. Relatives reported they had no current concerns but felt fully confident that any future issues would be managed promptly and appropriately. One relative said, “Any concerns we raised have always been addressed. When dealing with issues affecting our relative, even those not related to the home, the seniors and managers consistently offered support, suggestions and practical help.”

The registered manager maintained an open and transparent culture through an ‘open‑door’ approach and regular team meetings, where incidents, learning and opportunities for improvement were routinely discussed.
 

The provider worked closely with people and with healthcare partners to develop and maintain safe systems of care, ensuring risks were consistently monitored and well managed. Staff collaborated with a range of healthcare professionals, including GPs and specialist practitioners, to oversee people’s health conditions and respond promptly to any changes in their support needs.

Where individuals had a diagnosed health condition, clear and comprehensive risk assessments guided staff in delivering safe, appropriate support. The provider remained attentive to people’s changing needs and made timely referrals to relevant health professionals whenever additional input was required.
 

The provider worked with people and healthcare partners to understand what being safe meant to them and the best way to achieve that.

Relatives told us people were safe and well cared for in the home. One relative said their family member was very vulnerable, lacked capacity and was unable to verbalise their needs. They described them as totally dependent on those who provided care and noted that staff worked hard to understand their needs through non‑verbal cues, ensuring they remained safe. Another relative told us they had have a very good relationship with the registered manager and staff team. They said, “It feels like they [the staff team] are an extension of our family. We know that they love and care for our relative. We know their safety is top priority with all the staff at Valleyview.”

Staff were familiar with local safeguarding procedures and demonstrated confidence in identifying and reporting any concerns. They consistently protected people’s rights and prioritised their safety while promoting a good quality of life.

Assessments of people’s mental capacity had been completed, and best‑interest meetings were held to ensure any decisions were appropriate and the least restrictive option. This included decisions about people’s living arrangements and personal care.

The provider responded promptly and proportionately when concerns were raised. Where necessary, incidents and accidents were reported to the local authority safeguarding team and shared with relevant parties, including relatives.
 

The provider worked closely with people to help them understand and manage risks. Comprehensive risk assessments were in place and clearly guided staff on how to support people safely. This ensured care was delivered in a way that was both supportive and enabled individuals to continue doing the things that were important to them.

Relatives told us they felt confident their loved ones were receiving safe care from the staff team. People were encouraged to spend their time engaged in activities they enjoyed, and staff interacted with them consistently in a positive, respectful and person‑centred manner.
 

The provider effectively identified and managed environmental risks to help ensure the service remained safe for people living there.

Relatives told us they had no concerns about the environment, and staff confirmed there were robust systems in place to monitor risks and promote a strong safety culture. The environment was clean, well maintained and free from unnecessary trip or slip hazards. Regular health and safety audits were carried out, enabling the provider to monitor potential risks proactively and take prompt action where required to maintain a safe and supportive living environment.
 

The provider ensured there were enough suitably qualified, skilled and experienced staff to meet people’s needs safely. Relatives also confirmed there were always sufficient staff on duty to support their family members appropriately.

Staff told us they felt confident in their roles and had a clear understanding of their responsibilities. They received regular supervision, which they described as supportive and beneficial.

Recruitment processes were safe and robust. Records showed all required pre‑employment checks had been completed, ensuring that only suitable and appropriately vetted individuals were employed to work with people using the service.

The provider had robust systems in place to assess and manage the risk of infection.
Staff followed infection prevention and control (IPC) procedures in line with current guidance, and we observed them carrying out cleaning tasks as required to maintain a clean, hygienic environment.

Staff had access to the correct personal protective equipment (PPE) and demonstrated a clear understanding of when and how to use it appropriately.

Staff confirmed there were no concerns about infection control practices, and IPC measures were well embedded in day‑to‑day care.

Relatives reported no concerns regarding infection prevention and control. They described the home as consistently clean and “immaculate.” One relative said, “Valleyview is consistently immaculate whenever we visit. We observe that staff follow appropriate infection control procedures at all times, including wearing gloves and suitable protective clothing as required for their roles. We are very satisfied with the cleanliness of the home and the professionalism of the staff in maintaining high hygiene standards.”

Cleaning staff were described as friendly, kind and engaged with the wider team. Their cleaning routines include regular damp‑cleaning of frequently used areas and additional cleaning between peoples’ use of shared facilities.
 

The provider had effective systems in place to ensure medicines were managed safely.

People received their prescribed medicines, including pain relief, in line with clinical guidance and individual healthcare plans. One relative said, “We are particularly pleased with the level of support provided by the home’s management in coordinating with healthcare providers and advocating on our relative’s behalf. This gives us strong confidence that our relatives medications are administered safely and as prescribed.”

Medicines were stored securely, and regular audits helped maintain good standards of practice. Medication Administration Records (MAR) were completed accurately and showed that people received their medicines at the correct times.

Staff were trained and assessed as competent in medicine administration and demonstrated a clear understanding of safe practice. They also understood the procedures for reporting and responding to any medication errors, helping to maintain a safe and well‑governed approach to medicines management.