Questions we hear all the time.

Setup costs vary enormously depending on the type of home, location, property, staffing model and size. There's no single answer, but as part of our Start Up & Registration support, we help you build a realistic financial picture including property, registration, recruitment, training, insurance, and ongoing operational costs.

Our consultancy covers four core areas: Start Up & Registration (business planning, funding, registration prep), Compliance & Regulation (Ofsted-aligned policies, safeguarding, safer recruitment), Quality Assurance & Improvement (audits, mock inspections, Reg 44/45 support), and Leadership & Staff Development (training, coaching, mentoring).

The registration process can vary considerably from one area to another. Factors such as local demand, Ofsted inspector availability, property readiness, recruitment of a Registered Manager and the quality of the application can all impact timescales. Providers should plan for at least 6+ months and in some counties 12 - 18 months have been reported. We ensure you have sufficient financial resources are available during the registration period. We work with providers to develop a structured registration strategy, helping to reduce delays, strengthen applications and improve readiness for each stage of the process.

Ofsted has specific requirements for both roles. Registered Managers typically need a relevant Level 5 qualification (or be working towards it) plus significant experience in residential childcare. Responsible Individuals need the right governance experience and oversight capability. We can review your team setup and identify any gaps before you submit.

Safeguarding and safer recruitment are core to running a children's home, and to Ofsted's expectations. We help providers develop robust safeguarding systems, implement safer recruitment processes that stand up to scrutiny, and embed both into everyday practice rather than treating them as paperwork exercises.

Yes, we support both. For new providers, we guide you through funding, business planning, registration and setup. For existing providers, we help strengthen compliance, improve quality assurance and prepare for inspections. Whatever stage you're at, we tailor our support around your service.

Every engagement is scoped around your specific needs, there's no one-size-fits-all package. After an initial conversation we'll send a clear, fixed proposal so you know exactly what's included.

Our mock inspections mirror the real Ofsted experience, inspection-style reviews of documentation, conversations with staff and managers, observation of practice, and a clear written report with prioritised actions. The aim is to surface gaps before an inspector does, so your team can act on real, specific feedback.

Both. Much of our consultancy, strategy, documentation reviews, training, coaching, works well remotely. Mock inspections, staff observations and certain site-specific work happen in person. We agree the right mix with you upfront based on what'll actually serve your service best.

Absolutely. Many of our clients come to us looking to lift their service from where it currently sits, whether that's after a Requires Improvement outcome, ahead of a re-inspection, or simply because they want to do better. We start with a clear-eyed review, then build a focused improvement plan around the specific areas that need attention.

Our training programmes for managers, Registered Managers, Responsible Individuals and care teams are designed to strengthen knowledge, develop practical skills and support professional development. Training is tailored to the realities of children's residential care, helping staff build confidence, improve practice and enhance outcomes for children. Participants receive a certificate of attendance, which can be used as evidence of continuing professional development and included within individual training and development records.

We work alongside you to understand the specific feedback, address the issues at their root, and put a clear improvement plan in place before you re-engage with Ofsted. Recovery from a difficult outcome is hard but doable, and structured, evidence-based improvement is what Ofsted wants to see.