A care provider in Kent has become the first to have services rated outstanding.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has given the rating following an inspection of Hale Place Care Homes Limited and its services in Tonbridge.

Hale Place Garden Lodge is a service providing residential care for three older people and Hale Place Farmhouse is a service which offers accommodation for ten older people.

Both cater for people living with dementia.

During an unannounced inspection of services in December the CQC found staff had the skills, knowledge and experience needed to support people effectively.

Inspectors found care was personalised and risk assessments were reviewed and updated when needs changed.

CQC found people were able to take part in a wide range of activities of their choosing. Inspectors said: "The arrangements for social activities were innovative, met people’s social needs and enhanced their sense of wellbeing".

They also said the manager operated an ‘open door ‘policy, welcoming and acting on people’s and staff’s suggestions for improvement.

Adrian Hughes, deputy chief inspector for Adult Social Care in the South, said: “We found the management and staff committed to providing outstanding care to the people living at the two homes. The team working there should be extremely proud of their work.

“What really impressed about this service was the level of personalised support that people received, from staff who had the right skills and who treated people with kindness, compassion and dignity."

Registered manager of Hale Place Care Homes, Victoria Wright, said: "We are absolutely thrilled at the rating. Being given this recognition after 25 years of service is amazing. We are overjoyed. Our team work so hard to work to the needs of our ladies and gentleman.

"The people we care for are our extended family and they are at the heart of everything we do. We have worked incredibly hard and we are so so happy with the rating."

To read the full report click here.