Wayside Children’s Home is a specialist residential care home located in Knowsley, Merseyside, providing high-quality care and education for young people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and associated learning disabilities. The home offers placements for up to five young people and is committed to fostering an environment where they can thrive both personally and educationally. Through a structured and child-centred approach, Wayside ensures that each young person receives the support and opportunities they need to achieve their full potential.

Education and Learning
Wayside is uniquely equipped with purpose-built classrooms attached to the main house, allowing for a bespoke educational experience tailored to the needs and aspirations of each young person. Through Lawrence House School, students benefit from an individualized curriculum that places particular emphasis on Maths and English, ensuring proficiency in core subjects. Young people also have access to a range of programs, which provide practical, skills-focused learning experiences designed to prepare them for future independence and success. The integration of education and care ensures that all young people at Wayside receive a holistic and consistent approach to their development.

Care Approach
Wayside operates within a care framework that prioritizes attachment, stability, and permanency for young people. Staff members act as positive role models, offering nurturing and consistent support while promoting independence and self-confidence. The home follows a social model of understanding, recognizing that the environment can be adapted to maximize each young person’s potential. A sensory room and adapted learning spaces further support emotional regulation and communication development.

Specialist Support and Training
The staff team at Wayside is highly trained to meet the specific needs of young people with ASD and learning disabilities. In addition to core training, staff are equipped with specialist skills in SoSafe! and Signalong, ensuring they can effectively support communication and social development. Furthermore, the home benefits from the ongoing support of QPC’s clinical team, who provide expert behavioural support and guidance. All staff members are MAPA-trained to ensure the safe management of challenging behaviours, always prioritizing the dignity and well-being of the young people in their care.

Community Engagement and Life Skills
Wayside takes an activity-oriented approach to both education and care, encouraging young people to engage meaningfully with their peers and the wider community. Through structured social opportunities and skill-building activities, young people develop confidence, independence, and a sense of belonging. Staff work closely with each individual to identify goals and outcomes within their placement action plan, ensuring continuous progress in personal development, communication, self-care skills, and community engagement.

Cultural and Religious Inclusivity
Diversity and inclusion are key values at Wayside, and the home actively embraces and celebrates different cultures, traditions, and religious beliefs. Young people are supported in observing their religious practices, with access to prayer books, religious artefacts, and places of worship as needed. Staff members foster a culture of mutual respect and learning, encouraging open discussions about different beliefs and backgrounds to create a welcoming and inclusive environment.

Our Commitment
Wayside Children’s Home is dedicated to being an outstanding care provision for young people with ASD and learning disabilities. By combining expert care, individualized education, and therapeutic support, we aim to provide a nurturing, structured, and empowering environment where every young person can achieve their goals and experience meaningful progress. Through collaborative working with young people, their families, and professional networks, we ensure that each child’s voice is heard and their potential is realized.