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

Inspection report for children’s home: 2890790 1 Registered provider: A Wilderness Way Limited

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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, no children were living in the home as the child had returned to live with their family the day before. The inspector did not meet with the child.

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Information about this children’s home

The home and the manager were registered in March 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: 2890790 2

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Summary of findings

The home has a stable, experienced team of staff who are energetic and enthusiastic. They were committed to providing the best care that they could for the child who has now moved back home. They created many opportunities for the child to experience new activities and thrive. Staff are encouraged to discuss their views about identified risks and are supported to understand them and develop their skills and knowledge to deal with emerging risks. The manager is approachable and supportive and encourages an open culture and positive relationships. She supports ongoing professional development and ensures that there are opportunities for staff to increase their skills and knowledge. The manager advocated on behalf of the child to ensure that they received the care and services that they required.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

There is a positive, supportive atmosphere in the home, with all team members demonstrating their enthusiasm and commitment to the child and celebrating their achievements. Staff worked together to ensure that the child’s needs were met and that they promoted their progress and successes consistently.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The child experienced a wide variety of activities while living in the home, which contributed to them gaining confidence and helped them develop positive and trusting relationships with staff. The staff showed flexibility and dedication in meeting the child’s needs, including swapping shifts to ensure that certain staff were available to provide support with specific activities when required.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Plans for the child to move back home were thorough. There was a clear plan, and significant effort was made to celebrate with the child and their family, which helped to ensure that this was a positive move for the child. The child was given a scrapbook full of photos and keepsakes from their time at the home, alongside a digital copy that the child and family can treasure. The child was supported to make certificates for staff, which enabled them to celebrate the positive relationships that they had developed. The active involvement of family members throughout the process further supported the child in moving successfully from the home back to their family.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Family members speak positively about the child’s care, saying, ‘They need a medal; they have made it so positive. They made the home into my child’s home with memories.’ One family member said that their child going into care was ‘the worst thing’, but that ‘staff took the stress away due to the care they provided’.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff members formed positive connections with the child and demonstrated a high level of care and affection. One member of staff commented, ‘My heart is bursting. The difference in that child from coming to leaving. The team have gone above and beyond; they have been brilliant. They were a different kid.’ This reflects the commitment of the Inspection report for children’s home: 2890790 3 staff team and the positive impact they have had on the child’s experiences and outcomes.

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

The child experienced a high level of stability during their time living at the home. There were no incidents of the child going missing from home or making complaints or allegations, and staff did not need to use any physical interventions. This demonstrates how settled the child was and reflects the effectiveness of the care and support provided by staff.

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

Risk assessments are clear and easy to follow; they consider the likelihood and potential impact of identified risks. Guidance for staff is clear, practical and promotes calm and measured responses. Monthly management oversight ensures that assessments remain current and relevant. New and emerging risks are clearly identified, alongside information about how concerns have been recognised and the expectations of staff in responding to them. This approach helps staff feel informed and confident in their practice and supports consistency in the care provided.

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

The child’s new risks were discussed in team meetings. This enabled staff to develop their knowledge and understanding of behaviours, reflect on practice and maintain a consistent approach when responding to the child’s needs.

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

Staff responded effectively when concerns arose. For example, when there was an incident that affected the child’s potential safety, staff were vigilant and quick to act. Immediate measures were taken to ensure that there would not be a repeat episode. The manager considered longer-term options to reduce future risks. Information was also shared with relevant professionals, demonstrating a proactive and multi-agency approach to safeguarding and risk management.

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

Initially, some staff found the risks associated with the child difficult to manage. However, the home’s open and supportive culture enabled staff to discuss their concerns honestly and seek guidance. Through training, reflection and management support, staff developed greater knowledge, confidence and understanding of the complexity of the risks presented. Staff were encouraged to voice concerns and engage in discussions, which has strengthened their safeguarding practice and promoted a consistent response across the team.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Supervision sessions are reflective and supportive. There is a focus on both the progress and experiences of children and the professional development of staff members. Discussions encourage reflection on practice, celebrate achievements and identify opportunities for further learning, helping staff to continually develop their skills and confidence. Inspection report for children’s home: 2890790 4 Staff speak positively about the support that they receive from the registered manager and expressed a strong sense of appreciation for her leadership. Comments from staff include, ‘The whole team are amazing. The manager is amazing; anything you need, she will bend over backwards.’ This feedback reflects the strong relationships in the team and the manager’s commitment to supporting staff in their roles.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

There is a positive and open culture in the home. Staff report feeling able to speak openly about concerns and are confident that issues will be addressed promptly and effectively. Team meetings are described as beneficial, supportive and enjoyable, providing opportunities for both professional discussion and positive team building. This contributes to strong staff relationships and a supportive working environment.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The manager advocated for the child and challenged professionals and services when necessary to promote positive outcomes. This included challenging aspects of the child’s care plan when she considered them not to be in the child’s best interests. She independently researched support options, escalating concerns when referrals to services were not accepted. Her persistence and commitment helped the child receive the support and services that they needed.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The manager ensures that staff members are supported to complete relevant qualifications. They are given time, space and support from other team members to ensure that they are benefiting from professional development opportunities. This commitment to professional development helps to strengthen practice and contributes to positive outcomes for children.

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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: 2890790 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: 2890790 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, Bowscar, Penrith CA11 8RP

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Inspector

Karen Karlsson, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home: 2890790 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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