The inspection took place on the 26 April 2017 and was announced. The provider was given notice because the location provides domiciliary care services and we need to be sure that someone would be in. We contacted people who used the service and staff by telephone on 3 May 2017 to ask for their views.

Mickle Hill is a newly built extra care housing scheme which provides personal care to people in their own homes within the Mickle Hill site. It is based in Pickering close to local amenities and bus routes. Mickle Hill was registered with CQC in January 2016. At the time of inspection six people used the service.

The service had a registered manager. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. Like registered providers, they are ‘registered persons’. Registered persons have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.

There were systems and processes in place to protect people from the risk of harm. Staff were able to tell us about the different types of abuse and what actions they would take if they suspected abuse was taking place. Safeguarding concerns had been appropriately managed.

Risk assessments were in place for people who needed them and were specific to people's needs. They had been regularly reviewed and updated when required.

Robust recruitment procedures were in place and appropriate checks had been completed before new staff commenced employment.

The service was not supporting anyone with medicines administration. However policies and procedures were in place to ensure medicines were managed safely should the need to assist people with medicines arise. Staff had received medicines training.

Staff received support in their roles from the registered manager. There was a process for completing and recording supervisions and annual appraisals. Staff had received up to date training to support them to carry out their roles safely and had completed an induction process with the registered provider.

People who were supported by staff at Mickle Hill remained independent with meal preparation. Appropriate tools were available to monitor people's weight and nutritional health if this was required. Staff knew how to make referrals to health professionals should anyone using the service become at risk of malnutrition. People were supported to maintain good health and had access to their own GP, healthcare professionals and health services when needed.

Staff demonstrated good knowledge and understanding of the requirements of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards. Staff were aware of the procedure to follow if they suspected a person lacked capacity to make decisions.

People usually consented to care and support from care workers by verbally agreeing to it. Records included provision for people to sign giving their agreement to the care and support they received. People we spoke with confirmed they had input in the care planning and had access to their care records. Information on advocacy services was available and displayed in the reception area of the service should this be needed.

People spoke highly of the staff and the management. People said they were always treated with dignity and respect. Care plans detailed people's needs, wishes and preferences and were person centred which helped staff to deliver personalised support. Care plans had been reviewed and updated regularly.

The service had a clear process for handling complaints and information about this was provided to people when they joined the service.

Staff described a positive culture that focused on the people who used the service. They felt supported by the management. Staff told us that the registered manager was approachable and they felt confident that they would deal with any issues raised. Staff were kept informed about the operation of the servi