Sarah Cooper

I am a hardworking, motivated, flexible individual, who can communicate on many levels and enjoy working in a team environment yet am equally capable of taking responsibility while using my own initiative. I am understanding, and considerate to others and have a commitment to my own self development.

Registered Manager - Compass Children's Homes

(2022-10 - 2026-03)

Responsible for the overall management and administration of the home, ensuring compliance with Ofsted regulations, and providing a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment for children and young people. Overseeing all aspects of the home's operations, including staff management, child welfare, safeguarding, and regulatory compliance.

• Provided strong leadership and direction to staff members, ensuring a positive and supportive working environment.
• Oversaw the recruitment, training, supervision, and performance management of staff to ensure high standards of care and professionalism.
• Implemented policies, procedures, and systems to support the effective operation of the children's home.
• Ensured the well-being, safety, and protection of all children in the home, adhering to statutory regulations and guidelines.
• Developed and implemented care plans and risk assessments for each child, ensuring their individual needs were met and their rights respected.
• Responded promptly and appropriately to any safeguarding concerns or incidents, following established procedures and protocols.
• Maintained full compliance with Ofsted regulations, standards, and inspection requirements, ensuring the home operates within legal frameworks and best practices.
• Addressed any recommendations or areas for improvement identified by Ofsted inspections, taking prompt action to implement necessary changes.
• Developed positive relationships with external agencies, local authorities, and other stakeholders involved in the care and support of children in the home.
• Collaborated with social workers, healthcare professionals, schools, and other relevant parties to ensure coordinated and holistic support for each child.
• Acted as a representative of the children's home in external forums, meetings, and networks, advocating for the needs and interests of the children in our care.
• Promoted a culture of continuous learning, reflection, and improvement among staff members, encouraging innovation and best practice.

Registered Manager - Footsteps – A Path to Change

(2021-02 - 2022-09)

Registered with Ofsted as the Registered Manager I led, and managed, and developed a team of residential support workers Ensured the home meets all regulatory and legislative requirements. Delivered high standards of care in line with Children's Homes Regulations and Quality Standards

• Managed safeguarding concerns and always promote the welfare of children
• Developed care plans, risk assessments, and behaviour management strategies
• Monitored budgets and ensured the financial sustainability of the home
• Prepared for and manage Ofsted inspections

Service Manager, Regional Manager, Head of Service and Compliance, Quality and Compliance Lead - Pathways Leaving Care Services

(2011-05 - 2020-07)

During my service with the company, I had undertaken several management roles within service provisions at the time, namely: Service Manager (2011-2014), Regional Manager (2014-2019). Then in 2019, Head Office roles: Head of Service and Compliance (October 2019 – March 2020) and finally, a specialist role of Quality and Compliance Lead (April 2020 – July 2020). In July 2020, the role of Quality and Compliance Lead became redundant after a company restructure

Residential Support Worker - C.H. Wrightcare

(2010-03 - 2011-05)

I assisted advised and supported young people as well as acted as a role model and mentor helping young people I supported achieve their potential. I established positive relationships and helped to meet the emotional, physical, educational and cultural needs of the young people. As a keyworker I ensured the needs of my young people were fully met and that care plans were followed and amended as their needs changed.

I helped to empower young people to make decisions about their own lives. Communicating with the staff team and other professionals to encourage and enable consistency for young people and I followed all policies and procedures. I also completed all aspects of the day to day running of the home.

Senior Residential Childcare Officer - Spurgeons Childcare

(2001-05 - 2002-08)

Initially I was employed as a childcare officer in new young people's home before it had opened, and played an instrumental part in setting up in house policies and procedures. I liaised with other professional agencies to ensure the successful and smooth transfer of the young people coming to Spurgeons. All aspects of paperwork was undertaken as well as working day to day helping and encouraging the young people to be as independent as possible.

I was quickly promoted to Senior Childcare officer and my role then included organizing shifts and activities for young people key-working, handling funds, sleep ins and appraisals for staff members.

Support Worker - Reliance Care Agency - Manchester area

(1999-10 - 2001-05)

I worked at various locations in the Manchester area with young people, the elderly and adults with learning and physical disabilities. I offered the clients physical and emotional support helping them to pursue independence in their day-to-day life activities.

Residential Childcare Officer - Birmingham Social Services

(1997-09 - 1999-10)

I worked with clients with physical, learning, and challenging behaviour. I liaised with social workers, schools, doctors, and families. I undertook the administration of medications and was responsible for recording all relevant information for clients as well as being a keyworker. I also studied and completed the vocational qualification NVQ Level 3.

Care Assistant - Birmingham Social Services

(1995-01 - 1997-09)

During my role as a care assistant for the elderly I befriended clients in their own homes, helping and encouraging them to live as independently as possible assisting with tasks such as cleaning, washing, collecting pensions and prompting to take medication.

FAQ Level 7 NVQ Diploma - Strategic Management and Leadership

Level 5 Diploma - Leadership for Health and Social Care

NVQ Level 3 - Caring for young people (1999)

Diploma - Travel and Tourism Management (1991 - 1994)

GCSEs (1986 - 1991)