The Corporate Parenting Board of Wokingham Council met on Wednesday 15 July 2026 to discuss a range of updates and reports concerning children in care and care leavers. Key discussions included the National Youth Advocacy Service (NYAS) Annual Independent Visitor Report, a Head of Service Report covering care leavers and those Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET), and annual reports on Participation and Advocacy services. The Board noted all presented reports and updates.

Member Participation, Engagement and Feedback Opportunities

Councillor Prue Bray, Deputy Leader and Executive Councillor for Children's Services, provided an update on her recent engagements, which included attending the Virtual School Governing Body meeting, the EPIC Awards event, the launch of the Black Hair and Skincare Guide, and the Positive Relationships Awards event. Members responded positively to the updates, particularly commending the quality of the Black Hair and Skincare Guide and suggesting that its national promotion be explored. The upcoming Foster Carers Summer Party was also mentioned. The Board resolved to note this update.

National Youth Advocacy Service Annual Independent Visitor Report 2025/26

Katie O'Donnell from the National Youth Advocacy Service (NYAS) presented the Independent Visitor Annual Report for 2025/26. The report highlighted that NYAS had been delivering the service for Wokingham Borough Council for two years and had reached its capacity, with agreement for five additional places due to a significant increase in social worker referrals. The service achieved a 100% satisfaction rate in annual reviews, with 89% of young people reporting learning a new skill. Eleven new Independent Visitors had been recruited, and £3,000 in additional funding had enabled enhanced activities for young people. Members welcomed the positive outcomes and praised the service's impact. Councillor Rebecca Margetts noted the positive impact of funding from Wokingham United Charities and encouraged further grant applications. Emma Cockerell, Director of Children's Services, emphasised the value of offering young people increased choice in support. The Board resolved to note the report.

Head of Service Report and NEET Update

Isabel Prinsloo, Corporate Parenting Service Manager, presented a report on children in care and care leavers, supported by Ruth Blyth, Deputy Virtual School Headteacher, and Kat Johnston, Virtual College Post-16 Lead. The report indicated 147 children in care and 231 care leavers being supported, with Wokingham having a lower rate of children in care compared to statistical neighbours. Work was underway with Future Voices to strengthen safeguarding arrangements, and positive outcomes had been achieved for care leavers experiencing housing instability. 92% of care leavers were in suitable accommodation, and barriers to housing register applications had been removed. The updated Care Leaver Local Offer had been launched, as had the Black Hair and Skincare Guide. A new Subject Access to Records process was nearing completion.

Members discussed the role of Future Voices in safeguarding and received an update on the Care Leavers Hub, with an invitation to attend its official launch event planned. Councillor Bray sought clarification on the reported decrease in young people in semi-independent accommodation alongside plans to expand provision. Isabel Prinsloo explained that the reduction was partly due to fewer asylum-seeking children, but additional capacity was needed to future-proof the service and respond to potential increases in demand from the National Transfer Scheme. The Council's ambition to increase local provision and bring young people back into locally managed accommodation was reiterated.

The NEET update from Kat Johnston revealed that 38 young people had moved into education, employment, or training since April 2025, reducing the NEET rate from approximately 41% to 29%. Dedicated support continued to assist young people, with case studies demonstrating the impact of personalised support. Members praised the progress and discussed strengthening employer engagement and apprenticeship opportunities. Emma Cockerell highlighted ongoing discussions regarding guaranteed interviews and employment opportunities for care-experienced young people. The Board resolved to note the report and update.

Participation Annual Report

Joanna Dixon, Participation Manager, presented the Participation Annual Report, highlighting the successful operation of participation groups, including the Aspire Junior and Senior Children in Care Councils, Care Leavers Forum, Youth Council, and Young Experts programme. The report noted that participation had become increasingly youth-led, with young people contributing to strategies and service developments. Significant progress had been made in embedding feedback mechanisms, and SEND participation was expanding. The Young Experts programme had been shortlisted for a national award, commended for its meaningful co-production, empowerment, and influence. Emma Cockerell thanked the Participation Team and young people for their significant impact on service improvements. The Board resolved to note the report.

Participation Update

Joanna Dixon provided a Participation Update, covering activities of the Children in Care Council, the development of a young person-friendly complaints leaflet, design work for the new Safeguarding Partnership Board logo, activities of the Care Leavers Forum, and design contributions to the Care Leavers Hub. Emma Cockerell emphasised the positive impact of young people working alongside officers, fostering continuous reflection and improvement.

A proposal for a Children's Welcome Blanket Project was presented by Young Experts and Children in Care Council representatives. The project aimed to provide comfort and reassurance to children newly entering care through blankets featuring positive affirmations and artwork. Approximately £3,291 was required for an initial production run. Members expressed strong support and suggested fundraising campaigns, sponsorship, grant applications, and public donation campaigns. Councillor Ahlawat offered to explore potential assistance with blanket manufacture and export.

Updates were also provided on Positive Relationships Week activities, including the Positive Relationships Awards, the launch of the Black Hair and Skincare Guide, the Care Leavers Local Offer launch, EPIC Awards, and Young Inspector visits. Destiny Nicholls reflected on the success of the Positive Relationships Awards. James Brophy, Assistant Manager Here4U, updated on activities for care leavers, including drop-in sessions, summer activities, and positive outcomes for young people. The Board resolved to note the update.

IRO Annual Report

Joanna Ratcliffe, Head of Quality Assurance and Safeguarding, presented the Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) Annual Report 2025/26 on behalf of Sara James. The report detailed the IRO Service's work in providing independent oversight for children in care. The number of children in care remained stable, with approximately 92% of statutory reviews completed within timescales and high participation levels from children and young people. The IRO service benefited from a stable workforce. Forty-one formal challenges were raised by IROs, with most resolved early. The principal area for improvement was the timeliness of recording review decisions and reports, with work underway to address this, including exploring the use of Microsoft Copilot.

Members discussed the potential impact of national children's social care reforms on the IRO service, particularly the proposed separation of functions if Multi-Agency Child Protection Teams are introduced. Concerns were raised about maintaining continuity and stability in relationships between children and IROs. Officers acknowledged these concerns, noting that national feedback highlighted the importance of enduring professional relationships. Emma Cockerell emphasised the crucial role of IROs in providing independent scrutiny and continuity. The Board resolved to note the Independent Reviewing Officer Annual Report 2025/26.

Advocacy Annual Report

Hannah Williams, Child and Family Advocate, presented the Advocacy Annual Report 2025/26. Advocacy is a statutory entitlement ensuring children's views are represented in decision-making. The service had supported 113 children and young people, with almost two-thirds relating to children in care and care leavers. Advocacy support covered a broad range of areas, including placement issues, care planning, education, child protection, mental health, and transition planning. Placement issues were the largest theme, highlighting the importance of children's views in decisions about their living arrangements.

Recurring themes identified through analysis included concerns about placement arrangements, education, navigating social care processes, communication with professionals, and access to mental health support. Advocacy assisted children in understanding complex processes and expressing their views. Particular attention was drawn to the vital role of advocacy in supporting unaccompanied asylum-seeking children through immigration, accommodation, and assessment processes. Awareness of advocacy services had increased, leading to more referrals for children involved in safeguarding processes. The Board welcomed the report and the intention to strengthen outcome reporting. The Board resolved to note the Advocacy Annual Report 2025/26.