Job Description
Safe Haven Talent is recruiting on behalf of a specialist children’s residential home in Gravesend seeking an experienced and compassionate Registered Manager to lead a dedicated team providing exceptional, therapeutic care for children and young people.
This is an opportunity to make a real difference — shaping a service that provides safety, stability, and healing for children who have experienced trauma, loss, or disruption. The successful candidate will be a strong and empathetic leader with the vision, resilience, and expertise to deliver excellence in line with Ofsted standards and the Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015.
Key Responsibilities:
* Lead and manage all operational aspects of the home, ensuring full Ofsted compliance and consistently high standards of care.
* Create a trauma-informed, therapeutic culture that promotes emotional safety, stability, and personal growth.
* Develop and implement individualised care and placement plans tailored to each child’s needs, strengths, and aspirations.
* Provide strong, reflective leadership, supervision, and development for all staff members.
* Champion safeguarding practice and ensure all incidents are reviewed and responded to in line with local procedures and Regulation 40.
* Collaborate effectively with social workers, families, schools, and external professionals to ensure the best outcomes for every child.
* Manage budgets and resources efficiently while maintaining the highest standards of practice.
* Chair meetings, reviews, and planning discussions that keep children’s voices at the centre of all decision-making.
* Drive continuous improvement through data analysis, audits, and quality reviews.
If you are a resilient and inspiring leader who believes in providing every child with safety, belonging, and opportunity, this role offers both purpose and progression.
Requirements
Essential:
* Minimum 2 years’ management or supervisory experience within a children’s residential care setting.
* Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare (England) or equivalent (or working towards completion).
* Proven success as a Registered Manager, Deputy, or Senior Team Leader within an Ofsted-regulated home.
* Strong understanding of Children’s Homes Regulations 2015, Quality Standards, and Working Together to Safeguard Children (2023).
* Skilled in trauma-informed and therapeutic practice, with experience supporting children with complex emotional or behavioural needs.
* Excellent written and verbal communication, with the ability to produce high-quality reports and documentation.
* Sound knowledge of safeguarding, risk management, and quality assurance.
* Positive, solution-focused approach with a commitment to inclusion and children’s rights.
* Full UK driving licence and enhanced DBS required.
Compliance Requirements:
All applicants must:
1. Complete the online assessment (questions available on the application page).
2. Sign and return a Safeguarding Declaration and Consent Form confirming that you have no outstanding safeguarding cases with Ofsted or LADO.
o This form will be emailed to you after application and must be completed, signed, and returned before proceeding further.
✅ Note: Candidates who complete both the assessment and safeguarding declaration early will be fast-tracked for client review.
Benefits
* Competitive salary up to £60,000 per annum.
* Free on-site parking and excellent local transport links.
* Casual dress policy promoting a relaxed and supportive working environment.
* Pension scheme and paid annual leave entitlement.
* Career progression and professional development opportunities.
* Work within a values-led, trauma-informed organisation that prioritises staff wellbeing and reflective practice.
* Opportunity to make a tangible impact on the lives of children and young people.
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Requirements
Requirements We’re looking for a dynamic leader who blends empathy with excellence, and who thrives on building something meaningful from the ground up. Essential: Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare (or equivalent). Minimum 2 years’ experience as a Registered Manager in an Ofsted-registered children’s home (EBD or similar). Proven track record of achieving Good or Outstanding Ofsted ratings. Strong understanding of Children’s Homes Regulations and Quality Standards (2015). Robust safeguarding knowledge and ability to implement effective systems and processes. Excellent communication, leadership, and organisational skills. Desirable: Experience supporting children with EBD, trauma, or attachment difficulties. Previous involvement in registering or setting up a new children’s home.