Job Description

Role:

OFSTED Registered Children's Home Manager

Location:

Watford

Salary:

Up to 70,000 + bonuses

About Heart and Home Living:

At Heart and Home Living, we provide specialist residential care for children and young people with complex emotional and behavioural difficulties (EBD). Our homes are safe, nurturing spaces where every child is supported to heal, grow, and thrive.

We take a trauma-informed, child-centred approach--delivering high-quality care, personalised education, and life skills development tailored to each young person's unique needs. Our mission is to help them build brighter futures through warmth, stability, and meaningful relationships.

The role

As our Residential Registered Manager, you'll lead one of our homes with compassion and professionalism. You'll be responsible for creating a safe, stable, and enriching environment for young people, while ensuring full compliance with OFSTED standards and leading a dedicated care team.

Key Responsibilities

Oversee daily operations and ensure a high-quality, nurturing residential environment. Provide inspirational leadership and mentoring to your team. Maintain full compliance with OFSTED and all relevant regulations. Build strong relationships with children, families, and external professionals. Develop and review personalised care plans. Promote the wellbeing, safety, and development of each child.

What we are looking for in a successful candidate:

High emotional intelligence and empathy. Excellent communication skills with children, families, and professionals. Ability to maintain boundaries and model positive behaviours. Calm and professional approach to crisis and challenging situations. Adaptability and a proactive attitude to change.

Qualifications and Requirements:

Minimum 3 years' recent experience as an OFSTED Registered Manager in children's residential care. NVQ Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare (or working towards). Strong understanding of EBD and relevant childcare legislation. Proven leadership, organisational, and decision-making skills. Full UK driving licence.

Perks and Benefits:

Competitive salary up to 70,000 + quarterly performance bonuses (based on full occupancy). Generous annual leave. Health & Wellbeing programme. Professional development and mentoring. Casual dress, company events, pension scheme, cycle-to-work initiative. Supportive and inclusive working environment.
Join us at Heart and Home Living, you'll be part of a team that truly makes a difference. We celebrate your talents, prioritise your wellbeing, and support your growth. If you're passionate about improving the lives of young people and leading with heart, we'd love to hear from you.

All successful applicants will be subject to a rigorous safer recruitment process, including enhanced DBS checksand reference checks. We expect staff to uphold our values and share our commitment to safeguarding and promoting positive outcomes for children and younger people.
This role involves regulated activity. It is an offence for any person who is barred from working with children and/or vulnerable adults to apply for this position.*

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: Up to 70,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Casual dress Company events Company pension Cycle to work scheme Discounted or free food Free parking Health & wellbeing programme On-site parking Store discount
Experience:

Registered OFSTED children's home Manager: 2 years (required)
Licence/Certification:

Driving Licence (required) NVQ Level 5 in Young People and Childcare (preferred)
Work authorisation:

United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person