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

Inspection report for children’s home: 2890658 1 Registered provider: A Wilderness Way Ltd

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Full inspection Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

The home is run by a private provider. It provides care for one child who may experience emotional and social difficulties or learning disabilities.

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Information about this children’s home

The home was re-registered in March 2026 having previously been part of a multi- building registration. The new manager has applied to register with Ofsted. This is the home’s first inspection.

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Information about this children’s home

At the time of this inspection, there was one child living in the home. The inspector met with the child.

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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: none Inspection report for children’s home: 2890658 2

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Summary of findings

The child says that they enjoy living at the home and has benefited from a range of fun, yet challenging, experiences. While having not lived at the home for very long, the child is already forming trusting relationships with staff, which has helped to build their confidence. Staff understand the child’s needs and have completed targeted work to reduce identified risks. This has helped the child to consider potential future risks and strategies to manage and reduce these. The staff team is relatively inexperienced, and the manager is new to the home. She has provided effective leadership and has successfully supported the staff to develop confidence in their roles through consistent support, advice and guidance. This has helped to create a positive and nurturing environment for the child.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The child has settled well in the home and continues to grow in confidence through the support, care and encouragement provided by staff. The child presents as being relaxed and comfortable with staff. The child said, ‘The staff are all lovely, they listen to me without judging me.’ One professional said, ‘Staff have kept them safe, they have given them a chance to be themself, they are relaxed enough to do that.’

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The child’s family feel positively about the home and the progress the child is making. One family member said, ‘[Name of child] is happy, they want to stay on, it’s helping them.’ They also said the communication is good and that they are kept informed about the child’s progress. Family members are welcomed into the home to spend time with the child, which supports ongoing meaningful relationships between the child and family.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The child has been involved in many enriching and exciting activities at the home. They described some of these experiences as challenging, but said that they felt proud for succeeding at these, including jumping off a large rock into a river. Staff have taken lots of photos of activities to capture the memories, which will be a lovely reminder for the child when they move on from the home.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff provide effective support to help the child engage positively with their education. This includes face-to-face tutoring, online learning and independent study. The child’s commitment to their education is evident in their achievement of completing a GCSE examination one year ahead of schedule. This is a significant accomplishment and demonstrates both the child’s determination and the effective support provided by staff to promote educational success. Inspection report for children’s home: 2890658 3

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

Staff have a good understanding of the risks for the child. The child’s risk assessment is detailed, regularly reviewed and updated to reflect their current needs. Risks are discussed in team meetings to ensure that staff understand the risks, which supports a consistent approach. There have been no episodes of the child going missing and no physical interventions have been required, but staff have received appropriate training and are confident in how to respond if necessary.

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

Staff have done significant direct work with the child on issues such as identity, self- esteem and confidence. This work has helped the child to feel listened to, valued and supported, contributing to an increase in confidence.

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

When there have been issues such as a disagreement between the child and a staff member, staff have responded thoughtfully and have reflected on the incident. The managers have listened to the child’s views and feelings, and a resolution was reached, which included changes to staffing arrangements. This helped the child feel valued and that their views had been taken seriously. The response also provided an opportunity for the staff member involved to reflect on their practice and how they may respond in similar situations in the future. This approach supports positive relationships.

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

Team meetings are used effectively to review care plans, discuss incentives and consider strategies to support the child. This ensures that there is a consistent approach to boundaries, expectations and support, helping the child to develop a sense of security and stability in the home.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The manager is a confident, experienced leader who provides clear direction and support to the staff team. While many in the staff team are relatively new to residential childcare work, the manager recognises the transferrable skills that staff bring to the role and supports them effectively to develop their confidence and competence.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Staff have commented that the induction programme and training opportunities have been highly beneficial. Staff feel supported to develop their knowledge and skills, and speak highly of the manager, describing her as approachable and supportive. One staff member said, ‘She has an exceptionally good grasp, and she genuinely seems to care.’

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The manager advocates for the child and challenges plans where she feels they do not adequately meet the child’s needs. In relation to a plan for the child to move out imminently, following challenge, a revised plan was agreed that more accurately reflected the child’s needs.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Team meetings are well attended and staff are encouraged to share their views and contribute ideas. Practice issues are discussed in detail with clear action plans. This supports effective communication and contributes to consistent practice among staff. Inspection report for children’s home: 2890658 4 Supervision sessions are regular and reflective. Discussions focus on the needs of the child, staff practice and professional development. These sessions provide staff with opportunities to reflect on their work, identify learning needs and further develop their skills, helping to promote positive outcomes for children.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

No requirements or recommendations were raised during this inspection. Inspection report for children’s home: 2890658 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: 2890658 6

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: A Wilderness Way Ltd

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Children’s home details

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

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Inspector

Karen Karlsson, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home: 2890658 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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Inspector

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Inspector

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Inspector

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