Practice Manager - Children's Quality Assurance Ofsted

Position: Practice Manager - Children's Quality Assurance Ofsted (Permanent)
Practice Manager - Quality Assurance & Supported Accommodation

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.

📩 For further details or to apply, please get in touch.

#STRJP