How to become
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- applying directly
University
You could study for a qualification, such as:
- health and social care management
- nursing
- child development
- social work
- health and social work
With your qualification, you may be able to apply for management trainee positions, with a local authority or social care company.
You could also try for a place on a graduate management scheme, if you have a degree.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- between 1 and 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a higher national diploma or degree
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Apprenticeship
You may be able to apply for an Adult Care Level 5 Higher Apprenticeship, or Children, Young People and Families Manager Level 5 Higher Apprenticeship.
These apprenticeships can be done with local authorities or companies that provide care home services
They take around 2 years to complete and combine on-the-job training with study.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
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Work
You could work as a senior care worker or nurse in a care home and do training on the job to qualify as an assistant manager or manager.
You would normally take the Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care and Children and Young People's Services, within 3 months of starting your job. You'll need to complete it within 2 to 3 years.
The qualification has different pathways to follow, depending on whether you want to work with adults, or children and young people.
Direct Application
You can apply directly for jobs. You'll need managerial experience in areas like social care, healthcare or social work.
A good understanding of care home regulations and quality standards will be required. Leadership and communication skills are also essential.
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Registration
you will need to register with the Care Quality Commission (CQC), if managing an adult care home
you will need to register with Ofsted to manage a residential home for children and young people
Further information
You can get more advice about working as a care home manager for adults from Department of Health and Social Care and the Think Care Careers.