Children's Home run by Zencare Children's Services Ltd in Wokingham

Inspection report for children’s home: 2848549 1 Registered provider: Zencare Children’s Services Ltd Full inspection Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

The home registered with Ofsted on 26 January 2026 and provides care for up to 3 children who experience social and emotional difficulties.

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Information about this children’s home

The home and the manager have been registered since January 2026.

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Information about this children’s home

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

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Overall experiences and progress of

children and young people, taking into account

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inadequate

How well children and young people are helped and protected inadequate

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inadequate

The effectiveness of leaders and managers inadequate

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inadequate

There are serious and widespread failures that mean children and young people are not protected or their welfare is not promoted or safeguarded and the care and experiences of children and young people are poor, and they are not making progress.

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inadequate

Date of last inspection: not previously inspected

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inadequate

Overall judgement at last inspection: not applicable

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inadequate

Enforcement action since last inspection: not applicable Inspection report for children’s home: 2848549 2

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Summary of findings

Following a decision to admit another child to the home, without sufficient preparation time, the progress of a child who has lived there for over 2 years deteriorated significantly. Staff have been unable to keep the child safe or help them to settle.

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Summary of findings

Serious shortfalls were identified in relation to the child’s safety and protection. The child has frequently entered a local road, causing significant disruption to traffic and placing both the child and staff at serious risk of harm. The actions taken by staff and managers are ineffective and do not demonstrate that the child’s welfare is prioritised.

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Summary of findings

The management team has not been effective in escalating the significant concerns about the child’s safety to the placing authority or in embedding safe practices to ensure that risks to the child are better managed by staff.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: inadequate

There are currently 2 children living in the home. One child has lived there for over 2 years, and the other has been living there for 3 weeks. Following the child being informed that another peer would be moving into the home, the impact was immediate. This led to a significant escalation in their underlying social, emotional and mental health needs. This decision did not fully consider the child’s presenting neurodevelopmental needs.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: inadequate

As a result of the addition of another child, the progress made by one child has deteriorated significantly over the past month. More recently, managers gave immediate notice on this child, as they felt unable to keep them safe or meet their needs. This is the third time that notice has been given during the 2 years that the child has lived in the home.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: inadequate

The child’s sense of stability and permanence has been significantly undermined following the change in household dynamics, and some staff members report feeling unable to provide the care and support the child requires. Staff are making efforts to meet the child’s day-to-day care needs. However, the child can be resistant, which adds further complexity to an already strained situation.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: inadequate

The child was supported to change bedrooms in the home. However, this has reduced the staff team’s ability to support the child effectively, as the room has 2 consecutive doors and the child frequently refuses permission for staff to enter. Staff often communicate with the child through the second door, which limits their ability to provide effective support. Staff lack the authority to implement a more effective approach to communication. Inspection report for children’s home: 2848549 3 The child’s bedroom is not consistently maintained to an acceptable standard. For example, several used night pads were deposited on the floor and in the bathroom area. As these had not been cleaned by staff, the environment was unhygienic. There is an imbalance between respecting the child’s right to privacy and ensuring their need for a safe and clean environment. Staff do not demonstrate a strong understanding of their

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: inadequate

responsibilities and, at times, appear overly focused on avoiding conflict with the child.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: inadequate

This child’s engagement in education has improved since the new child moved into the home. However, this is primarily because the child has repeatedly expressed a wish to leave the home and fears that they may harm the other child. As a result, school has been a place of safety for them. Staff have worked positively with the child’s education provider to support their engagement in flexible learning.

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

There are serious concerns about repeated incidents of the child accessing the road outside the front of the home. These risks were previously present and, since a new child has moved in, have re-emerged. Managers say that the level of risk has increased due to the times of day these incidents now occur. This behaviour presents a significant risk to the child’s life, and the child has persistently expressed suicidal intentions during these incidents.

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

Staff are unable to prevent the child from accessing the road and frequently rely on verbal de-escalation to encourage the child to move away from the road. This approach has proved ineffective. Staff rely on the police to resolve these incidents, some of which have lasted several hours. Although the police have advised that staff should take a more direct approach to preventing the child accessing the road, managers have not authorised the use of physical intervention for this purpose.

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

Several staff report feeling overwhelmed and concerned for their safety, as they are required to enter the road to slow and manage traffic. Staff have experienced verbal abuse and have been recorded by members of the public. They have also observed drivers mounting the pavement to pass the child. This presents a serious and ongoing risk to the safety of the child, staff and members of the public.

