Children's Home manager

We are recruiting on behalf of a growing children’s residential care provider for an experienced and ambitious Registered Manager to lead a newly Ofsted-registered 2-bed children’s home supporting children and young people with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs.

This is an exciting opportunity to take the lead in shaping a brand-new service from the ground up. You will establish the home’s culture, systems and therapeutic approach, creating a safe, stable and nurturing environment where young people can thrive.

The role is ideal for an experienced Registered Manager who is passionate about delivering exceptional care, developing high-performing teams and achieving positive outcomes for vulnerable children.

Applicants must have previously held Ofsted registration as a Registered Manager and achieved a minimum of a Good Ofsted judgement within a children’s residential setting.

Why Apply?

You will have the opportunity to lead a newly registered 2-bed home from day one, working alongside an experienced and supportive senior leadership team. The small-home model allows for genuinely child-centred and therapeutic care, with a clear ambition to achieve a Good or Outstanding outcome at the first inspection.

This organisation is committed to high standards of care, continuous development and achieving positive outcomes for children and young people.

The Role

As Registered Manager, you will provide strong leadership to the residential childcare team, establishing a positive, child-centred and therapeutic culture. You will be responsible for staff supervision, performance management, development, recruitment and retention, while ensuring safe staffing levels are maintained.

You will oversee the delivery of high-quality, individualised care and ensure that care planning, risk management and placement matching are effective. A key part of the role will be promoting children's rights, wishes and participation while supporting positive outcomes across education, health, independence and emotional wellbeing.

Safeguarding will remain a key priority. You will ensure concerns are appropriately managed and escalated in accordance with statutory guidance, while developing effective relationships with local authorities, schools, health professionals, families and other partner agencies.

You will also lead the home's quality assurance and compliance processes, ensuring the service meets the requirements of the Children’s Homes Regulations, Quality Standards, Ofsted and internal policies. This will include maintaining inspection readiness, completing regulatory reporting, monitoring incidents and complaints, and identifying opportunities for continuous improvement.

Operational responsibilities will include effective budget management and ensuring the home remains safe, welcoming and well maintained.

Essential Requirements

The successful candidate will have:

• A completed Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare.
• Previous Ofsted registration as a Registered Manager of a children’s home.
• A proven track record of achieving and maintaining at least a Good Ofsted judgement.
• At least 2 years' management experience within children's residential care.
• Significant experience supporting young people with SEMH needs and complex behaviours.
• Strong knowledge of safeguarding legislation, Children's Homes Regulations and Quality Standards.
• Experience of trauma-informed practice, attachment theory and therapeutic care.
• Proven experience leading, developing and motivating residential childcare teams.
• Excellent communication, organisation and report-writing skills.
• A full UK driving licence.

You should have experience supporting children affected by trauma, exploitation, neglect, abuse, emotional dysregulation and complex behaviours.

Desirable Experience

Experience of achieving an Outstanding Ofsted judgement, opening or developing children's homes, or holding a Social Work or equivalent professional qualification would be advantageous. DSL training and experience supporting children with ASD, ADHD, PDA and other neurodiverse needs would also be beneficial.

Safeguarding

Our client is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to enhanced DBS checks, satisfactory references, qualification verification and safer recruitment procedures.

Apply Now

If you are an experienced Registered Manager looking for the opportunity to lead and develop a brand-new children's residential service, we would love to hear from you.