OLDHAM-based Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity 3 – supporting families who have children or young people with a life-limiting or terminal illness – has received an overall “outstanding” rating following an inspection by the Care Quality Commission.

At the time of the inspection, on June 5, there were five children receiving support with personal care, when needed.

Rainbow Trust, based at Chambers Business Centre, received “outstanding” ratings for its responsiveness and the category which judged whether it was well led.

Its safety, effectiveness, and caring standards were all deemed to be “good”.

The report said: “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 very sick children.

“They said 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 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 – named as Sean Patrick Tansey in the report – was committed to employing people who shared the caring valued of the organisation and safe recruitment practices were followed, the report said.

All staff received safeguarding training and demonstrated their understanding of the action they should take if they suspected abuse of neglect.

Families were supported safely, and risks were assessed appropriately. Staff took measures to prevent and control the spread of infection.

The report added: “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 service respected and promoted children’s rights and ensured they were given a voice and their opinions were listened to and acted upon.

“The registered manager was held in high regard by staff and families and was committed to maintaining the very high standards of the service.”

Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity supports families with a seriously ill child. It enables families who have a child with a life threatening illness to make the most of their time together by pairing each family with an expert family support worker who helps them at home, in hospital and in the community, for as long as it is needed.

A spokesperson said: "The turst is a national charity providing expert practical and emotional support to families, where they need it, to help them make the most of each new day. It relies almost entirely on voluntary donations and thanks to the generosity of its supporters helps over 2,500 families through its eight care teams across nine locations in England."

Meanwhile, Mr Tansey said: “We are delighted to have been rated ‘outstanding’ overall by the Care Quality Commission. We have eight Care Teams of Family Support Workers across England helping families with a seriously ill child at home, in hospital and in the community, wherever they are needed to make life easier. All teams work tirelessly to ensure families are supported at what can be the toughest of times.”