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

Although the management team has served immediate notice, 2 weeks have already passed without progress in identifying a safer environment for the child. There have been no updates to the safety plan, and a proposal from the placing authority to consider deprivation of liberty safeguards was declined. The management team felt this would negatively impact the environment for the other child. This decision does not demonstrate sound rationale and does not fully consider the best interests of the child who frequently accesses the road.

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

The child receives regular support from child and adolescent mental health services and has recently undergone several mental health assessments. These have consistently concluded that the child’s mental health needs can be managed in the community. There have been recent changes to the child’s medication, and staff routinely offer ‘when Inspection report for children’s home: 2848549 4 required’ medication following significant incidents, including after the child has accessed the road. This approach has not reduced the frequency of such incidents.

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

The child has a positive behaviour support plan and a day-to-day safety plan, both of which set out clear actions for staff to follow, including the use of physical intervention where there are immediate concerns for the child’s safety. However, staff practice is not consistent with these plans. Staff do not prevent the child from accessing the road, despite this presenting an immediate and serious risk to the child’s welfare.

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

Staff have informed the police that they are not permitted to use physical intervention to remove the child from the road. In another example, a staff member was reprimanded by the manager for blocking the front door, despite the child indicating an intention to access the road. This approach is inconsistent with the strategies outlined in the child’s safety plans.

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

While staff endeavour to provide the right support to help the child regulate and manage their emotions more effectively, there have been several incidents of the child assaulting staff. On 2 occasions, staff have used physical intervention to ensure the safety of those involved. This presents a further inconsistence, as staff do not take similar action when the child accesses the road, despite the more serious and immediate risk to their welfare.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: inadequate

Managers recognise they are not ensuring the child’s safety, and this was a significant factor in their decision to give immediate notice. This has been a reoccurring area of concern and, despite the intentions for the child to move on, the management team has not been effective in escalating this to the placing authority.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: inadequate

There is a significant discrepancy between the expectations of other professionals, such as police and social workers, and those of managers. For example, the police have advised that staff should physically prevent the child from accessing the road, while the placing authority has suggested deprivation of liberty safeguards. As a result, there is no consistent or agreed approach to determining the steps required to keep the child safe.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: inadequate

Managers report that the decision not to physically intervene is based on medical advice obtained nearly 12 months ago. This rationale is flawed, as the current circumstances differ significantly, given the ongoing risks to the child. Despite the escalation in risk, managers have not sought updated medical advice. The child’s individualised plans also contradict this medical advice, stating that staff should intervene where there are immediate concerns for the child’s safety.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: inadequate

During the inspection, managers consulted their training provider and were informed that there may be an appropriate strategy to support the child safely. This demonstrates a lack of professional insight, as managers had not considered these discussions earlier, despite several weeks of escalating concerns. Inspection report for children’s home: 2848549 5 The management team recently held a meeting with the placing authority, during which managers outlined their rationale for giving immediate notice. Despite serious concerns, there have been no changes to care practice, and managers recognise that the child, either by intention or misadventure, remains at ongoing risk of serious injury by frequently accessing the busy main road. No effective action has been taken to reduce or better manage this risk.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: inadequate

Staff morale has been significantly affected by the escalation in the child’s social and emotional needs over the past month. The manager described the staff team as ‘exhausted’ due to the impact of managing recent difficulties. Most staff members have taken work-related sickness, reporting that they have struggled to respond to the child’s needs. One staff member said, ‘I am scared; everyone else is scared. Sometimes, people are going 60 miles per hour on this road. You’re actually putting your life at risk.’

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: inadequate

The management team has started to reflect on staff practice and training. The manager has started to develop individualised approaches to staff training and development. However, the recent deterioration has exposed several gaps in training and in the staff team’s ability to respond safely and effectively, with the child’s welfare as the primary consideration.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: inadequate

The management team has recently commissioned a new organisation to provide therapeutic consultation for staff and children. This has not yet had sufficient time to have an impact. However, staff report that the new therapist is a valuable source of support and that this has been particularly important during a challenging period for the home. Inspection report for children’s home: 2848549 6

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Statutory requirements

This section sets out the actions that the registered person(s) must take to meet the Care Standards Act 2000, The Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and the ‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’. The registered person(s) must comply within the given timescales.

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Requirement Due date

*The protection of children standard is that children are protected from harm and enabled to keep themselves safe.

