A CARE home that specialises in looking after people with dementia has become the first in Oxfordshire to be rated "outstanding" by a watchdog.

The achievement by Vale House, in Sandford, is matched by only one per cent of homes in the South East.

Inspectors from the Care Quality Commission praised it after visiting from March 1 to 3.

They wrote: "The service was exemplary in responding to people’s needs and preferences.

"People were supported by a service that was devoted to getting to know the people and families.

"Every relative we spoke to, without exception, was extremely complimentary about the caring nature of the management and staff.

"There was a strong caring culture at all levels. From directors to care staff, everyone we spoke with put the needs of the people they supported at the centre of everything they did."

The 40-bed specialist home, which is privately run but not for profit, provides 25 beds to Oxfordshire County Council.

Councillor Judith Heathcoat, the council's cabinet member for social and community services, said staff "thoroughly deserve this recognition".

She added: "This home has the ability to accept and care for people with dementia in its most difficult forms and does a tremendous job."

Vale House registered manager Tricia O’Leary said: "Everyone is delighted with the rating.

"Ensuring that people with dementia are cared for as individuals whose lives have meaning and value is at the heart of our philosophy of care."