“MAJOR” expansion plans have been set in motion after an Andover-based care provider was given top marks by the care watchdog for the second time running.

Bluebird Care’s Andover and Stockbridge branch was visited by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) on October 2, last year, with a report published by inspectors in December rating the facility’s service as ‘outstanding’ - the highest possible grade.

Now the provider has revealed that major expansion plans are in place, which will see the creation of 50 jobs in the Test Valley area.

It says it pins much of its success on the recruitment of “the very best” local care staff.

Reflecting on the recent CQC success, Registered manager Tarin Reidy said: “Our ‘outstanding’ rating reflects our team’s dedication to the Test Valley community and reassures people that we provide only the highest quality home care.

“The CQC have also recognised that we provide the very best support and training to our team and we feel blessed to have care assistants who are passionate about making a real difference to people’s lives.”

The CQC said: “Bluebird Care have nurtured a culture where they focus on providing outstanding care. There were high levels of satisfaction and staff showed a genuine desire to enhance people’s wellbeing and maximise their independence.”