We are currently 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 a unique opportunity to take the lead in shaping a brand-new service from the ground up. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in establishing the home’s culture, systems, and therapeutic approach, creating a safe, stable, and nurturing environment where young people can thrive.
This role is ideal for an experienced Registered Manager who is passionate about delivering exceptional care, driving service excellence, and achieving outstanding outcomes for vulnerable children.
Applicants must have previously held Ofsted registration as a Registered Manager and achieved a minimum ‘Good’ Ofsted judgement within a children’s residential setting.
Why Apply?
- Opportunity to lead a newly registered 2-bed home from day one
- Shape the culture, systems, and long-term development of the service
- Work alongside a supportive and experienced senior leadership team
- Small home model allowing genuinely child-centred, therapeutic care
- Clear ambition to achieve Good or Outstanding at first inspection
- Join an organisation committed to high standards and positive outcomes for children
Key Responsibilities / Leadership & Management
- Lead, motivate, and inspire a high-performing residential childcare team
- Promote a positive, child-centred, and therapeutic culture throughout the home
- Provide effective staff supervision, performance management, and development
- Maintain safe staffing levels and oversee recruitment and retention
- Drive continuous improvement and service development
Care & Outcomes
- Ensure children receive high-quality, individualised care that promotes positive outcomes
- Oversee care planning, risk management, and placement matching
- Promote children’s rights, wishes, and participation in all aspects of care
- Support young people to achieve positive outcomes in education, health, independence, and emotional wellbeing
Safeguarding
- Maintain the highest standards of safeguarding practice
- Ensure safeguarding concerns are managed appropriately and escalated in line with statutory guidance
- Build effective partnerships with local authorities, schools, health professionals, and partner agencies
Compliance & Quality Assurance
Ensure full compliance with:
- Children’s Homes Regulations
- Quality Standards
- Ofsted requirements
- Internal policies and procedures
You will also:
- Lead Ofsted inspections and maintain inspection readiness
- Complete regulatory reporting and quality assurance activities
- Monitor incidents, complaints, safeguarding concerns, restraints, and outcomes to identify trends and improvements
Operational Management
- Manage budgets effectively
- Ensure the home remains safe, welcoming, and well-maintained
- Maintain strong working relationships with professionals, families, and stakeholders
Essential Requirements
- Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare (completed)
- Previous Ofsted registration as a Registered Manager of a children’s home
- Proven track record of achieving and maintaining at least ‘Good’ Ofsted ratings
- Significant experience managing residential services for young people with SEMH needs
- Strong understanding of trauma-informed practice, attachment theory, and therapeutic care
- Experience supporting children impacted by trauma, exploitation, neglect, abuse, emotional dysregulation, and complex behaviours
- Minimum 2 years’ management experience within children’s residential care
- Excellent understanding of safeguarding legislation, regulations, and quality standards
- Experience leading, developing, and motivating residential childcare teams
- Strong communication, organisational, and report-writing skills
- Full UK Driving Licence
Desirable
- Experience achieving an Outstanding Ofsted judgement
- Experience opening or developing children’s homes
- Social Work qualification or equivalent professional qualification
- DSL training
- Experience supporting children with ASD, ADHD, PDA, and other neurodiverse needs
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, verification of qualifications, and safer recruitment procedures.
Apply Now
If you are an experienced Registered Manager looking for a new opportunity, we would love to hear from you.
