By Nicola Miller, August 2024

My journey with Amber Family started in October 2016 when I was employed as a Support Worker working weekend and night shifts. Whilst I had a degree in Social Work, I had recently had children and was edging my way back into the world of work. I loved the job as soon as I started and developed from a Support Worker to a Trainee Key Worker. I quickly passed my probation and became a fully-fledged Key Worker. Whilst completing this role I was given the opportunity to go to London and complete training to become a PAMs (Parent Assessment Manual) assessor. I was so happy with this opportunity and after I had completed the training and with my previous qualification as a Social Worker, Amber Family asked me to become a parenting assessor – someone who is responsible for considering all the evidence gathered throughout parents’ placements and compiling the final report. I enjoyed this role and remained in that position for several years, however, I wanted to push myself more and develop even more within the company. So, when I was offered the opportunity to manage Amber House, I was over the moon and thrilled that others saw potential in me and trusted me to be a manager of one of the settings. I put everything I had into my role and enjoyed what I was doing, however, I was aware that I would need to be interviewed by an Ofsted Inspector to officially be given the title of “Registered Manager”.

The word ‘Ofsted’ causes anxiety for most people, and I will admit I was very nervous waiting to be notified of my interview date. I remember receiving an email with the date of my interview and thought, ‘Can I actually do this?’. During the weeks leading up to my interview, I researched everything there is to know about Residential Family Centres and although I am confident about the knowledge I have due to the length of time I’ve worked for Amber Family and I regularly read updated law and policies, I still needed to make sure I was fully prepared for the Ofsted interview.

The day of the interview arrived, and I had to attend Ofsted’s head offices in Manchester. The drive was nerve-wracking enough, let alone knowing I was driving there to be interviewed for a role I felt so passionately about! I arrived early so had to wait in reception for a little while. Finally, the Ofsted inspector came to get me and escorted me to a room and the interview began. I was interviewed by two Ofsted Inspectors and the interview lasted 1.5 hours. I was asked an array of questions and believe I answered them confidently.

Interview over and the Ofsted Inspectors gave nothing away! I left not knowing whether I had been successful or not; all I was told was that I would receive a call the following week to let me know the outcome. I didn’t know how I had done it. I answered every question I was asked but was still not confident that I had been successful in the interview. It was such an anxious time waiting for the call from Ofsted, and I did not want to disappoint anyone by being unsuccessful. Five days later, I got the call. I did miss the first call as I was supporting a family in the community! However, after I got back from this visit, I returned the call and spoke to one of the Inspectors who had interviewed me. I had no idea what he was going to tell me, however, I then heard him say, ‘I’m happy to tell you, you have been successful in your interview, you are now the Registered Manager of Amber House’. I was so happy I almost cried tears of joy, but I managed to control them (whilst I was on the phone!). I immediately shared my good news with the staff team, with all of them telling me they never doubted that I would be successful in the interview.

I have reached my ultimate career goal by becoming a Registered Manager; however, I could not have done this without the support and encouragement of my Amber Family team.