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Requirement Due date

In particular, the standard in paragraph (1) requires the registered person to ensure—

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Requirement Due date

assess whether each child is at risk of harm, taking into account information in the child’s relevant plans, and, if necessary, make arrangements to reduce the risk of any harm to the child;

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Requirement Due date

have the skills to identify and act upon signs that a child is at risk of harm;

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Requirement Due date

understand the roles and responsibilities in relation to protecting children that are assigned to them by the registered person;

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Requirement Due date

take effective action whenever there is a serious concern about a child’s welfare; and

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Requirement Due date

that the home’s day-to-day care is arranged and delivered so as to keep each child safe and to protect each child effectively from harm. (Regulation 12 (1) (2)(a)(i)(iii)(v)(vi)(b))

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Requirement Due date

In particular, effective action must be taken to prevent risks to children’s welfare arising from accessing roads or public highways. 21 May 2026

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Requirement Due date

*The registered person must prepare and implement a policy (“the behaviour management policy”) which sets out—

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Requirement Due date

how appropriate behaviour is to be promoted in the children’s home; and

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Requirement Due date

the measures of control, discipline and restraint which may be used in relation to children in the home. 21 May 2026 Inspection report for children’s home: 2848549 7 The registered person must keep the behaviour management policy under review and, where appropriate, revise it. (Regulation 35 (1)(a)(b) (2))

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Requirement Due date

In particular, the registered person must ensure that staff are able to carry out their duties in accordance with the home’s behaviour management procedures. The registered person must ensure that staff practice and training are consistent with the expectations set out in these procedures.

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Requirement Due date

The care planning standard is that children—

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Requirement Due date

receive effectively planned care in or through the children’s home.

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Requirement Due date

In particular, the standard in paragraph (1) requires the registered person to ensure—

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Requirement Due date

manage and review the placement of each child in the home; and

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Requirement Due date

that each child’s relevant plans are followed;

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Requirement Due date

that the child’s placing authority is contacted, and a review of that child’s relevant plans is requested, if—

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Requirement Due date

the registered person considers that the child is at risk of harm or has concerns that the care provided for the child is inadequate to meet the child’s needs. (Regulation 14 (1)(a) (2)(b)(ii)(c)(e)(i))

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Requirement Due date

In particular, the registered person must ensure that the care children receive prioritises their welfare. If this care falls below the required standard, immediate action must be taken to raise concerns with the placing authority and, where appropriate, the wider family and professional network. 21 May 2026

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Requirement Due date

The quality and purpose of care standard is that children receive care from staff who—

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Requirement Due date

understand the children’s home’s overall aims and the outcomes it seeks to achieve for children; 21 May 2026 Inspection report for children’s home: 2848549 8 use this understanding to deliver care that meets children’s needs and supports them to fulfil their potential.

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Requirement Due date

In particular, the standard in paragraph (1) requires the registered person to—

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Requirement Due date

protect and promote each child’s welfare;

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Requirement Due date

treat each child with dignity and respect;

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Requirement Due date

provide personalised care that meets each child’s needs, as recorded in the child’s relevant plans, taking account of the child’s background;

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Requirement Due date

help each child to develop resilience and skills that prepare the child to return home, to live in a new placement or to live independently as an adult. (Regulation 6 (1)(a)(b) (2)(b)(ii)(iii)(iv)(vi))

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Requirement Due date

In particular, the registered person must ensure that children’s bedrooms are hygienic and well maintained. Staff should provide consistent and firm support to encourage children to participate in maintaining these standards.

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Requirement Due date

The leadership and management standard is that the registered person enables, inspires and leads a culture in relation to the children’s home that—

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Requirement Due date

helps children aspire to fulfil their potential; and

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Requirement Due date

In particular, the standard in paragraph (1) requires the registered person to—

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Requirement Due date

lead and manage the home in a way that is consistent with the approach and ethos, and delivers the outcomes, set out in the home’s statement of purpose;

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Requirement Due date

ensure that staff have the experience, qualifications and skills to meet the needs of each child;

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Requirement Due date

understand the impact that the quality of care provided in the home is having on the progress and experiences of each child 21 May 2026 Inspection report for children’s home: 2848549 9 and use this understanding to inform the development of the quality of care provided in the home. (Regulation 13 (1)(a)(b) (2)(a)(c)(f))

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Requirement Due date

*These requirements are subject to a compliance notice.

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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: 2848549 10

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Zencare Children’s Services Ltd

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: 19 Goodliffe Gardens, Tilehurst, Reading RG31 6FZ

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Inspectors

Ashley Edwards, Social Care Regulatory Inspector Ken Bedwell, Social Care Regulatory Inspector Inspection report for children’s home: 2848549 11 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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