- Care home
Saxondale Nursing Home
Assessment report published 26 January 2026
Contents
Ratings
Our view of the service
Date of Assessment: 8 January to 19 January 2026. Saxondale Nursing Home is a care home providing support for up to 36 people. The service is a residential home providing support to older people living with dementia, nursing needs, mental health conditions and physical disabilities. At the time of our assessment there were 22 people using the service.
This assessment was completed to follow up on action we told the previous provider to take at the last assessment in March 2025. At that inspection, the provider was found to be in breach of 3 legal regulations in relation to safeguarding, person centred care and good governance. Warning notices were issued. At this inspection, we found sufficient improvement had been made to address the actions needed. The requirements of the warning notices were met, and the provider was no longer in breach of these regulations.
The provider had worked closely with the local authority and had addressed all concerns found at our last inspection. Governance systems had been effectively implemented. The management team had taken steps to improve systems.
Risks associated with people's care were identified and managed to keep people safe. People received their medicines as prescribed by staff who were competent in medicines administration. Staff were aware of their responsibility to protect people from abuse and harm, and to follow the principles of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA).
Care plans included people's life histories, personal preferences and outcomes. Care plans were reviewed, and people were referred to health professionals as required.
The provider could evidence lessons were learnt when things went wrong. An effective system was in place to analyse accidents and incidents and trends and patterns were identified, and where necessary improvements were made.
Some refurbishments had taken place, and the provider had purchased various new furniture items and equipment, and decoration had been enhanced to make the environment more dementia friendly.
We observed staff serving lunch and found the mealtime experience was good; staff were engaged with people and offered choices and support as required. Staff were kind and caring and supported people to meet their needs in a person-centred way.
Staff and leaders worked well together to ensure consistency of care. There was clear leadership, and it was evident who the leaders were within the organisation. The senior guided staff and staff looked to the senior and other leaders for support.
At the time of this assessment, a new manager had been in post for one week. The improvements evidenced at this assessment needed to be sustained and embedded into practice so the provider and the service can continue their journey of improvement.
People's experience of this service
During the assessment we spoke with people and their relatives. The feedback we received was mostly positive. People and relatives told us they felt safe living at the service. Comments included, “I have to admit they are very nice people. The staff are brilliant what one can't do the other will.” Another person said, “I’m happy. I can’t say I’m miserable and I feel safe here.”
People had access to healthcare professionals when required, and staff followed their advice to ensure people received safe care. People received their medicines as prescribed. People felt staff were kind and had a caring approach to them. There were planned group activities for people to take part in if they wished to do so. Staff had a good understanding of people's interests, likes and dislikes. This meant staff could have conversations with people about things that were important and of interest to them. We observed staff popping in and out of rooms throughout the day of our inspection checking whether people needed anything.
People and relatives told us staff and leaders were responsive to issues raised. Comments included, “The old manager was not good, and the regular staff left. They had a lot of temporary staff. The new manager turned the place around; the staff are now more settled,” and “If I had any concerns I would go to the manager or to the nurse [nurses name].They are very good. Most things are addressed.”
One professional told us staff were helpful and supportive during their visits to the service and found staff to be kind and caring. One visiting professional said, “Things have improved and there is a better awareness of what's going on.” Most people and relatives agreed with this telling us, “It’s really improved and the carers are really caring.” However, other relatives expressed concerns about the night staff and agency staff. Comments included, “Yes [I am happy] with the regular carers. The night staff are the problem” and “Oh yes, I have confidence in them [staff]. I didn’t as much with agency staff they had. They didn’t bond with [relative].”
Overall, people gave us positive feedback about being informed about changes in the health or wellbeing of their relatives. Comments included, “They keep me informed about everything they always ring us if they have any concerns.” However, one relative said, “My biggest complaint is about lack of communication between them and me.”
People gave us positive feedback about the cleanliness of the service. Comments included, “When you come in it smells of bleach and cleaning fluids, much better than the previous one [care home]. It is tired looking.” When asked about the environment another relative said, ”No [concerns about the environment] we prefer a more old-fashioned feel.”
Our observations showed that staff were supporting people in a timely and caring manner, with people responding positively and engaging in conversation with staff. When people were distressed or upset, staff responded in ways that ensured people were kept safe.