OVERVIEW

We are seeking an experienced leader who shares our vision: children come first. Our small, nurturing home offers a family-like environment where young people feel safe, valued, and supported. With a therapeutic, trauma-informed approach (including PACE), we focus on resilience, growth, and positive outcomes. We want an established manager – or a proven deputy ready to step up – who can bring experience, leadership, and put their own stamp on the service.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE (ESSENTIAL)

• NVQ Level 5 in Leadership & Management in Residential Childcare (or equivalent) – must already be held
• Either:
• At least 2 years’ experience as a Registered Manager in a children’s residential setting (Ofsted-regulated and rated Good or above)
• OR at least 2 years’ experience as a Deputy Manager in a children’s residential setting (Ofsted-regulated), with clear evidence of leading the home in the manager’s absence, involvement in Ofsted inspections, and direct responsibility for safeguarding, staffing and quality assurance
• Proven track record of managing risk across a range of areas, including safeguarding, child sexual exploitation, trauma, self-harm, missing episodes, substance use, and mental health crises

• Lead the home’s day-to-day management including staffing, rota, budget, health and safety, and compliance with regulations and standards
• Create and maintain a safe, nurturing, and therapeutic environment where children can thrive
• Oversee care planning and placement reviews, ensuring each child receives individualised, child-centred care
• Manage safeguarding and risk assessment with a proactive mindset across complex issues
• Promote a “can-do” culture: support staff to handle challenging behaviour using de-escalation, positive reinforcement, and restorative approaches
• Ensure the staff team are skilled, motivated, and aligned with the ethos and values of the home
• Lead quality assurance, including Regulation 44 visits, Regulation 45 Quality of Care reports, Ofsted readiness and continuous improvement
• Build strong multi-agency relationships with local authority, health, education, and therapeutic partners