Rainbow Trust Children's Charity 3

Since our last inspection two Rainbow Trust Charity teams had merged to form one large team, which covered the areas of Cumbria, Greater Manchester and Lancashire.

People's experience of using this service and what we found: Without exception people spoke highly of the service, its staff and management. People told us the help they received was invaluable as staff supported them through the difficult times of caring for a very sick child. People told us the service was extremely responsive. Staff took the lead from parents and helped in ways that were appropriate and beneficial for each particular family.

Staff told us they loved their job and were proud to work for the charity. They said they felt listened to, appreciated and supported by an organisation who cared for them and their wellbeing. There was a positive workplace culture, as the organisation valued, encouraged and praised its staff.

The registered manager was committed to employing people who shared the caring values of the organisation and safe recruitment practices were followed. All staff received safeguarding training and demonstrated their understanding of the action they should take if they suspected abuse or neglect.

Families were supported safely, and risks were assessed appropriately. Staff took measures to prevent and control the spread of infection. Staff were well trained and had the support and supervision they needed to work in emotionally challenging roles.

People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible and in their best interests; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice. The service respected and promoted children's rights and ensured they were given a voice and their opinions were listened to and acted upon.

The service worked in close partnership with other organisations to ensure families were provided with exceptionally responsive, person-centred support.

The registered manager was held in high regard by staff and families and was committed to maintaining the very high standards of the service. They had clear oversight of the team and monitored the quality of support and care provided by the staff.

The registered manager had overseen the merger of local teams to create one large team. This had provided greater opportunities for sibling support, for increasing the number of families referred to the service and for sharing best practice with staff.