better leaders.
better care.
Developing exceptional Registered Managers for children's residential care.
The sector crisis: residential care in England.
High need. Rising cost. Missing leadership.
Annual spend on residential care
+96% since 2019-20£318,400 per child per year (~£6,100/week)
Homes without a registered manager
CriticalAs of March 2025 (NAO 2025) — workforce is the systemic failure
Children looked after (Mar 2025)
9,480 in children's homes12% of all children looked after
Have 3+ placement moves a year
49% placed >20 miles from familyInstability damages outcomes for life
Build the leaders the sector needs.
Strong leaders build strong teams, and strong teams provide the consistent, nurturing and relationship-centred care that children need to feel safe, develop trusting relationships and thrive. By investing in leadership, we strengthen staff retention, create stability and continuity of care, and ultimately improve outcomes for children.
Cultural transformation
Environments where children feel genuinely valued and supported.
Staff development
Teams who are engaged, skilled, and here for the long haul.
Regulatory excellence
Accredited qualification that provides sector-specific professional knowledge
Sector leadership
Advocates and innovators shaping the wider care community.
Two routes to registered manager excellence.
● Now accepting applicationsCareStart Fellowship
Advancing current professionals · 18-month programme
For deputy managers, senior practitioners and team leaders stepping up to Registered Manager.
- Advanced leadership curriculum for residential care
- 1:1 executive coaching
- Ofsted-ready strategic frameworks
- Includes completion of Level 6 Graduate Diploma in Residential Work (Children's)
✦ Launching September 2027CareStart Accelerator
Fast-track for new talent · 2-year programme
An intensive pathway for values-driven people new to care. We find talent and develop it.
- Recognised academic qualification with leading universities
- Progressive responsibility in values-aligned partner homes
- Direct mentorship from respected sector leaders
Training that transforms
CareStart was founded in 2026 to address the lack of structured leadership development and professional support in children’s residential care. Our journey began with a pilot Fellowship delivered in partnership with a leading provider of children’s homes, supporting emerging leaders through personalised coaching, relational care and practical leadership development. Building on this foundation, we have partnered with Kingston University to integrate its Level 6 Graduate Diploma in Residential Work (Children’s) into our Fellowship, creating a unique pathway that combines academic learning, leadership development and practical experience to develop the next generation of confident, compassionate leaders.
Let's talk leadership.
Programmes, partnerships, or your pathway — we're here.
Or email info@carestart.co.uk