Children's home run by Reading Borough Council

Inspection report for children's home: 2868922 1 Registered provider: Reading Borough Council

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Full inspection Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

This home is run by a local authority and provides a shared care service for children with learning and/or physical disabilities and/or sensory impairment. The home supports 9 children, with up to 4 staying at one time. In addition, there is one bedroom that is used only for emergency support.

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Information about this children’s home

At the time of this inspection, 2 children were living in the home.

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Information about this children’s home

This is the home’s first inspection since it was registered with Ofsted on 30 September 2025.

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Information about this children’s home

The manager has been registered with Ofsted since 30 September 2025.

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Overall experiences and progress of

children and young people, taking into account

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outstanding

How well children and young people are helped and protected outstanding

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outstanding

The effectiveness of leaders and managers outstanding

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outstanding

The children’s home provides highly effective services that consistently exceed the standards of good. The actions of the children’s home contribute to significantly improved outcomes and positive experiences for children and young people who need help, protection and care.

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outstanding

Date of last inspection: not previously inspected

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outstanding

Overall judgement at last inspection: not applicable

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outstanding

Enforcement action since last inspection: not applicable Inspection report for children's home: 2868922 2

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: outstanding

Children have made exceptional progress from their starting points. Staff develop a thorough understanding of children’s individual, and sometimes complex, needs. They actively foster positive relationships with children to ensure that children receive excellent and consistent care.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: outstanding

Children benefit from a wide range of enriching experiences both within the home and in the community. Due to the support provided by staff, a child who was previously unable to leave the home safely can now participate in varied activities and outings. This is a huge step for this child, who can now explore new interests and develop community connections.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: outstanding

Children enjoy consistent and attentive care from staff who demonstrate exceptional commitment to their wellbeing. A strengths-based approach underpins staff practice. They ensure that children have reliable access to all areas of the home and promote children’s independence through individualised communication methods and the implementation of specific daily routines. Staff help children to develop these skills and their confidence through consistent and empowering care.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: outstanding

The home’s welcoming atmosphere creates a sense of safety and comfort. Staff interactions are respectful and supportive, contributing to a positive team culture. Children’s needs remain the central focus of all care provided.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: outstanding

The home is maintained to a high standard. Bedrooms are themed and are personalised with family photos and posters prior to each child’s arrival. A well-stocked activities cupboard and a fully equipped sensory room provide opportunities for children to play, be creative and relax. Children also enjoy cinematic experiences through the use of the home’s movie projector. The garden is thoughtfully designed with designated activity zones, an undercover dining area, artificial grass and safety flooring to ensure safety and year-round usability.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: outstanding

The registered manager carefully considers children’s needs and preferences to ensure that they have the most positive experiences with their peers and that the risk of disharmony is reduced. When this approach has not been fully effective, leaders promptly intervene to find a resolution. For example, one child was transitioned to a more suitable group to improve peer dynamics. This process was managed collaboratively with parents and the child’s professional network.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: outstanding

Children’s views, wishes and feelings are actively sought through their preferred communication methods and daily interactions. They participate in decisions about activities and menus, and regular house meetings provide a structured forum for children to express their opinions. Meetings are documented using the Picture Exchange Inspection report for children's home: 2868922 3 Communication System (PECS), photos and written notes. Minutes are reviewed by the manager and shared with children, ensuring accessibility and inclusivity.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: outstanding

Children each have access to their own independent advocate. The registered manager responds effectively to feedback from an additional independent advocate who provides valuable feedback on the quality of support that children receive. The registered manager and staff actively champion children’s rights and wellbeing, working closely with schools to ensure consistency across settings.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: outstanding

The team demonstrates confidence and expertise in meeting children’s diverse needs, even when relationships are newly formed. Staff also make significant efforts to respect and incorporate children’s cultural needs into daily life. Staff collaborate with parents prior to admission to understand their preferences, and children are supported to celebrate religious festivals in accordance with family wishes.

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How well children and young people are helped and protected: outstanding

Children live in a safe, supportive environment where staff understand and meet their individual needs. The safety of the children is paramount. Staff are well trained and competent to respond to safeguarding and child protection issues. Staff understand their responsibilities to keep children safe and how to report any concerns.

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How well children and young people are helped and protected: outstanding

Leaders and managers maintain strong partnerships with local authorities and safeguarding agencies. Staff proactively manage risks, including self-injurious behaviours, by removing potential hazards. They fiercely advocate for children’s safety both within and outside the home.

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How well children and young people are helped and protected: outstanding

Accidents and injuries are promptly managed and accurately recorded. Relevant concerns are communicated to families and professional networks . Leaders and managers constantly review recording practices to ensure they are always capturing the most relevant information, including responses from children.

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How well children and young people are helped and protected: outstanding

Children’s medication is managed effectively. Staff collaborate closely with external agencies and healthcare professionals to ensure that they are following the most up-to- date guidance and that administration is safe. Staff demonstrate diligence in fulfilling all medication-related responsibilities.

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How well children and young people are helped and protected: outstanding

Children are regularly encouraged to share their feelings with staff. Although no complaints have been received since the home was registered, managers and staff maintain transparency in their practice and provide clear information on how to raise concerns. A dedicated box for complaints, compliments and suggestions, supported with PECS for accessibility, is available to children. Parents are also fully informed of the complaints process. Inspection report for children's home: 2868922 4 Safer recruitment processes are rigorous, supported by a comprehensive checklist for each candidate. This helps to ensure that only individuals of a suitable character are employed.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

The home is led by a highly ambitious and innovative manager committed to achieving the best outcomes for children. She collaborates effectively with external agencies and confidently advocates for children’s needs.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

Staff speak positively about working at this home, highlighting the strong support and professional development opportunities provided. The manager is widely respected for her leadership and her ability to inspire and guide her team. One staff member said that the registered manager ‘has real compassion for the children we care for and for the staff team. [She] has built the foundations for a strong team.’

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

Leaders and managers actively value staff input, demonstrated through initiatives such as the group development of equality, diversity and inclusion guidance and policy reviews. Shift patterns are structured to promote work–life balance, and risk assessments are in place to safeguard both staff and children where relatives work together. Professional boundaries are consistently reinforced through supervision and training.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

Staff receive monthly supervision that supports reflective practice. The registered manager has introduced a new supervision format to promote deeper analysis of successes, challenges and learning. Team meetings provide opportunities for staff to share experiences and review strategies when children’s behaviours change. Additionally, staff team days have been implemented to strengthen collaboration and enhance knowledge sharing, fostering a cohesive and effective team approach to supporting children.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

Feedback from professionals and families is consistently positive. The home maintains transparent, collaborative relationships with parents and the wider professional network. This approach has strengthened family stability and contributed to improved outcomes for children.

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Information about this inspection

Inspectors have looked closely at the experiences and progress of children and young people, using the social care common inspection framework. This inspection was carried out under the Care Standards Act 2000 to assess the effectiveness of the service, how it meets the core functions of the service as set out in legislation, and to consider how well it complies with The Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and the ‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’. Inspection report for children's home: 2868922 5

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Reading Borough Council

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Civic Offices, Bridge Street, Reading RG1 2LU

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Inspectors

Vicki Horton, Social Care Inspector Emma Haskell, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children's home: 2868922 6 achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children’s social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, further education and skills, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children’s services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection.

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Inspectors

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Inspectors

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Inspectors

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Inspectors

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

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