At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and innovate in Residential Childcare, driving curriculum excellence and business growth.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking organisation committed to high-quality education and training.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and comprehensive health benefits.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of learners while shaping the future of childcare education.
- Qualifications: Level 5 teaching qualification and experience in post-16 education required.
The predicted salary is between 44000 - 48000 £ per year.
The Strategic Lead of Residential Childcare is responsible for providing strategic leadership, innovation, and operational oversight across the Residential Childcare provision. The role plays a key part in driving curriculum excellence, quality improvement, business growth, employer engagement, and performance management to ensure we deliver high‑quality programmes that meet local, regional, and national skills priorities. Working closely with the Assistant Director for Skills, the Strategic Lead will shape and implement strategic objectives across the Residential Childcare curriculum area, ensuring provision remains compliant, commercially viable, learner‑focused, and inspection ready.
The Strategic Lead will provide leadership and support to the Head of Residential Childcare and the delivery team, embedding a culture of high performance, continuous improvement, collaboration, and innovation across all aspects of delivery. Furthermore, the Strategic Lead will work alongside the Head of Business Development to drive growth and position Acorn Training as one of the leading providers of Residential Childcare apprenticeships and qualifications in the country.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide strategic leadership and oversight of the Residential Childcare curriculum area, ensuring delivery aligns with organisational priorities, growth strategies, funding requirements, and sector needs.
- Oversee the development and implementation of curriculum strategies that support innovative, high‑quality adult learning and apprenticeship provision which is responsive to employer demand and labour market intelligence.
- Support the Assistant Director for Skills in achieving strategic business objectives, performance targets, quality outcomes, and operational compliance across all Residential Childcare provision.
- Line‑manage and support the Head of Residential Childcare ensuring effective performance management, accountability, and professional development across teams.
- Drive a culture of excellence, professionalism, innovation, and continuous improvement through effective leadership, coaching, and strategic direction.
- Oversee curriculum performance, including learner attendance, retention, achievement, progression, employer satisfaction, quality indicators, and compliance measures, implementing improvement strategies where required.
- Lead and direct quality assurance and quality improvement activities across the Residential Childcare provision, ensuring consistency in teaching, learning, assessment, and learner experience.
- Ensure the curriculum area remains fully compliant with awarding organisations, funding, regulatory, safeguarding, and inspection requirements, maintaining a continual state of inspection readiness.
- Analyse performance data, learner outcomes, quality indicators, and market intelligence to inform strategic planning and decision‑making.
- Lead on self‑assessment, quality improvement planning, deep dives, internal audits, standardisation activities, and external inspection preparation within the curriculum area.
- Develop and maintain strong partnerships with employers, stakeholders, local authorities, sector bodies, and external agencies to enhance curriculum relevance, learner progression, and business growth opportunities.
- Identify and pursue new market opportunities, partnerships, and commercial growth opportunities in line with organisational objectives.
- Collaborate with internal departments including quality, compliance, learner services, business development, and marketing to enhance learner engagement, recruitment, retention, and progression outcomes.
- Champion the use of innovative teaching practices, educational technologies, and learner‑centred approaches to improve learner engagement and achievement.
- Lead cross‑departmental strategic projects and organisational improvement initiatives as directed by the Assistant Director for Skills.
- Support workforce planning and succession development within the Residential Childcare provision to ensure sustainable and high‑performing teams.
Key Performance Indicators
- High levels of learner, employer, and stakeholder satisfaction.
- Successful implementation of curriculum growth and development strategies.
- Achievement of business growth and partnership development objectives.
- Sustained improvement in learner achievement, retention, attendance, and progression rates.
- Strong quality assurance outcomes and inspection readiness.
- Successful achievement of contractual, funding, and compliance targets.
- Positive quality indicators across teaching, learning, and assessment.
- Timely implementation of quality improvement actions and strategic initiatives.
