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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