Bayswood Care Group’s training goes beyond mandatory requirements

The comprehensive in-house training regime within the Bayswood Care Group is gathering momentum over time. All mandatory induction training is delivered in-house but, thereafter, there is a long list of training delivered by Group Trainer, Sarah, and Training Assessor, Joanne.

Training includes Dementia Care, End of Life Care, the NAPPI course (Sarah is qualified to teach this) and NVQs in Care up to and including Level 5.

Today I was working at the group’s Dane View Care Home with Nursing in Leicester, where I was lucky enough to sit on a fantastic training course on ‘Moving and Handling’ being delivered in the classroom by the experienced Sarah – but with practical demonstrations delivered to break away groups in one of the residential rooms by Deputy Manager, Sam.

I watched the practical demonstration, remembering that I had done the same one a few months earlier at the group’s Alexandra home in Poulton-le-Fylde. I could see the attention to detail and explanations being imparted by Sam, backing up what the carers had learned in the home’s training room. See the photo of Sam demonstrating attached to this article.

I spoke to Bintou and Karen, two carers on the course, who were keen to share their experiences. Bintou says, ‘Knowing how to take care of the residents’ day to day care is important. I need to know how to look after and move residents safely for them and also protecting myself. Doing it properly stops residents getting skin tears and muscle pulls. It also stops us pulling muscles too.’

Karen agreed saying, ‘I learned a lot about the way to communicate with residents. So, we can talk to them so they know what you are doing and can assist, while feeling more relaxed. It is very important.’

All the carers are obviously enjoying the training day and there is a lovely buzz and laughter coming down the corridor from the training room. Bintou says, ‘Training is enjoyable. Sarah is great and explains things very well and so we all understand what we have to do. She is friendly and we all have fun learning together.’

Training is at the heart of the care we deliver at the Bayswood Care Group. An incredible 100% of Bayswood staff have completed the mandatory training required by the CQC. Bayswood Care, however, sees mandatory qualifications as the bare minimum requirement for carers and has invested to ensure that dozens are staff across the group have additional care related qualifications. I will report further on this over the coming weeks.

Article by Kelly Farrington