Job description

OFSTED Registered Manager - Children's Residential Home

Location: Wallington, Sutton
Salary: £60,000 - £65,000 per annum (depending on experience)
Contract: Full-time, Permanent
Service Type: OFSTED-registered Children's Residential Home
Age Range: 10-16 years

We are recruiting an experienced, passionate, and values-driven OFSTED Registered Manager to lead a small, nurturing 2/3 bed children's residential home in Wallington, Sutton.

This is a unique opportunity to shape a safe, stable, and trauma-informed environment where young people with emotional, behavioural, and social needs feel secure, supported, and empowered to thrive. The successful candidate will be a confident leader with strong safeguarding expertise and a genuine commitment to delivering high-quality, child-centred care.

Role Overview

As the Registered Manager, you will hold full responsibility for the leadership, management, and regulatory compliance of the home. You will ensure outstanding outcomes for young people while creating a positive, supportive, and high-performing culture for staff.

You will lead by example, embedding best practice in line with the Children's Homes Regulations and Quality Standards, maintaining inspection readiness, and driving continuous improvement across all aspects of the service.

Key Responsibilities

Provide strong, compassionate, and values-led leadership to create a safe, nurturing, and structured home environment.
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, and values-driven 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

At least 2 years' experience within a children's residential setting in the last 5 years, including a minimum of 1 year in a Registered Manager or senior leadership role.
Currently registered with OFSTED or able to register immediately.
Strong working knowledge of safeguarding legislation, Children's Homes Regulations, and Quality Standards.
Proven experience managing OFSTED inspections and maintaining regulatory compliance.
Level 5 Diploma in Leadership & Management for Residential Children's Services (essential).
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 professionalism and compassion. You are child-centred, resilient, organised, and passionate about improving outcomes for young people while supporting staff development and high-quality practice.

Working Environment and Culture

The home operates within a therapeutic, trauma-informed framework. You will establish routines, boundaries, and relationships that promote trust, stability, and emotional growth. Reflective practice, transparency, and accountability are central to the service ethos.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

The service is committed to equality and inclusion. Practice within the home must respect individuality, cultural identity, and difference, supporting young people to develop a positive sense of self.

Safeguarding Statement

All appointments are subject to enhanced DBS checks, references, and safer recruitment procedures. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

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