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

Inspection report for children’s home: 2892621 1 Registered provider: A Wilderness Way Limited

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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 operated by a private provider. It is registered to provide care for one child who may experience social and emotional difficulties and/or learning disabilities.

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Information about this children’s home

At the time of this inspection, no children were living in the home.

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Information about this children’s home

The home and the manager registered with Ofsted in March 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: 2892621 2

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Summary of findings

One child lived in the home and has now moved on. During their time living in the home, they experienced warm, genuine relationships with staff and consistent therapeutic care that supported their social and emotional progress. Staff introduced the child to new experiences, including boxing, which became a positive coping strategy and helped them manage their emotions more effectively. Safeguarding practice was effective, and staff responded well to complex risks. Leaders provided strong oversight, ensured that staff were well trained and advocated well for the child. The home is undergoing refurbishment, and leaders have provided assurances that no child will move in until all work is complete.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The child who lived in the home made notable, measurable progress during their time there. Their overall experience was positive, and they expressed on several occasions that they enjoyed living in the home, describing some experiences as ‘the best ever’.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The child benefited from a wide range of activities that promoted confidence, resilience and social development. They took part in bingo, attended a local boxing club alongside other children and engaged in football, rugby and climbing. These opportunities helped them to build friendships and explore new activities. A particularly memorable experience was canoeing, which the child said made them feel like someone adventurous.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff demonstrated skill and confidence in managing complex and high ‑ risk situations. Their calm, thoughtful approach, combined with the strong, trusting relationships they built with the child, was central to the progress achieved.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Partnership working with the child’s family was a clear strength. Staff arranged and facilitated regular family time, including travelling long distances and staying nearby to ensure that this could happen safely and meaningfully. They thoughtfully replicated home traditions, such as preparing a home ‑ cooked stew, helping the child feel connected to their identity and heritage.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff were creative and proactive in ensuring that the child received an individualised and appropriate education programme. This included a focus on developing essential life skills such as cooking, baking, washing and budgeting. These opportunities improved the child’s confidence, wellbeing and independence. The child also grew in their ability to care for pets responsibly, becoming an enthusiastic and capable pet owner.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The child’s voice was at the centre of practice. They developed the confidence to attend and contribute to their own meetings, and staff advocated strongly on their behalf. The Inspection report for children’s home: 2892621 3 child influenced decisions about their care, ensuring that their lived experience shaped daily life in the home.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Although the child’s move from the home did not align with the original care plan, staff ensured that the ending was positive, thoughtful and well supported. They arranged a memorable seaside holiday, which was the child’s first, where they enjoyed the beach and arcades. Staff also created a personalised memory book filled with messages and photos to celebrate the child’s achievements and remind them of the progress that they had made.

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

Staff were well equipped and confident in managing extremely high ‑ risk and complex situations. When serious incidents occurred, they responded immediately and effectively, taking decisive action that safeguarded the child and reduced risk. Their calm, measured approach, supported by strong, trusting relationships, ensured that safety remained central to practice.

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

Staff and the registered manager understand that progress is not linear and that levels of risk can fluctuate. When risks increased, staff adapted their responses appropriately, demonstrating professional curiosity, reflective practice and a commitment to maintaining safety. This flexible and responsive approach ensured that the child continued to receive consistent, protective care throughout their time in the home.

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

The child experienced significant improvements in their health and wellbeing. Staff supported them to develop a healthier diet, overcoming previous patterns of selective eating. They ensured that the child accessed routine health appointments, including dental care, and facilitated regular sessions with the child’s therapy team. Staff prioritised attendance at these sessions, ensuring that the child received the therapeutic support they needed. They also made timely and appropriate referrals to specialist health services, improving the child’s long-term outcomes and life chances.

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

Most staff are confident and competent, demonstrating calmness, curiosity and empathy in their interactions. They used de-escalation strategies effectively and maintained clear professional boundaries. Leaders identified occasions where physical intervention could have been used earlier to prevent escalation. This learning was incorporated into staff discussions and reflective discussions with the child, strengthening future practice.

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

When physical intervention was used, it was necessary, proportionate and focused on safety. Records were clear, and leaders reviewed incidents thoroughly to identify learning and ensure continuous improvement.

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

The home worked effectively with local police and safeguarding partners. Communication was timely and transparent, ensuring that risks were shared and managed collaboratively. This multi-agency approach contributed to the child’s safety and supported decision-making. Inspection report for children’s home: 2892621 4

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The registered manager was proactive and responsive in managing the ever-changing and shifting risks associated with the child’s needs. She demonstrated clear aspirations for the child’s progress and development, even when this required navigating significant levels of complexity and uncertainty. She consistently challenged and supported staff to maintain high expectations and to provide care that enabled the child to succeed despite the difficulties they faced.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The registered manager, alongside senior leaders, demonstrated strong and persistent advocacy for the child. Leaders held partner agencies to account and continued to challenge decision-making where this was necessary to secure the best outcomes for the child. This reflected an understanding of their safeguarding responsibilities and a commitment to the child’s rights and welfare.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Leaders maintained effective oversight of practice, using reflective supervision, incident reviews and staff development to strengthen the team’s skills and confidence. Their approach ensured that staff were well supported to meet the child’s complex needs.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The registered manager maintains good oversight of the home and understands its strengths and weaknesses. She ensures that staff remain up to date with the provider’s mandatory training and organises bespoke training to support staff to respond to the individual needs of children.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The home is currently undergoing a full refurbishment. The registered manager has provided assurances that a new child will not move into the home until all work is completed. This demonstrates a clear commitment to ensuring that any child moving into the home experiences a safe and welcoming environment.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

No requirements or recommendations were raised during this inspection.

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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: 2892621 5

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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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Inspector

Claire Webster, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home: 2892621 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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Inspector

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Inspector

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Inspector

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