Meet Kettering's Jessica - the country's youngest registered care home manager

Most 22-year-olds are settling into their first job after completing their studies or are still looking for their big break.

Not Kettering's Jessica Pateman - who recently became the youngest registered care home manager in England.

She runs Elm Bank Care Home in Northampton Road and was confirmed last month by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) to hold the title after passing an hour-long interview at the age of 22 years and eight months.

But to her age is just a number and she has big plans turn the care home into one of the best in the country.

She said: "I love my job and to me it's not about what age you are and what skills you have.

"It's about having the right attitude.

"I hope this inspires other people out there who want to become managers and shows them they can get to where they want to be."

Jessica, who grew up in Cyprus, took on the role of manager of the 115-bed Barchester Healthcare elderly and dementia support home in August before becoming a registered manager in December.

Her sister is a doctor and she has other relatives who are nurses, so you'd think going into providing care was the natural step for her to take.

But it wasn't always her ambition - originally hoping to go into fashion design.

She said: "I decided to study fashion design but while I was doing it I cared for an elderly gentleman.

"That kick-started it for me. I really enjoyed the care side and wanted to do it more."

She began her career as a carer for the Isle of Man Government and then trained as a senior social care worker.

More recently, in order to become a registered manager, she worked under the guidance of Barchester regional director Catherine Tanner to help some of the firm's homes which were requiring additional support to meet the high standards expected of them.

Jessica, who turns 23 in April, previously completed an NVQ Level 3 in care and is now working towards her Level 5 leadership qualification.

Her vision is for the care home to receive an ‘outstanding’ CQC rating and her goal is to achieve that within three years. It is currently rated as 'requires improvement', but has ratings of 'good' in two out of five areas.

Being a care home manager, particularly during the pandemic, has not been without its challenges.

Restrictions, regular testing and the vaccination programme are just some of the things thrown up in the five months Jessica has been in charge.

Most of the staff - including Jessica - and residents at the home have now received their first Covid-19 vaccination.

Since joining she has set up regular feedback meeting with residents and Zoom meetings with their families.

Staff also made it a Christmas to remember for residents by organising parties and family visits in the Covid-safe visiting suite.

And Jessica enjoyed spending her Christmas Day with those at the home.

She said: "We are like one big family here."

Lorna Rose, managing director (Central Division) at Barchester, said: “Jessica really deserves this new role and recognition of her hard work and total commitment to providing the best care, lifestyle and activities programme for residents in her care.

"She has gained experience in several Barchester homes and we have always been impressed by her attention to detail, professionalism and ability to get to know people quickly.

"Jessica is very caring and nothing seems to faze her in managing a large care environment. She has already created a homely atmosphere with lots of activities for respite and permanent residents. We are delighted and proud that she is working with us.”