A warm, spacious, and personalized environment for every child.

Fernleigh House is a large, purpose-built home designed to meet the unique needs of the children who live here. With a homely atmosphere, the space is thoughtfully adapted to feel welcoming and calm. The décor and furnishings are neutral and gentle, creating a peaceful setting, while each child's bedroom is decorated according to their individual preferences.

The home includes a fully equipped kitchen, dining area, lounge, bathrooms, children's bedrooms, adult bedrooms and sensory rooms. All bathrooms and toilets have locks to ensure privacy, security, and personal space.

Upon arrival, each child is made to feel at home immediately. They are provided with their own room and belongings, while being encouraged to engage socially at their own pace. Each child receives a personalized welcome pack to help them settle in, and introductions to staff and other children are handled with care and sensitivity, ensuring a comfortable transition.

Plenty to do

There are plenty of local facilities and activities. Gunnislake and its surrounding areas offer a variety of engaging activities for children, combining outdoor adventures with educational experiences.

Such as donkey Park & Sanctuary, Woodland Centre, Outdoor Adventures on Tamar Valley scenic landscapes provide ample opportunities for cycling, hiking, and exploring nature trails suitable for all ages. Local clubs and classes also offer various outdoor activities tailored for children.

For the more active there are sports facilities of every description including gyms, trampoline centres, skateboard parks and parkour clubs close by. Naturally much of what goes on is centred on watersports, with nearby Plymouth offering the perfect sheltered place to pick all things nautical things up. Wind surfing, paddleboarding, skiing, diving, canoeing and yachting are all very accessible for beginners and experts alike. Further inland there are horse riding centres, mountain bike trekking and supervised rock climbing for all the little daredevils.

Location, Location, Location

Gunnislake is a charming village located in Cornwall, in the southwest of England. Nestled on the edge of the River Tamar, it lies on the border between Cornwall and Devon. Known for its picturesque surroundings, the area is steeped in natural beauty, with rolling hills, woodlands, and river views, making it a perfect spot for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.

The village itself has a friendly, close-knit community and offers a range of local amenities including shops, a primary school, and a few pubs, adding to its rural charm. Gunnislake is also known for its historical mining heritage, with traces of Cornwall’s rich industrial past visible throughout the area. The village is well- connected by road and rail, with the Tamar Valley Line providing easy access to nearby towns and cities like Plymouth.

The area is ideal for those looking for a peaceful, countryside lifestyle while still being within reach of more urban conveniences. Gunnislake’s proximity to areas like Bodmin Moor and the Dartmoor National Park also means that residents and visitors can enjoy hiking, cycling, and exploring beautiful landscapes year-round.

There are many outside spaces and green areas, there are walks, forests, woodlands, playing fields, parks and play areas. Gunnislake is on the train line to Plymouth the ocean city of the southwest.

The children we care for

From the minute that our children arrive, they are offered and support and guidance. Our team is well experienced in caring for children with a wide range of physical and emotional needs. Emphasis is always on encouraging the positive rather than quashing the negative. By fostering an environment of safety, trust, positivity and community, we aim to create as close to a close-knit family atmosphere as is possible within these supervised surroundings.

On arrival each child receives a guide to Fernleigh Lodge which provides guidance and advice to all new arrivals and help them adapt to their new surroundings. Each one covers contact a wide range of information including daily and weekly routines, money (pocket, clothing, toiletries and haircuts), visitors to the home, mealtimes, health, education, hobbies and activities, personal property/valuables, privacy, wellbeing, religious and cultural wishes, rights and responsibilities and fire safety.

Supporting our Children

From the minute that our children arrive, they are offered and support and guidance. Our team is well experienced in caring for children with a wide range of physical and emotional needs. Emphasis is always on encouraging the positive rather than quashing the negative. By fostering an environment of safety, trust, positivity and community, we aim to create as close to a close-knit family atmosphere as is possible within these supervised surroundings.

On arrival each child receives a guide to Mayfield Lodge which provides guidance and advice to all new arrivals and help them adapt to their new surroundings. Each one covers contact a wide range of information including daily and weekly routines, money (pocket, clothing, toiletries and haircuts), visitors to the home, mealtimes, health, education, hobbies and activities, personal property/valuables, privacy, wellbeing, religious and cultural wishes, rights and responsibilities and fire safety.





Childrens Guide - Fernleigh House

View Children's Guide

Our People

The managerial team at Fernleigh Lodge consists of a Registered Manager, Home Manager and Deputy Manager. Support staff will vary depending on the children’s needs but will include senior support workers and residential support workers. There is a senior member of staff on call at all times, who may be consulted for advice, support or to be informed of any serious incidents. Rainbow Lodge operates with a minimum number of staff on duty during the day and a waking night supported by a staff member sleeping.

Throughout the day, the Registered Manager or Home Manager will be based in the home and available for guidance and support to staff. Should a member of staff be unable to come into work, another member of the staff team or bank staff would, in the first instance to cover the shift.

Patricia Smith

Registered Manager

Trish has been a valued member of Fernleigh House since 2019 and brings over two decades of experience in the care sector, having begun her career in 2003. Starting out as a kitchen assistant in a residential school, Trish’s dedication and passion for care have seen her progress through a variety of roles including Support Worker, Team Leader, Deputy Manager, and ultimately Registered Manager.

Throughout her career, Trish has gained extensive experience working with a broad range of needs and specialisms, including challenging behaviour, trauma, learning difficulties, ADHD, and autism. Her approach is informed by both practical experience and robust qualifications.

Trish holds a Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management (England) (QCF), is a trained PBS (Positive Behaviour Support) Practitioner and Trainer, and is a qualified A1 Assessor. Her leadership is driven by a strong commitment to person-centred care, staff development, and creating safe, supportive environments for young people.

Cory Jones

Home Manager

Cory joined Sequel Support in March 2025, bringing with him two decades of experience in the care and education sector. He began his career in 2005 as a Learning Support Assistant in a specialist SEN school, steadily progressing to become a PBS (Positive Behaviour Support) Coach. From 2019, Cory served as the Registered Manager at Fernleigh House, where he led a dedicated team supporting individuals with complex needs. His career has involved working across a wide range of specialisms including complex needs, challenging behaviour, trauma, learning difficulties, ADHD, and autism.

From 2019, Cory served as the Registered Manager at Fernleigh House, where he led a dedicated team supporting individuals with complex needs. His career has involved working across a wide range of specialisms including complex needs, challenging behaviour, trauma, learning difficulties, ADHD, and autism.

Cory holds a Level 4 Diploma in Management and Leadership (QCF) and is both a trained PBS Coach and Practitioner. His practice is rooted in person-centred values, and he is passionate about empowering individuals and teams to deliver high-quality, compassionate care through positive behaviour support frameworks.