Job Description

Job description
We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people as diversity and inclusion is the key to our success. Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities.

About the role

Be the Difference. Lead the Change.



Reading Borough Council is launching three brand-new children's homes in early 2026, designed to provide safe, nurturing, and therapeutic environments for children and young people with complex social, emotional, and behavioural needs. We are seeking inspirational Registered Managers to lead these homes and help shape the future of residential care in Reading.

Our New Homes:

Home 1

- A bespoke 2-bed home offering full-time care to children with complex social emotional and mental health needs.

Home 2

- A 4-bed longer-term stable loving home for children and Young People

Home 3

- A 4-bed assessment home supporting short-term placements and transitions to stepping down to foster care or safely returning home, working closely with our excellent edge of care service.

About the Role: As a Registered Manager, you will:

Lead the development, registration, and launch of one of our new homes. Ensure the delivery of high-quality, child-centered care in line with Ofsted standards. Inspire and manage a team of residential staff, ensuring continuous professional development. Oversee care planning, safeguarding, compliance, and performance monitoring. Collaborate with health, education, and social care partners to deliver holistic support. Drive a culture of excellence, compassion, and continuous improvement.

What We're Looking For:

Innovative Leader Proven experience managing children's residential services. Strong leadership and team development skills. In-depth knowledge of Ofsted regulations, safeguarding, and therapeutic care models. Ability to manage budgets, resources, and performance effectively. A Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare (or willingness to work towards it). Commitment to equality, inclusion, and trauma-informed practice.

Why Join Us?

Be part of a pioneering service that puts children first. Work in a supportive, values-driven environment. Access to excellent training, supervision, and career development. Competitive salary and benefits package. Make a lasting impact on the lives of children and young people.

You'll be part of a team that relies on each individual to play their part to the best of their ability. As well as the colleagues that you work closely with every day, you'll also be part of Team Reading, playing your personal part in making Reading a successful and vibrant place.



Our vision is to ensure that Reading realises its potential as a great place to live, work and play, and that everyone shares the benefits of this success. Our values and behaviours guide how we will achieve this:

Work Together as one team -

champion and inspire a culture which ensures that all employees across the organisation work together to provide excellent outcomes for Reading

Drive Efficiency -

create an environment in which resources are used efficiently and employees' skills are developed and used effectively

Be Ambitious -

aspire to deliver excellence and inspire and support others to reach their potential

Make a Difference to Reading -

inspire a culture in which the customer is the focus and where change is welcomed as an opportunity

Our offer

We offer a supportive environment to grow and develop your career with the opportunity to put your ideas across. Innovation and ambition is strongly encouraged, and you'll get a great feel for that working in our friendly and collaborative environment.



A competitive salary alongside a range of benefits including:


Generous holiday entitlement - 25 days holiday each year plus bank holidays - rising to 30 days after 5 years' service and 33 days after 10 years' service, with the option to buy additional leave A wide range of flexible working opportunities Modern working environment at the Civic Offices in the heart of Reading Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) Life Assurance - three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS) On-site day nursery (Kennet Day nursery) rated outstanding by Ofsted Season Ticket Loan - a loan to help with the cost of your rail or bus journey, to and from work Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand new, greener car for three years. The monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road tax

To arrange a confidential discussion on this position please contact Claire.Lewis@reading.gov.uk

Closing Date:

Sunday 16th November 2025

Interview Date:

To be confirmed

Interview Process:

Face to Face