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- Tasks: Lead quality assurance for children's services and ensure compliance with Ofsted standards.
- Company: Join a well-established Children’s Services Placement and Commissioning function in East Sussex.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and a chance to influence real change.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact on the lives of children and young people through quality improvement.
- Qualifications: Experience in children's residential care and strong knowledge of Ofsted regulations required.
- Other info: Hybrid role with opportunities for professional development and leadership.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 55000 £ per year.
Location: East Sussex (with regional/national travel)
Salary: £50,000 - £55,000 per annum (Local Managerial Grade 2 - DOE)
Contract: Full-time | Permanent - Hybrid role, working at least 2 days within the office.
A senior leadership opportunity to influence quality and outcomes for children and young people. We are recruiting an experienced Practice Manager - Quality Assurance & Supported Accommodation to join a well-established Children's Services Placement and Commissioning function. This is a strategic and operational leadership role, ideal for a former Registered Children's Home Manager, Responsible Individual or a highly experienced Deputy Manager with strong regulatory expertise and a passion for quality improvement.
This role plays a critical part in ensuring that children and young people are placed in safe, high-quality, needs-led provision, with a strong focus on Ofsted compliance, quality assurance, and value for money.
About the Role
You will provide residential and regulatory expertise across supported accommodation and residential provision for children and young people aged 0-18, with particular responsibility for:
- Leading quality assurance activity across registered and unregistered children's homes
- Visiting, auditing, and quality assessing external providers
- Ensuring compliance with legislation, regulation, and Ofsted standards
- Overseeing supported accommodation placements for young people aged 16+
- Managing and supervising senior practitioners/social workers within a placement support function
- Working closely with commissioning, brokerage, procurement, health, and education partners
This is a highly autonomous role requiring professional authority, strong judgement, and the confidence to challenge providers to improve quality and outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
- Act as the lead residential and regulatory expert within the service
- Quality assure and review commissioned placements and supported accommodation provision
- Apply in-depth knowledge of Ofsted frameworks, legislation, and regulation
- Lead audits, case file reviews, and quality improvement activity
- Manage senior staff through reflective supervision, appraisal, and performance management
- Negotiate with providers to secure high-quality, cost-effective placements
- Represent the organisation in court proceedings, panels, and multi-agency forums
- Contribute to policy development, service improvement, and innovative practice
- Promote equality, diversity, inclusion, and professional curiosity across the service
- Ensure effective resource management and accountability for performance targets
Essential Requirements
- RQF Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare (Residential pathway)
- Extensive experience as a Registered Children's Home Manager or a very experienced Deputy
- Strong, working knowledge of Ofsted inspection frameworks and regulatory requirements
- Proven experience in quality assurance, auditing, and compliance
- Ability to provide expert consultation and professional challenge
- Excellent communication skills, including managing complex and high-risk situations
- Experience supervising and developing senior practitioners or social work staff
- Strong understanding of housing and supported accommodation legislation
- Ability to travel nationally, including occasional overnight stays
- Commitment to safeguarding, best practice, and continuous professional development
What's on Offer
- Competitive salary in the £50,000-£55,000 range
- Senior leadership role with real influence on service quality and outcomes
- Opportunity to work strategically across residential care and supported accommodation
- Flexible, professional working environment
- A role aligned with public-sector values, including equality, sustainability, and best use of resources
- Hybrid role, working at least 2 days within the office.
Safeguarding & Compliance
This role is subject to safer recruitment processes, including enhanced DBS checks and satisfactory references.
If you are an experienced residential care leader looking to move into a strategic quality assurance and commissioning-focused role, this is a rare and impactful opportunity.
Practice Manager - Children\'s Quality Assurance Ofsted in Brighton employer: Brook Street UK
Contact Detail:
Brook Street UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Practice Manager - Children\'s Quality Assurance Ofsted in Brighton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the children's services sector. Attend relevant events or webinars where you can meet potential employers and showcase your expertise in quality assurance and Ofsted compliance.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of Ofsted frameworks and recent legislation changes. Be ready to discuss how you've led quality improvement initiatives in your previous roles, as this will show your passion for making a difference.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on organisations that align with your values. Use our website to find roles that resonate with your experience and passion for safeguarding and quality assurance in children's services.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email reiterating your interest in the role and highlighting a key point from your discussion can keep you top of mind for hiring managers. It shows professionalism and enthusiasm!
We think you need these skills to ace Practice Manager - Children\'s Quality Assurance Ofsted in Brighton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in quality assurance and regulatory compliance. We want to see how your background aligns with the role of Practice Manager, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant skills!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: This role is all about leadership, so be sure to emphasise your experience managing teams and driving quality improvements. Share specific examples of how you've led initiatives or improved outcomes for children and young people in your previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and passion for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it helps us keep everything organised on our end!
How to prepare for a job interview at Brook Street UK
✨Know Your Ofsted Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on the Ofsted inspection frameworks and regulatory requirements. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you’re not just familiar with the standards, but that you can also apply them in practice.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led teams or managed complex situations in your previous roles. Highlight your experience in supervising senior practitioners and how you’ve driven quality improvement in children's services.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Quality Improvement
Be ready to talk about specific initiatives you've implemented that improved service quality or compliance. This role is all about ensuring high standards, so showing your commitment to continuous improvement will resonate well.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the organisation's approach to quality assurance and how they measure success. This not only shows your interest in the role but also your strategic thinking regarding the impact on children and young people.
