Registered Children's Manager - Solo Residential Home - Including Short Breaks

Registered Manager - Children's Home

Reports To - Responsible Individual

Hours - Mon-Fri with flexibility to support the homes needs

Job Purpose

To lead, manage, and develop a solo children's home, with short breaks, providing high-quality care and support for children and young people with additional needs, disabilities, and complex needs. The Registered Manager is responsible for ensuring the home operates in compliance with the Children's Homes (England) Regulations 2015, Quality Standards, Ofsted requirements, and all relevant legislation, while promoting positive outcomes for children and young people.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership and Management

• Register with Ofsted as the Registered Manager for the service.
• Provide effective leadership, direction, and management to the staff team.
• Develop and maintain a positive, child-centred culture that promotes safeguarding, dignity, inclusion, and respect.
• Ensure the home operates in accordance with its Statement of Purpose.
• Lead by example and promote best practice.
• Manage staffing levels, rotas, recruitment, supervision, and performance management.

Child-Centred Care

• Ensure children and young people receive safe, high-quality care tailored to their individual needs.
• Promote the physical, emotional, social, educational, and developmental wellbeing of all children.
• Ensure care planning reflects each child's needs, wishes, preferences, and outcomes.
• Support children to participate in activities that promote independence, confidence, and enjoyment.
• Ensure effective communication with families, carers, schools, health professionals, and other stakeholders.

Safeguarding

• Act as the Designated Safeguarding Lead (or ensure appropriate arrangements are in place).
• Ensure safeguarding policies and procedures are implemented and followed at all times.
• Manage safeguarding concerns, allegations, complaints, and incidents appropriately.
• Promote a culture where children feel safe, listened to, and respected.

Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure compliance with:
• Children's Homes (England) Regulations 2015
• Quality Standards
• Care Standards Act 2000
• Ofsted requirements
• Health and Safety legislation
• GDPR and confidentiality requirements
• Equality Act 2010
• Maintain accurate records and documentation.
• Prepare for and participate in Ofsted inspections.
• Ensure Regulation 44 and Regulation 45 processes are completed and action plans implemented.

Quality Assurance

• Monitor and evaluate service quality and outcomes.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives.
• Analyse incidents, feedback, audits, and performance data to identify areas for development.
• Ensure lessons learned are implemented effectively.

Staff Management

• Recruit, induct, supervise, and develop staff.
• Conduct regular supervisions, appraisals, and competency assessments.
• Ensure staff complete mandatory and role-specific training.
• Promote staff wellbeing and professional development.

Financial Management

• Manage budgets and resources effectively.
• Ensure efficient use of staffing and operational resources.
• Authorise expenditure in accordance with organisational procedures.
• Monitor occupancy and service sustainability where applicable

Partnership Working

• Develop positive relationships with families, local authorities, health professionals, education providers, and external agencies.
• Represent the service professionally at meetings, reviews, and inspections.
• Promote partnership working to achieve the best outcomes for children and young people.

Person Specification

Essential Qualifications

• Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare (or equivalent), or willingness to achieve within required timescales.
• Relevant professional qualification in social care, health, education, or a related field.

Essential Experience

• Significant experience working in children's residential care.
• Experience supporting children with disabilities, additional needs, autism, learning disabilities, or complex needs.
• Experience in a leadership or management role within a children's service.
• Experience of Ofsted-regulated services and inspections.
• Experience managing safeguarding concerns and complex behaviours.

Essential Knowledge

• Children's Homes Regulations and Quality Standards.
• Safeguarding legislation and best practice.
• Child development and attachment theory.
• Equality, diversity, and inclusion principles.
• Risk assessment and behaviour support planning.

Essential Skills

• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Effective problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Strong organisational and administrative skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage competing priorities.
• Competent IT and report-writing skills.

Personal Attributes

• Child-focused and passionate about improving outcomes.
• Compassionate, resilient, and professional.
• High levels of integrity and accountability.
• Positive role model for staff and children.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and learning.

Additional Requirements

• Enhanced DBS check with Children's Barred List.
• Full UK driving licence (desirable).
• Participate in on-call rota.
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Positive Ofsted inspection outcomes.
• Compliance with regulatory requirements.
• High levels of child and family satisfaction.
• Staff retention and development.
• Effective safeguarding practice.
• Achievement of individual outcomes for children and young people.
• Successful implementation of quality improvement plans.

Safeguarding Statement:

This role is subject to enhanced safeguarding checks. The post holder must demonstrate a commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and is expected to share this commitment at all times.