Care providers for vulnerable people in Oxfordshire are 'performing well' according to inspectors.

The National Care Standards Commission (NCSC), based in Cowley, Oxford, has completed its first round of inspections of care homes in the county.

Jennifer Dickins, in charge of inspections, concluded that nationally set standards of care provision were being met.

The NCSC regulates 350 services in Oxfordshire including care homes, children's homes, nursing agencies, residential special schools, fostering and adoption agencies and home care agencies.

A team of 26 inspectors has now inspected every care establishment in Oxfordshire at least once in the past year.

Last year, the Oxford Mail highlighted fears by some private Oxfordshire care providers that they would be forced to close, as they could not afford building conversions to comply with new Government rules.

Ms Dickins said: "Where standards have been found wanting, the NCSC has required providers to improve."

She added: "Some providers were concerned the new standards would result in the closure of homes. This has not been the case."

Oxfordshire Care Homes Association chairman George Tuthill said the inspectors' conclusions were anondyne.

He said: "Oxfordshire has a good tradition of communication between homes, social services and regulators. But provision is going to be adequate only for residents who can pay."