At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage new children's homes, ensuring a safe and nurturing environment.
- Company: Wokingham Borough Council, dedicated to supporting vulnerable children.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, and local discounts.
- Other info: Join a supportive team in a vibrant community with excellent transport links.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Level 5 Leadership in Residential Childcare and management experience required.
The predicted salary is between 59009 - 64673 £ per year.
We have an opportunity for a Residential Children’s Homes Manager to lead and manage our brand-new, multi-building children’s home(s) within the borough. As the Residential Children’s Homes Manager, you will be responsible for the effective management of the residential homes, and the provision of a professional children and young people centred service, in line with the relevant regulations, legislation, codes of practice, and policy and procedures.
This role will provide the successful Residential Children’s Homes Manager with the unique opportunity to further establish the recently opened Children’s Homes. They will be able to use their leadership and coaching skills to further develop existing and new members of staff. The successful candidate for this role will have the opportunity to make a significant contribution to the overall shaping and embedding of the Residential Homes in Wokingham.
Residential Children’s Homes in Wokingham is a new venture. The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate their experience of being professionally creative, safe and ‘solution focussed’ in a challenging and fast paced environment. The candidate will also be a strong and steady mentor for not only the growing team, but also for our Children.
Wokingham Children’s Services are relentlessly focussed on the full rounded picture that Corporate Parenting provides, we are looking for individuals who will advocate for our children, and have them at the heart of every decision made. Wokingham Borough Council’s aim is to enable our most vulnerable children and young people in care to live close to the things they hold dear – close to family, friends, community, and those who care for them most.
This service comprises a multi-building children’s home including a 4-bedroom Emotional Behaviour Disorder/Difficulties (EBD) home and one smaller (2 bedroom) home.
Candidate requirements:- Professional qualification in (recognised and current) Level 5 Leadership and Management in Residential Childcare, or equivalent
- Significant experience as a manager in a children’s residential setting
- The ability to lead and manage a team to achieve best outcomes for Children in our Care at our Residential Care Home.
- Confidence in managing competing demands in tight timescales.
- Ability to work seamlessly with our multi agency network, and our Wokingham Children’s Services team.
A full job description outlining key responsibilities is attached for reference to this vacancy.
What we can offer you:- Salary of £59,009 - £64,673 per annum plus benefit
- Supportive management with regular supervision
- Generous annual leave allowance, with additional 5 days with 5yrs continuous service.
- Local and national discount schemes
- Car salary sacrifice benefit available
Wokingham Borough is set in the heart of Berkshire with excellent transport links to Reading and central London. Our area comprises of a vibrant and historical market town, attractive villages, and miles of beautiful countryside. We’re home to a range of high performing schools including 69 primary and 21 secondary, a host of international businesses and an incredible community. We have a strong local economy with accelerated growth, a range of excellent public facilities and low levels of crime, offering an exceptional quality of life.
How to apply:Please apply online via the link provided. Please note, we do not accept CVs submitted without a fully completed online application form.
Wokingham is an equal opportunities employer. Wokingham Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff, other workers and volunteers to share this commitment. All successful candidates for this role will be subject to Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks along with other relevant employment checks.
Please note that all offers are conditional and subject to the satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks. Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we regret that we are unable to respond to every applicant individually. If you do not hear from us within 4 weeks of the application closing date, please assume that your application has not been successful on this occasion. We appreciate your interest in joining Wokingham Borough Council and thank you for taking the time to apply.
For an informal discussion, please contact Alix Williams at Alix.Williams@wokingham.gov.uk
Closing Date: Sunday 12th April 2026 at 11pm
Interview Date: W/C 27th April 2026 (in person, in Wokingham). Please note: Interviews will be held in person, by a panel with a presentation required (details to be confirmed upon invitation). We will also be following up the Professional panel interview with a Young Person’s panel interview.
Please be aware that we will be reviewing the applications we receive on a daily basis, and we reserve the right to close the advert early if suitable candidates are identified. If your application is shortlisted for an interview, you will be required to provide proof of your right to work in the UK at that stage. Additionally, successful candidates must present proof upon receiving a job offer.
Children's Residential Homes Manager in Wokingham employer: Community Care Live
Wokingham Borough Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work environment where you can make a meaningful impact on the lives of vulnerable children and young people. With a focus on professional development, generous annual leave, and a commitment to employee well-being, you will thrive in a culture that values advocacy and teamwork. Located in the picturesque Wokingham area, you will enjoy excellent transport links, a vibrant community, and access to high-performing schools, all contributing to an outstanding quality of life.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Children's Residential Homes Manager in Wokingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the childcare sector and let them know you're on the hunt for a role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research Wokingham Borough Council and their approach to children's services. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their values and how you can contribute to their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've successfully managed teams and improved outcomes for children in your care. This will demonstrate your capability as a Residential Children’s Homes Manager.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the team at Wokingham Borough Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Children's Residential Homes Manager in Wokingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your passion for working with children shine through. We want to see that you genuinely care about making a difference in their lives and that you understand the importance of a child-centred approach.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant experience and skills. We’re looking for someone who can lead and manage effectively, so be specific about how your past roles have prepared you for this position.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of what you want to say. Avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application is received correctly. Remember, we don’t accept CVs without a completed online application form, so make sure you follow the process.
How to prepare for a job interview at Community Care Live
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the key responsibilities of a Children’s Residential Homes Manager. Familiarise yourself with relevant regulations, legislation, and the specific needs of children in care. This will help you demonstrate your expertise and commitment during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership and mentoring abilities. Think about times when you’ve successfully led a team or supported staff development. This role is all about guiding others, so be ready to discuss how you can inspire and motivate your team.
✨Be Solution-Focused
Since the role requires a solution-focused approach, come prepared with examples of challenges you’ve faced in previous roles and how you overcame them. This will show that you can think on your feet and handle the fast-paced environment of a residential home.
✨Engage with the Young People’s Panel
Remember, part of the interview process includes a panel with young people. Be genuine and approachable, and think about how you can connect with them. Show that you truly advocate for their needs and are committed to putting them at the heart of every decision.