Qualifications and specific training
- Minimum Level 5 teaching learning and assessment qualification, such as Cert Ed, DTLLS or Diploma in Education and Training (essential)
- Minimum Level 5 or above subject specialism qualification (essential)
- Level 3 CAVA and Level 4 IQA or equivalent (essential)
- GCSE (or equivalent) in English Language and Mathematics (essential)
- Full Driving Licence (essential)
- Degree in Education, Leadership, Management or related discipline (desirable)
- IOSH Managing Safely qualification (desirable)
- Leadership or management qualification (desirable)
Experience
- Significant experience within the post‑16 education and training sector (essential)
- Proven experience of strategic leadership and operational management (essential)
- Experience managing curriculum performance and quality improvement (essential)
- Experience leading teams within apprenticeships and/or adult learning provision (essential)
- Experience of curriculum development aligned to employer and learner needs (essential)
- Experience preparing provision for inspection and external quality assurance activity (essential)
- Experience leading large‑scale strategic or organisational improvement projects (desirable)
- Experience managing budgets and commercial performance (desirable)
- Experience developing external partnerships and stakeholder relationships (desirable)
Knowledge
- Strong understanding of the FE and training sector including apprenticeships and adult learning (essential)
- Knowledge of funding rules, regulatory requirements, quality assurance, and inspection frameworks (essential)
- Understanding of curriculum development, quality improvement methodologies, and learner‑centred practice (essential)
- Knowledge of safeguarding, Prevent, equality, and compliance responsibilities (essential)
- Familiarity with industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in curriculum design and delivery (desirable)
- Knowledge of labour market trends and workforce development priorities within Residential Childcare (desirable)
Skills
- Strong strategic leadership and people management skills (essential)
- Excellent communication, influencing, and stakeholder engagement abilities (essential)
- Ability to analyse performance data and implement improvement strategies (essential)
- Ability to lead organisational change and drive continuous improvement (essential)
- Strong organisational, planning, and project management skills (essential)
- Ability to build high‑performing, collaborative teams (essential)
- Experience using digital technologies and data systems to support curriculum management and quality improvement (desirable)
Job Benefits
- Flexible working including home‑based, centre‑based, or hybrid job role dependant
- Up to 26 days annual leave, with the option to purchase up to 10 additional days
- Pension scheme to support your long‑term financial wellbeing
- Training and professional development, including CPD workshops and professional qualifications
- Westfield Health Scheme with benefits including 13 healthcare services, cashback towards essential health bills, counselling and therapy treatments, fast access to MRI, CT, and PET scans, and discounted shopping vouchers
- Wellbeing initiatives including Wellbeing Wednesdays and the Mental Health at Work Pledge
- Disability Confident Leader, Menopause Workplace Pledge, Armed Forces Covenant, Ban the Box Employer, and secure prayer spaces
- Annual paid volunteering day and charity initiatives
- Cash incentives for Employee of the Month and Employee of the Year awards
- £500 Recommend a friend scheme
Residential Childcare Performance & Growth Lead in Stoke-on-Trent employer: Acorn Training LTD
Acorn Training is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and supportive work environment for the Residential Childcare Performance & Growth Lead role. With a strong focus on employee development, flexible working arrangements, and a commitment to wellbeing, we empower our staff to drive innovation and excellence in education. Our culture fosters collaboration and continuous improvement, ensuring that you can make a meaningful impact while advancing your career in a sector that truly values your contributions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Residential Childcare Performance & Growth Lead in Stoke-on-Trent
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the Residential Childcare sector on LinkedIn or at local events. Building connections can lead to job opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its values. Tailor your answers to show how your experience aligns with their goals, especially around curriculum excellence and quality improvement.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've driven performance and innovation in previous roles. This is key for a Strategic Lead position.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Residential Childcare Performance & Growth Lead in Stoke-on-Trent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight how your experience aligns with the key responsibilities of the Residential Childcare Performance & Growth Lead role. We want to see how you can drive curriculum excellence and business growth!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:This role is all about strategic leadership, so don’t hold back! Share examples of how you've led teams or projects in the past, especially in the post-16 education sector. We love seeing how you’ve driven continuous improvement and innovation.
Be Data Savvy:Since analysing performance data is crucial for this position, include any relevant experience you have with data analysis and how it informed your decision-making. We’re keen to know how you’ve used data to enhance learner outcomes!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Acorn Training LTD
✨Know Your Curriculum Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the specifics of the Residential Childcare curriculum. Familiarise yourself with current trends, quality improvement methodologies, and how they align with employer needs. This will show your strategic thinking and commitment to delivering high-quality programmes.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in strategic leadership and operational management. Think about times when you’ve driven performance improvements or led teams through change. This is your chance to demonstrate how you can foster a culture of excellence and innovation.
✨Engage with Data
Be ready to discuss how you analyse performance data and implement improvement strategies. Bring examples of how you've used data to inform decision-making in previous roles. This will illustrate your analytical skills and your ability to drive continuous improvement.
✨Build Connections
Think about how you can develop strong partnerships with employers and stakeholders. Be prepared to discuss your experience in building relationships and how you can enhance curriculum relevance and business growth opportunities. This shows you understand the importance of collaboration in achieving strategic objectives.
