Service
Chance Children’s Home in Southeast London provides a safe, nurturing environment for up to four young people aged 8–16 with emotional and behavioural difficulties.
We support those affected by trauma, abuse, neglect, or mental health challenges, helping them build resilience, confidence, and life skills. Our dedicated team delivers consistent care, therapeutic support, and tailored interventions to meet individual needs.
We promote wellbeing, stability, and a sense of belonging, working closely with families, local authorities, and professionals to ensure high-quality care in line with Ofsted standards.
Job Purpose
To lead and manage the home, ensuring high-quality, child-centred care for young people aged 8–16.
The Registered Manager oversees daily operations, staff leadership, and compliance with Ofsted requirements, while creating a safe, supportive environment that promotes each child’s welfare, development, and positive outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership and Management
* Provide clear, inspiring, and accountable leadership to all staff within Chance Children’s Home.
* Ensure the home is managed efficiently and effectively, maintaining high standards of care and professional practice.
* Lead, support, and supervise the Deputy Manager, Senior Support Workers, and Support Workers to deliver consistent, child-centred care.
* Promote a positive culture of reflective practice, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
* Ensure all staff understand and uphold the ethos, vision, and values of Chance Children’s Home.
* Be available as part of the on-call management rota, providing guidance and support during out-of-hours situations.
Safeguarding and Child Protection
* Take overall responsibility for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and young people in the home.
* Ensure all safeguarding concerns, disclosures, or incidents are dealt with promptly in accordance with policy, statutory guidance, and local safeguarding procedures.
* Monitor and review risk management strategies, ensuring they are up to date and effective.
* Ensure all staff receive regular safeguarding training and understand their responsibilities.
* Maintain strong working relationships with the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO), social workers, and other safeguarding partners.
Quality of Care and Service Delivery
* Ensure the home delivers high-quality, therapeutic care that meets or exceeds Ofsted’s Quality Standards.
* Oversee the development, implementation, and review of care plans, placement plans, behaviour management plans, and risk assessments.
* Ensure young people’s needs are assessed and met in line with their individual care plans.
* Promote opportunities for education, training, leisure, and community engagement for each young person.
* Foster an environment where young people’s voices are heard, respected, and influence decision-making.
* Ensure all recording and documentation is accurate, professional, and compliant with Ofsted standards.
* Chair professionals’ meetings, placement reviews, and internal case discussions as required.
Regulatory Compliance and Governance
* Ensure full compliance with:
* Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015
* The Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations including the Quality Standards
* Children Act 1989 and 2004
* Working Together to Safeguard Children 2018
* Data Protection Act 2018 (GDPR)
* Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
* Maintain accurate and up-to-date policies, procedures, and records in line with regulatory requirements.
* Prepare for and lead Ofsted inspections, ensuring the home meets “Good” or “Outstanding” judgement levels.
* Complete and submit Regulation 45 (Quality of Care) reports, Regulation 44 (Independent Visitor) responses, and any other required notifications or reports.
* Work closely with the Responsible Individual to ensure the home’s continuous improvement and compliance with internal audits.
Staff Management and Development
* Recruit, induct, and retain a high-quality, stable staff team.
* Provide supervision, annual appraisals, and performance management for all staff.
* Identify and address training needs to ensure staff are skilled, confident, and reflective practitioners.
* Promote professional development through ongoing learning and accredited qualifications.
* Ensure staffing levels and rotas meet the needs of young people and regulatory requirements.
* Model professionalism, resilience, and a child-focused approach at all times.
Health, Safety, and Environment
* Ensure that the home’s environment is safe, welcoming, and well maintained, promoting a sense of belonging for young people.
* Oversee health and safety checks, fire safety, first aid, and emergency procedures in line with legislation.
* Ensure risk assessments for the home, activities, and individual young people are completed and reviewed regularly.
* Ensure compliance with food hygiene, infection control, and maintenance standards.
Partnership and Communication
* Build and maintain effective working relationships with local authorities, social workers, education providers, and external professionals.
* Represent Chance Children’s Home at reviews, meetings, and professional forums.
* Promote the reputation of the home positively within the community and wider network.
* Communicate effectively with young people, families, and professionals to promote trust, transparency, and collaboration.
Person Specification
Essential:
* Aged 21 years or over (in line with Ofsted regulations).
* Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare (or working towards).
* Significant experience working in a residential children’s setting.
* Proven experience in a management or senior leadership role within children’s social care.
* Strong understanding of safeguarding, child protection, and trauma-informed care.
* In-depth knowledge of Ofsted standards and children’s home regulations.
* Excellent leadership, communication, and organisational skills.
* Ability to manage budgets and resources effectively.
* Commitment to continuous improvement and achieving positive outcomes for children.
Desirable:
* Experience managing a children’s home rated “Good” or “Outstanding” by Ofsted.
* Full UK driving licence.
* Experience in therapeutic or trauma-informed residential care settings.
Qualifications and Education
Essential
* Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare (or equivalent qualification as recognised by Ofsted)
* Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care (Children and Young People) or equivalent
Desirable
* Evidence of continued professional development in areas such as safeguarding, trauma-informed care, and leadership
* Full UK Driving licence
Experience
Essential
* Minimum of 4 years’ experience working with children and young people in a residential care setting
* Minimum of 2 years’ experience in a supervisory or management role within a children’s home
* Proven track record of achieving compliance with Ofsted’s Children’s Homes Regulations and Quality Standards
* Experience working with children with emotional and behavioural difficulties (EBD), trauma, attachment needs, or complex backgrounds
* Experience of staff management, supervision, and team development
* Experience of budget management, resourcing, and performance monitoring
Desirable
* Experience managing or deputising within a home rated “Good” or “Outstanding” by Ofsted
* Experience working effectively with multi-agency professionals including social workers, education, health, and safeguarding teams
Knowledge and Understanding
Essential
* Comprehensive understanding of Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and The Quality Standards
* Strong understanding of safeguarding legislation, child protection procedures, and local safeguarding partnerships
* Knowledge of child development, attachment theory, and the impact of trauma and neglect
* Understanding of Ofsted’s Social Care Common Inspection Framework (SCCIF)
* Knowledge of Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) principles in children’s social care
* Familiarity with positive behaviour support, de-escalation strategies, and therapeutic approaches to care
* Understanding of data protection, confidentiality, and GDPR requirements in residential childcare
* Awareness of health and safety, fire safety, and risk management within a residential setting
Skills and Abilities
Essential
* Strong and confident leadership skills with the ability to motivate and manage a multidisciplinary team
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including report writing for Ofsted, local authorities, and courts
* Ability to interpret and implement legislation, guidance, and policy within practice
* Skilled in developing and monitoring care plans, risk assessments, and behaviour management strategies
* Strong organisational and time management skills with the ability to prioritise competing demands
* Analytical skills to review data, audits, and outcomes for service improvement
* Proficient IT skills, including use of care management systems and Microsoft Office
* Ability to make sound, evidence-based decisions in high-pressure or emergency situations
Personal Attributes
Essential
* Passionate about improving the lives and outcomes of children and young people
* Emotionally resilient and able to maintain professionalism in challenging situations
* Empathetic, patient, and committed to trauma-informed practice
* Committed to continuous improvement, reflective practice, and personal growth
* Reliable, flexible, and able to work evenings, weekends, and on-call duties as required
* Upholds integrity, confidentiality, and professional boundaries at all times
* Demonstrates a positive, empowering, and child-focused attitude