Please double check you have the right level of experience and qualifications by reading the full overview of this opportunity below. Job Title: Registered Manager - Children's Residential Care Home. Location: SE5 9JA Salary: £55000 plus depending on experience. Contract Type: Full-Time, Permanent Working Hours: 40 hours per week (may include evenings, weekends, and on-call duties as required) Job Purpose The Registered Manager is responsible for the overall leadership, management, and development of a 4-bed Children’s Home, including the registration and start-up of the service. The post holder will ensure that children and young people receive high-quality, safe, and child-centred care, promoting positive outcomes in line with regulatory requirements and best practice. The Registered Manager will lead by example, creating a nurturing, trauma-informed environment, ensuring safeguarding is embedded in all aspects of practice, and developing a skilled and motivated staff team capable of delivering consistently high standards of care. Key Responsibilities Leadership and Management • Provide strong, visible leadership to the home, modelling values-led, child-focused practice • Lead the initial set-up and Ofsted registration of the home, ensuring readiness to operate • Develop and implement the home’s Statement of Purpose, policies, and procedures • Create a positive, inclusive culture that promotes stability, safety, and aspirational care • Ensure children’s rights, wishes, and feelings are central to all decision-making Safeguarding and Child Protection • Act as the Designated Safeguarding Lead for the home • Ensure all safeguarding concerns, incidents, and allegations are managed in line with statutory guidance • Maintain strong links with Local Authorities, safeguarding partners, and other professionals • Promote a culture of professional curiosity, reflection, and learning Quality of Care and Outcomes • Ensure care planning is individualised, trauma-informed, and responsive to children’s needs • Monitor and review children’s progress across education, health, emotional wellbeing, and relationships • Lead regular reviews, contribute to statutory meetings, and advocate for children effectively • Strive to meet and exceed the Quality Standards, aiming for Good or Outstanding Ofsted outcomes Staff Recruitment, Development and Supervision • Recruit, induct, and retain a competent and values-aligned staff team • Provide regular supervision, appraisal, and performance management • Ensure staff receive appropriate training, development, and emotional support • Address capability, conduct, and absence issues fairly and consistently Regulatory Compliance and Governance • Ensure full compliance with: o Children’s Homes Regulations 2015 o Quality Standards o Safeguarding legislation and Working Together guidance • Maintain accurate, up-to-date records and monitoring systems • Prepare for and lead Ofsted inspections, regulation 44 visits, and audits • Act promptly on learning, recommendations, or requirements Operational and Financial Management • Manage the home’s budget, staffing rota, and resources responsibly • Ensure effective occupancy planning and placement matching • Oversee health and safety compliance, premises suitability, and risk management • Contribute to service development and continuous improvement Accountability • Reports to: Responsible Individual • Responsible for: o All staff within the children’s home o Quality of care, safeguarding, and regulatory compliance o Day-to-day operational management of the home Benefits Competitive salary with performance-related bonuses. Comprehensive induction program and ongoing professional development. Opportunities for career progression within the organization. Generous holiday entitlement. Company pension scheme. xehkeey Employee assistance program and well-being support. Person Specification Essential Criteria Qualifications • Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare (or equivalent) or willingness to complete within agreed timescales • Relevant professional qualification in social care, childcare, or related field Experience • Significant experience working in children’s residential care • Proven experience in a management or leadership role (Registered Manager, Deputy Manager, or equivalent) • Experience supporting children and young people with complex needs, including trauma, attachment, or risk behaviours • Experience of safeguarding, child protection processes, and multi-agency working • Experience of Ofsted inspections and regulatory frameworks Knowledge and Skills • Thorough understanding of: o Children’s Homes Regulations 2015 and Quality Standards o Safeguarding legislation and statutory guidance • Ability to lead, motivate, and develop a diverse staff team • Strong decision-making, organisational, and problem-solving skills • Confidence in managing budgets, rotas, and operational demands • Excellent written and verbal communication skills Personal Attributes • Child-centred, compassionate, and resilient • Emotionally intelligent with a calm, reflective approach • Values-driven and committed to continuous improvement • Able to work under pressure and manage competing priorities • Strong sense of professional integrity and accountability Desirable Criteria • Experience of setting up or registering a children’s home • Evidence of leading a service to Good or Outstanding Ofsted outcomes • Experience working with commissioning teams and placement matching • Therapeutic, systemic, or trauma-informed practice training • Management qualification beyond Level 5 Additional Requirements • Enhanced DBS check • Right to work in the UK • Willingness to work flexibly to meet the needs of the service • Commitment to ongoing professional development