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

Inspection report for children’s home: 2876704 1 Registered provider: A Wilderness Way Ltd

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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 with emotional or behavioural difficulties or learning disabilities.

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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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Information about this children’s home

The home and the manager were registered in February 2026. This is the home’s first inspection.

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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: 2876704 2

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Summary of findings

Staff plan thoroughly for children moving into the home, which helps children feel wanted and cared for. Staff work together with the child’s family and involve them in their care, which supports the children to settle into the home. Staff understand the individual risks for each child and do specific, reflective work with the child, which helps them to make positive choices for their future. Staff find the management team to be supportive and feel that there is encouragement and focus on professional development. There have been some difficulties with recruitment, but the manager has ensured that the impact of this is minimal on the child and staff.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The home has a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Staff know the child well and have a good understanding of their needs, interests and aspirations. The child receives individualised care. Staff support the child to enjoy many activities, including going to the gym and doing outdoor activities. Photos in the home highlight the child’s engagement and enjoyment and will provide a positive 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 have formed positive relationships with the child’s family, who are welcomed to the home. Family members visit regularly and have been involved in outdoor activities with the child, which has helped to strengthen family relationships and create positive shared memories.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The child has benefited from a structured routine provided by staff. The child now has an established daily routine and engages in meaningful activities. Staff support the child to reflect on their previous lifestyle and what positive changes they wish to make for their future.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff have been proactive in responding to the child’s health needs. Staff have worked effectively with health professionals to ensure that the child receives the appropriate medication prescribed by the GP. This support has ended the child’s reliance on illegal substances and contributed positively to their overall health, particularly their sleep routine.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff supported the previous child when they moved out of the home. Staff created opportunities for the child to visit their new home, view photos and become familiar with the environment before moving on. Goodbye celebrations took place, helping to provide a positive ending. Staff have remained interested in the child’s progress and spoke proudly of how well they continue to do. In feedback provided, the child stated that they would change nothing about the home. Inspection report for children’s home: 2876704 3

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

Risk assessments are clear and are reviewed regularly to ensure they remain relevant and responsive to the child’s changing needs. They identify known risks and provide staff with specific guidance on how to respond. This promotes consistency of care and enables staff to respond effectively to keep the child safe.

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

Risks for the child have reduced during the time they have lived at the home. The child has developed positive relationships with staff and engaged well with support provided, contributing to no further incidents of being missing from home or using illegal substances. The child has acknowledged this progress and said that they are actively working towards maintaining these positive changes.

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

Multi-agency planning meetings are held monthly with relevant professionals to share information and review risks, progress and needs. This collaborative approach ensures that staff have a comprehensive understanding of the child and can adapt plans effectively to meet their needs and reduce risks.

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

When a risk is identified, staff respond by talking to the child about the risk and gaining their views, which helps the child feel listened to, that their views are important and that they are cared about.

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

Staff help children to understand and manage risks. Significant work was completed around criminality with a previous child. Through sensitive and reflective discussions, staff supported the child to explore their feelings, understand the impact of actions and recognise the risks posed. This work contributed to the child’s increased awareness and ability to reflect on their behaviours.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Staff describe managers as approachable and supportive. One staff member said , ‘ The manager and deputy have been fantastic; they are there if I need them. I have really appreciated that.’

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

New members of staff are teamed with experienced staff as part of a buddy system. They have said that this is invaluable in helping them to develop confidence and gain practical knowledge when dealing with new and challenging situations. This additional support helps to ensure that children receive consistent care and helps to increase staff skills.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The management team is committed to developing both staff practice and wellbeing. A recent team-building day focused on understanding and meeting the needs of the child while also promoting staff welfare. Staff identified practical strategies to improve day-to- day practice, resulting in benefits for both the child and the staff team. Inspection report for children’s home: 2876704 4 Team meetings provide valuable opportunities for reflection and learning. Discussions focus on celebrating positive outcomes, identifying current challenges and exploring effective ways to meet children’s needs. This reflective approach helps staff to continually evaluate and improve their practice. Supervision sessions are reflective, highlighting strengths and areas for development with an emphasis on professional development.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Staff have access to a range of easily accessible bite-sized training resources, which help them to quickly enhance their knowledge of topics relevant to the child currently living in the home. Examples include resources relating to autism and the use of adrenaline auto- injectors. This promotes a responsive learning culture and supports staff to meet children’s individual needs.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The home has experienced some staffing challenges during the inspection period, which have had an impact on both children and staff. Managers have recognised these difficulties and are taking proactive steps to promote stability and consistency wherever possible. Staff acknowledged the efforts being made by leaders to minimise disruption and maintain the quality of care provided.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

No requirements or recommendations were made at this inspection. Inspection report for children’s home: 2876704 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: 2876704 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: 2876704 7 and inspects to 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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