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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 service quality.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the lives of children and young people through strategic leadership.
- Qualifications: Experience in children's residential care and strong knowledge of Ofsted regulations required.
- Other info: Hybrid role with opportunities for professional development and career growth.
The predicted salary is between 43000 - 46000 £ 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 Eastbourne 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 Eastbourne
✨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.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on Ofsted frameworks and recent legislation changes. We want you to be the go-to expert in the room, so practice articulating how your experience aligns with the role's requirements.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've led teams or improved service quality in previous roles. This is your chance to shine and demonstrate your impact.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Practice Manager - Children\'s Quality Assurance Ofsted in Eastbourne
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 bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read through your qualifications and experiences. Remember, we’re looking for clarity in communication just as much as in your professional background!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates regarding your application status!
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 senior practitioners in the past. Highlight your experience in reflective supervision and performance management, as this role requires strong leadership to influence quality outcomes.
✨Demonstrate Your Quality Assurance Expertise
Be ready to discuss your experience with quality assurance activities, including audits and case file reviews. Share specific instances where your interventions led to improved service delivery or compliance, showcasing your impact.
✨Prepare for Challenging Questions
Expect questions that test your judgement and ability to challenge providers. Think about scenarios where you had to negotiate or advocate for high-quality placements, and be prepared to explain your thought process and outcomes.
