Job Description
The Registered Manager will have overall responsibility for the leadership, management and regulatory compliance of a children’s residential home supporting young people with Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties (EBD). The role requires a highly experienced, resilient and Child-first leader who can deliver safe, therapeutic and consistent care in line with statutory requirements and best practice.
The post holder will ensure the home consistently delivers outcomes that meet or exceed the Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015, the Quality Standards, and Ofsted expectations, while maintaining a stable, nurturing and structured environment for children with complex needs and trauma histories.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership and Culture
* Provide strong, consistent leadership that models calm, trauma-informed and authoritative practice.
* Embed a therapeutic, relational and boundary-conscious approach to managing behaviour and supporting emotional regulation.
* Develop and sustain a stable, motivated and skilled staff team capable of supporting children with high levels of need.
* Uphold and promote the home’s Statement of Purpose, values and ethos at all times.
Safeguarding and Risk Management
* Hold overall accountability for safeguarding practice within the home.
* Ensure robust behaviour support plans, risk assessments and strategies are in place and consistently implemented.
* Respond appropriately to incidents, restraints, missing episodes and safeguarding concerns, ensuring lessons learned are embedded.
* Maintain effective relationships with Local Authority safeguarding teams and partner agencies.
Regulatory Compliance and Ofsted
* Be the named Ofsted Registered Manager for the home and maintain registration at all times.
* Ensure the home is inspection-ready at all times and consistently achieves Good or Outstanding Ofsted outcomes.
* Lead and coordinate all Ofsted inspections, responding to recommendations and action plans effectively.
* Ensure compliance with Regulations 44 and 45, audits, quality assurance processes and record keeping.
Care Planning and Outcomes
* Ensure robust, child-centred placement planning tailored to the emotional and behavioural needs of each young person.
* Promote stability, positive routines and structured boundaries while supporting emotional development and resilience.
* Work proactively with social workers, IROs, therapeutic services, education providers and families.
* Champion education, emotional wellbeing, independence and preparation for adulthood.
Staff Management and Development
* Lead on recruitment, induction, supervision and appraisal in line with safer recruitment standards.
* Ensure staff are trained and competent in trauma-informed practice, behaviour management, de-escalation and safeguarding.
* Provide consistent managerial oversight, reflective supervision and support following incidents.
* Address performance issues decisively while maintaining a supportive and development-focused culture.
Operational and Financial Management
* Manage the home’s budget, staffing levels and resources responsibly.
* Oversee rotas to ensure safe staffing levels and continuity of care.
* Liaise with commissioners regarding referrals, matching and occupancy.
* Ensure the home environment remains safe, homely and well maintained.
On-Call and Incident Oversight
* Participate in a senior on-call rota and provide out-of-hours management support.
* Lead post-incident reviews, ensuring learning and risk mitigation strategies are embedded.
Requirements
Essential – Non-Negotiable Requirements
* Currently or previously Ofsted-registered as a Registered Manager of a children’s residential home.
* Minimum most recent Ofsted rating of “Good” as a Registered Manager.
* No unresolved safeguarding referrals or substantiated allegations made to any Local Authority, LADO or regulatory body in the last 6 months.
* Eligible to be registered (or re-registered) with Ofsted without restrictions.
Qualifications
* Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare (England) (mandatory).
Experience
* Experience managing or deputising in a children’s EBD residential setting.
* Proven experience supporting children with trauma, attachment difficulties and complex emotional needs.
* Evidence of successfully leading teams through challenging placements, behavioural incidents and regulatory scrutiny.
* Experience of maintaining compliance and delivering positive inspection outcomes.
Knowledge and Skills
* Expert knowledge of:
o Children’s Homes Regulations and Quality Standards
o Safeguarding legislation and procedures
o Behaviour management, de-escalation and therapeutic practice
o Trauma-informed and attachment-led care models
* Strong leadership, decision-making and organisational skills.
* Ability to manage high-pressure situations calmly and professionally.
* Excellent written and verbal communication.
* Competent IT skills and confidence with care recording and monitoring systems.
Personal Attributes
* Emotionally resilient, calm and authoritative.
* Strong moral compass and child-focused values.
* Confident leader who can hold professional boundaries while remaining relational.
* Reflective, accountable and outcome driven.
* Able to challenge appropriately while maintaining strong partnerships with Local Authorities.
Other Requirements
* Enhanced DBS check on the Children’s Workforce Barred List.
* Willingness to work flexibly, including evenings, weekends and on-call duties.
* Full UK driving licence.
Benefits
* Highly Competitive Salary
o Reflective of experience, regulatory track record and Ofsted rating.
* Stability and Quality-Focused Service
o Well-resourced EBD home with realistic staffing levels and manageable occupancy.
o Provider committed to quality over volume and regulatory excellence.
* Professional Autonomy and Support
o Direct access to the Responsible Individual and senior leadership.
o Your professional judgement is trusted and respected.
o Support during inspections, audits and regulatory processes.
* Career Development
o Opportunities to progress into senior operational or regional management roles.
o Funded specialist training aligned to EBD and trauma-informed care.
* Wellbeing and Recognition
o Structured on-call rota to support work–life balance.
o Generous annual leave entitlement.
o Pension scheme and additional benefits.
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.