Job description
OFSTED Registered Manager - Children's Residential Home (2 Bed)
Location: Northampton
Salary: £50,000 - £55,000 per annum (depending on experience)
Contract: Full-time, Permanent
Service Type: OFSTED-registered Children's Residential Home
Age Range: Young people aged 10-18 years
Make a Real Difference in a Home That Puts Children First
We are seeking an experienced, passionate, and values-driven OFSTED Registered Manager to lead a small, nurturing 2-bed children's residential home in Northampton.
This is a unique opportunity to shape a safe, stable, and trauma-informed environment where young people with emotional, behavioural, and social needs can feel secure, supported, and empowered to thrive.
If you are a confident leader with strong safeguarding expertise and a genuine commitment to high-quality, child-centred care, this role offers both autonomy and purpose.
Role Overview
As the Registered Manager, you will hold full responsibility for the leadership, management, and regulatory compliance of the home, ensuring outstanding outcomes for the young people and a positive, supportive culture for staff.
You will lead by example, embedding best practice in line with the Children's Homes Regulations and Quality Standards, while maintaining inspection readiness and driving continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide strong, compassionate, and values-led leadership to create a safe, nurturing, and structured home
- Ensure full compliance with Children's Homes Regulations, Quality Standards, and OFSTED requirements
- Act as the Designated Safeguarding Lead, maintaining robust safeguarding practice at all times
- Lead the home confidently through OFSTED inspections and regulatory processes
- Develop, implement, and review care plans, risk assessments, and behaviour support plans
- Manage referrals, placements, incidents, complaints, and statutory notifications
- Recruit, develop, supervise, and retain a skilled, motivated staff team
- Ensure effective rotas, safe staffing levels, and sound budget management
- Build strong multi-agency partnerships with local authorities, social workers, education providers, and external professionals
- Monitor quality through audits, supervision, appraisals, and continuous improvement planning
- Promote a trauma-informed, child-centred culture that prioritises voice, safety, and emotional wellbeing
Essential Requirements
- Minimum 2 years' experience as a Registered Manager in a children's residential setting
- You should be OFSTED Registered Manager
- Strong working knowledge of safeguarding legislation, Children's Homes Regulations, and Quality Standards
- Proven experience managing OFSTED inspections and maintaining compliance
- Level 5 Diploma in Leadership & Management for Residential Children's Services essential or already achieved
- Strong leadership, organisational, and communication skills
- Ability to work flexibly, including participation in an on-call rota
- Full UK driving licence
Personal Attributes
You will be someone who leads with both heart and professionalism. You are:
- Child-centred, nurturing, and values-driven
- Calm, resilient, and confident under pressure
- Highly organised, accountable, and proactive
- Passionate about improving outcomes for young people
- Committed to staff development and high-quality practice
What's on Offer
- Competitive salary of £50,000 - £55,000, depending on experience
- Opportunity to lead a small, well-supported 2-bed home
- Real autonomy to shape the culture, standards, and direction of the service
- Supportive senior leadership with clear expectations
- A genuinely rewarding role where you can make a lasting difference in young people's lives
Safeguarding Statement
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to enhanced DBS checks and robust safer recruitment procedures.
