A care home in Walmer is one of only four in the county to be rated outstanding by the Care Quality Commission.

Bradfield Care Home in Hawksdown Road, Walmer, received the report last week after an unannounced inspection.

It is now the 22nd care home to be awarded an outstanding rating out of almost 5,000 inspections carried out on residential care homes in England.

The other three outstanding care homes in Kent are in Tonbridge, Maidstone and Chatham.

Managers David and Rebecca Johnson said: “We would like to use this opportunity to thank our team of dedicated staff who have such a positive influence in the lives of the people they care for at Bradfield.

"We celebrate this achievement along with our 20th anniversary and we have many plans to keep improving" - David and Rebecca Johnson

“We are very pleased that the Care Quality Commission has recognised this and has rated the service we provide as outstanding.

“We celebrate this achievement along with our 20th anniversary and we have many plans to keep improving over the coming years.”

The report was split into five key areas including well-led services, responsiveness and effectiveness, which were all outstanding, and the care home received two good ratings for safety and caring, which gave it its overall outstanding accolade.

The report stated: “The managers continually strived to improve the service and their own practice.

“The managers used creative and innovative methods of involving people in the service.

“People and relatives valued their relationships with the staff team and felt that they often went ‘the extra mile’ for them, when providing care and support.

“As a result they felt really cared for and that they mattered.

“Staff showed empathy and had an enabling attitude that encouraged people to challenge themselves to maintain their independence, while recognising and respecting people’s lifestyle choices.”

It reported that people were supported in a way that kept them safe but did not restrict them. It added: “The staff team was stable and consistent and many had worked at the service for years. Staff told us, ‘I love working here. I see the smiles on residents’ faces and know I have done a good job’.”