A CARE home is celebrating after being awarded the highest rating possible by inspectors.

The team from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) found Valerie Manor near Steyning to be outstanding overall.

It was also given individual outstanding scores for its care, safety, leadership and effectiveness.

The home’s responsiveness was found to be good.

Valerie Manor provides nursing care and accommodation for up to 23 people with a range of health and care needs, including physical frailty of old age and the early stages of dementia.

The inspection report said ensuring people were and felt safe at Valerie Manor was of paramount importance.

People were asked what would make them feel safe and actions were taken as needed.

Safety was discussed at residents’ meetings and through annual surveys with people and their relatives.

The report said: “The care provided at Valerie Manor was exemplary and this included the support people received at the end of their life.

“Staff were dedicated and passionate about providing a high standard of quality care.

“They knew people well and nothing was too much trouble to ensure people had a full and meaningful life.

“Residents and relatives commented on the excellent care provided and the empathy staff had.”

The reports said staff went out of their way to think of solutions when incidents happened to prevent the risk of them happening again.

It was also felt there were enough workers to keep people safe and ensure they could have quality time with residents.

Zoe Fry has owned the home for nearly ten years and is also its registered manager.

She said: “I could not be happier that we have received this accolade as the dedication and hard work of all the staff here is what makes it the home that it is.

“I could not think of a better way of recognising what the staff do.

“I look forward to celebrating my ten year anniversary in January and to have the outstanding rating ahead of this time is very special to me.”

Later this month staff will be at the National Care Home Awards in London where they have been shortlisted for national care team of the year.

Mrs Fry is also up for registered manager of the year.