Several social care services have been given new scores in Hampshire in the past month.

The Care Quality Commission is in charge of inspecting social care services across England. The organisation judges care providers across various metrics – with the best possible rating being 'outstanding', and the worst 'inadequate'.

Figures for the last month show ratings were given to the following care homes in Hampshire:

• The Firefly Club Care Home: Requires improvement, last inspected on August 2.

• Hunters Lodge Care Home: Requires improvement, last inspected on August 3.

• Snowdrop Place Care Home: Requires improvement, last inspected on June 16.

Other social care services in the area were also rated:

• Melody Care Aldershot Ltd: Good, last inspected on August 24.

• Genesis International Solutions: Requires improvement, last inspected on August 9.

• Your Life (Basingstoke): Good, last inspected on June 21.

The highest possible rating is 'outstanding': given to organisations exceeding expectations. Meanwhile, a 'good' scores shows the provider is meeting the CQC's criteria.

However, a service found to be needing improvement will not be up to the CQC's standards, and a service given an 'inadequate' rating will ordinarily be placed in special measures by the CQC.