Children's Home run by A Wilderness Way Limited in Northumberland

Inspection report for children’s home: 2882675 1 Registered provider: A Wilderness Way Limited Full inspection Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

The home is owned and managed by a private provider. It offers care for up to 2 children who may experience social and emotional difficulties.

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Information about this children’s home

At the time of this inspection, one child was living at the home. The inspectors met with the child.

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Information about this children’s home

The home and manager registered with Ofsted in January 2026.

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Overall experiences and progress of

children and young people, taking into account

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good

How well children and young people are helped and protected good

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good

The effectiveness of leaders and managers good

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good

The children’s home provides effective services that meet the requirements for good.

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good

Date of last inspection: not previously inspected

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good

Overall judgement at last inspection: not applicable

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good

Enforcement action since last inspection: not applicable Inspection report for children’s home: 2882675 2

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Summary of findings

The child is settled and well cared for. Staff demonstrate a clear understanding of their individual needs and respond to them well. Staff carry out regular, purposeful work with the child, which has contributed to a reduction in risks and increased sense of safety for the child. The child receives support to develop independence through opportunities to take on greater responsibility. Leaders and managers are committed to ensuring that staff deliver a caring and therapeutic approach. They ensure that staff are well supported to actively develop their practice.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The child moved into the home in an emergency. Staff ensured that they were warmly welcomed and supported, making efforts to get to know the child from the outset. The child has settled well and has developed trusting relationships with staff. This has contributed to the child feeling safe and supported.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff capture the child’s views in various ways, such as weekly children’s meetings and meaningful conversations. Staff have arranged for the child to have access to an independent advocate so that they are further supported to ensure that their voice is heard.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The child enjoys various activities and new experiences, such as paddle boarding, camping and visiting theme parks. These activities have helped improve the child’s confidence and self-esteem.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The child receives support from a range of professionals and has regular access to a therapist and an emotional wellbeing worker. This provides the child space to explore their feelings and contributes to their improved wellbeing.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff understand the child’s health needs and their associated anxieties. Staff provide reassurance and carry out direct work with the child to reduce their anxieties around appointments. On one occasion, staff carried out preparation work with the child before a dental appointment, supporting a more positive experience.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff actively encourage the child to maintain contact with their family. They recently arranged for family members to visit for a weekend, which reflects their understanding of the importance of these relationships for the child. One family member said:

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

‘It’s excellent. The staff have always been super polite, they understand [name of child]. They have been supportive of their needs, keeping them safe, life skills, education, activities, and gardening.’ Inspection report for children’s home: 2882675 3 The child is making positive progress in their education. They are accessing home tutoring and are achieving various awards through a range of activities. The child is participating well with the opportunities offered, and staff continually review their progress and consider potential next steps. The child benefits from a well-furnished and maintained home. Their artwork is displayed on the walls. The child’s bedroom is personalised and reflects their interests and personality, which supports a sense of belonging.

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

Staff understand the child. They provide consistent and nurturing care, which the child responds to positively. There have been no incidents of self-harm, missing-from-home episodes, complaints or allegations. This reflects the effective and responsive care the staff are providing for the child.

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

Physical intervention has only been required on one occasion and was used appropriately as a last resort to ensure the child’s safety. Staff offered support and reassurance throughout the incident, followed by sensitive and reflective discussions afterwards. This helped the child understand that staff care about their safety and wellbeing.

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

Staff have carried out extensive direct work with the child, which has included many key topics, such as stranger danger, drugs and alcohol, and consent. This has helped the child develop a greater understanding of potential risks, and they have been increasingly able to express any worries they may have.

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

The child’s plans are clear and regularly updated to reflect current risks and needs. Staff demonstrate an understanding of the emotions that lead to unsafe behaviours. The risks faced by the child have reduced significantly, which reflects the therapeutic care and the development of positive, secure relationships with staff.

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

The child is gradually being offered increased freedom and responsibility with appropriate staff oversight. This is aligned to their stage of development and reviewed regularly to ensure that it remains suitable. This approach helps the child build confidence and prepare for their future.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Staff speak highly of leaders and managers, describing them as ‘supportive’, ‘approachable’ and ‘readily available’. This contributes to a positive working environment.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The induction process for new staff is well structured and effective. The deputy manager has developed an employee handbook, which is clear and detailed. It provides guidance on recording practices, the purpose of key documents and how to communicate effectively with the child. It emphasises the importance of using child-centred language and building positive relationships. This serves as a valuable resource for staff as they develop in their roles. Inspection report for children’s home: 2882675 4 Staff supervision sessions take place monthly and are reflective. They focus on staff practice and the child’s lived experiences in the home. Actions are clearly identified, and staff are encouraged to self-reflect beforehand, supporting continuous professional development.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Team meetings are held regularly and are child focused. They include practice discussions and are reflective. Specific issues that are important to the child are discussed, which contributes to consistent care.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The managers and staff work effectively with partner agencies. The manager advocates and challenges on behalf of the child when appropriate. This ensures that the child’s needs are prioritised.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The manager has an effective monitoring system and regularly reviews the care provided to the chid. This oversight ensures that the care is of a high standard and meets the child’s changing needs.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

No requirements or recommendations were raised at this inspection. Inspection report for children’s home: 2882675 5

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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: 2882675 6

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: A Wilderness Way Limited

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Stoneybeck Inn, Bowscar, Penrith CA11 8RP

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Inspectors

Karen Karlsson, Social Care Inspector (lead) Amber Merriman, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home: 2882675 7 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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