Now accepting applications for our January 27 cohort
CareStart — better leaders. better care.

better leaders.
better care.

Developing exceptional Registered Managers for children's residential care.

Explore the programmes Become a partner home
Children laughing together at home
01 — The Challenge

The sector crisis: residential care in England.

High need. Rising cost. Missing leadership.

£0.0bn

Annual spend on residential care

+96% since 2019-20

£318,400 per child per year (~£6,100/week)

0%

Homes without a registered manager

Critical

As of March 2025 (NAO 2025) — workforce is the systemic failure

0

Children looked after (Mar 2025)

9,480 in children's homes

12% of all children looked after

0%

Have 3+ placement moves a year

49% placed >20 miles from family

Instability damages outcomes for life

02 — The Solution

Build the leaders the sector needs.

Leadership quality shapes care outcomes, retention and regulatory success. CareStart closes the gap.

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

Outstanding Ofsted ratings — embedded, not performed.

Sector leadership

Advocates and innovators shaping the wider care community.

Our Programmes

Two routes to registered manager excellence.

CareStart Fellowship● Now accepting applications

CareStart Fellowship

Advancing current professionals · 1-year programme

For deputy managers, senior practitioners and team leaders stepping up to Registered Manager.

  • Advanced leadership curriculum for residential care
  • Mentorship from sector-leading Registered Managers
  • Ofsted-ready strategic frameworks
Apply for the Fellowship
CareStart Accelerator✦ Launching 2027

CareStart 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
Express your interest
Leadership coaching

Coaching that moves the needle for children.

Residential leaders make critical decisions under pressure. Coaching builds the confidence and judgement the role demands.

Enquire about coaching
Two adults in a coaching session, smiling and engaged
Partner homes

Help shape the future of care leadership.

Partner with us to shape the next generation of care leaders.

Register your interest

What partner homes get

  • Access to vetted, highly motivated participants
  • Ongoing support from the Rosegarde team
  • Influence and shape emerging leadership talent
  • A pipeline for future Registered Manager recruitment
  • Recognition as a leader in sector development
Contact

Let's talk leadership.

Programmes, partnerships, or your pathway — we're here.

Or email info@carestart.co.uk