Project Manager (Childrens Services)

Lead the setup and successful Ofsted registration and opening of a children's home, ensuring the home, people, policies, and systems fully comply with the Children's Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and associated Quality Standards, Ofsted's registration policy and inspection framework. You will hand the Project over to the Manager for Children's Residentials who will complete the project. You will hand over a clear Project Plan for the completion of the work. You will be able to achieve this within four months.

• Produce a time-phased start-up plan covering site acquisition/fit-out, registration artifacts (SC1/SC2), staffing, policies, and go-live risk management; track critical path to Ofsted decision.
• Draft/coordinate the Statement of Purpose, location risk assessment and core policies mapped to the Quality Standards (care, education, health, protection, leadership/management, care planning).
• Prepare the Manager for Residential Services, Registered Manager and Responsible Individual for Ofsted's "fit person" scrutiny and pre-registration activities; organize mock interviews and evidence packs.
• Embed safeguarding policies and multi-agency practice standards per Working Together 2026; establish referral, escalation, and allegation management pathways with local partners.
• Ensure alignment with Care Planning, Placement and Case Review Regulations (e.g., placement planning interfaces with placing authorities/IR0s) for looked-after children.
Safer Recruitment & Workforce
• Implement safer recruitment and vetting: role-appropriate Enhanced DBS with barred list where applicable, references, right-to-work, qualification checks, and ongoing supervision/induction.
• Build a workforce development plan to evidence competency against the Leadership & Management Standard and other Quality Standards.
Premises, H\&S, and Readiness
• Coordinate site fit-out and compliance: risk assessments, fire safety liaison, COSHH/manual handling arrangements, RIDDOR reporting processes, and general duties under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.
• Confirm the location is suitable for the intended cohort and supports access to education, health, and community resources, as emphasised by Ofsted's registration principles.