Job Description

Registered Manager - Therapeutic Children's Home (Ofsted Registered)

Location: South East London

Opening: February 2026

Salary: Competitive + Performance-Based Incentives

After another year of Ofsted recognising Motherwell Care as a 'Good ' provider of Childrens Services we will be launching a new home in South East London.

Are you a passionate, driven, and therapeutically trained leader ready to shape the future of children's residential care? We are seeking an exceptional Registered Manager to launch and lead a brand-new Ofsted-registered therapeutic children's home in South East London, opening February 2026.

This is not just another children's home, it's a purpose-built, high-staff-ratio (2:1 or 3:1) therapeutic environment designed to support high-risk children with complex needs and histories of significant trauma. The home will care for young people presenting with a range of needs, including mental health challenges, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ADHD , Global Developmental Delay (GDD), self-harm, suicidal ideation, and other high-risk behaviours. It will also involve working within Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) frameworks, supporting young people with complex trauma, attachment difficulties, and behavioural concerns.

The home's cohort, whether Emotional & Behavioural Difficulties (EBD) or Learning Disabilities (LD), will be shaped by your expertise and vision.

As the Registered Manager, you will:

Lead the launch and registration of the home with Ofsted Develop and implement all standard operating procedures (SOPs), policies, and practices in line with Ofsted and multi-agency standards Build and manage a high-performing, therapeutically informed team Oversee recruitment at all levels, from support workers to senior staff Ensure the delivery of outstanding care that meets the emotional, psychological, behavioural, and developmental needs of each child Drive a culture of safety, structure, and healing within a trauma-informed, risk-managed environment Maintain robust risk assessments, DoLS documentation, and mental health crisis management protocols Work collaboratively with external professionals such as CAMHS, local authorities, and safeguarding partners to ensure consistent, high-quality outcomes

What We're Looking For:

Level 5 Diploma in Leadership & Management for Residential Childcare (or equivalent) Proven experience managing or deputising in a children's residential or therapeutic setting Strong understanding of Ofsted regulations, DoLS, and safeguarding frameworks Experience supporting young people with ASD, ADHD, GDD, complex mental health, and high-risk presentations (including self-harm, suicidal ideation, and absconding risk) Therapeutic training and a trauma-informed, person-centred approach Resilient, emotionally intelligent, and committed to delivering exceptional outcomes A passion for making a lasting difference in the lives of vulnerable children

What You'll Get:

A competitive remuneration package that reflects the dedication and resilience this role demands The opportunity to shape a specialist therapeutic service from the ground up Ongoing professional development, clinical supervision, and therapeutic training A supportive leadership team that values innovation, integrity, and impact
If you are a committed and compassionate leader with the vision to create a safe, nurturing, and forward-thinking environment for children with complex and high-risk needs, we would love to hear from you.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 40,000.00-65,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Company pension Employee discount Health & wellbeing programme On-site parking
Ability to commute/relocate:

South East London SE16: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)
Application question(s):

Do you have a Level 5 or mid-way through your Level 5 Diploma in Leadership & Management for Residential Childcare (or equivalent)
Experience:

children home: 3 years (required)
Licence/Certification:

Enhanced DBS (preferred)
Work Location: In person