Job Description

: Children's Home Manager

Job Title|:

Children's Home Manager

Responsible To:

Responsible Individual / Director

Purpose of the Role

The Children's Home Manager is responsible for the overall leadership, management, and day-to-day operation of the children's home. The role ensures that high-quality, child-centred care is delivered in line with the Children's Homes (England) Regulations 2015, Quality Standards, Ofsted requirements, and the home's Statement of Purpose. The Manager must promote the safety, welfare, development, and outcomes of all children and young people living in the home.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership and Management

Provide strong, effective, and values-led leadership to the staff team. Create a positive, nurturing, and safe culture where children feel respected, listened to, and supported. Lead by example, modelling professional behaviour and good practice at all times. Ensure the home operates in line with its Statement of Purpose.

Care and Support of Children and Young People

Ensure each child receives personalised, trauma-informed, and outcomes-focused care. Promote children's rights, wishes, and feelings, ensuring their voices are central to decision-making. Safeguard and promote the welfare of children at all times. Ensure care plans, placement plans, risk assessments, and behaviour support plans are robust, up to date, and effectively implemented.

Safeguarding

Act as the Designated Safeguarding Lead for the home. Ensure all safeguarding concerns are identified, reported, recorded, and escalated appropriately. Work closely with local authorities, safeguarding partners, and other professionals. Ensure staff are trained, confident, and competent in safeguarding practice.

Regulatory Compliance and Quality Assurance

Ensure full compliance with the Children's Homes Regulations, Quality Standards, and Ofsted expectations. Prepare for, manage, and respond effectively to Ofsted inspections. Complete Regulation 44 and Regulation 45 requirements and ensure actions are implemented. Monitor quality of care through audits, reviews, and feedback from children, families, and professionals.

Staff Management and Development

Recruit, induct, supervise, and appraise staff in line with safer recruitment practices. Ensure appropriate staffing levels, rotas, and skill mix at all times. Provide regular supervision, annual appraisals, and opportunities for professional development. Address performance issues promptly, including managing disciplinary and capability processes where required.

Training

Ensure all staff complete mandatory and role-specific training. Support staff to achieve and maintain relevant qualifications (e.g. Level 3/5 in Residential Childcare). Promote continuous learning and reflective practice.

Health, Safety, and Environment

Ensure the home provides a safe, clean, homely, and well-maintained environment. Ensure health and safety legislation, fire safety, and risk management procedures are followed. Oversee medication management and health appointments in line with policy and guidance.

Partnership Working

Develop and maintain positive professional relationships with placing authorities, social workers, schools, health professionals, and families. Attend and contribute to reviews, planning meetings, and professionals' meetings. Act as a positive ambassador for the organisation.

Administration and Reporting

Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential records. Ensure incidents, notifications, and reports are completed and submitted as required. Manage budgets and resources effectively, where applicable.

Person Specification

Essential

Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare (or working towards within required timescales). Significant experience working in a children's residential setting. Experience in a management or senior leadership role. Sound knowledge of children's legislation, safeguarding, and Ofsted regulations. Strong leadership, organisational, and communication skills. Ability to manage challenging behaviour and complex needs. Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.

Desirable

Experience managing an Ofsted-registered children's home. Experience working with children with complex needs, learning disabilities, or trauma backgrounds. Management qualification or relevant degree.

Other Requirements

Enhanced DBS check. Willingness to work flexibly, including evenings and on-call duties. Commitment to ongoing professional development.
Job Type: Full-time

Pay: 32,258.14-64,780.58 per year

Benefits:

Company pension Free parking On-site parking
Work Location: In person