Rainbow Trust Children's Charity 6

People's experience of using this service and what we found: Relatives said they were supported by support workers who were kind and caring. Some families had been receiving support from consistent support workers for three to four years, whereas other families had been receiving care and support for shorter periods of time. Relatives told us having the support worker was like an addition to their family.

Children were supported to stay safe as support workers understood their responsibility to report any concerns and follow guidance in place in relation to people's individual risks. The Trust had a robust assessment process in place alongside its referral criteria. People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and support workers supported them in the least restrictive way possible and in their best interests; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice.

Support workers understood equality and diversity. Children's care plans were detailed, and support workers used these to understand the care people required. Care plans had been developed around the needs of the whole family. Children were included within the planning and reviewing of care where this was possible due to age. Families were always included and were always the driving force behind what care and support was required. Children's privacy and dignity were respected, and their independence promoted.

Relatives told us they were supported and encouraged to participate in events organised by The Rainbow Trust. Relatives told us this was a good opportunity to meet other families and talk to other people going through similar situations. Siblings of children receiving care had taken part in siblings' days out where they were supported to be develop their own independence and receive support from support workers.

Relatives told us they felt the support provided by the Rainbow Trust had been consistently good and support workers had been flexible and compassionate to meet their needs as a family. Relatives told us they thought highly of the management team. The registered manager was responsive and wanted to improve the service to benefit families who received support now and in the future.

Quality assurance audits were carried out to help ensure the service provided safe and of high quality. Actions identified from these audits were addressed. Children, relatives and professionals were asked for

their feedback and this was used to help improve the service. Management and support workers worked alongside other agencies to help improve the support people received.

For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk