At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the opening of a new children's home, creating a safe and nurturing environment.
- Company: Ambitious new residential care provider focused on innovative solutions for children.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, clear progression opportunities, and a chance to shape care delivery.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with strong sector leadership and a commitment to quality care.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in children's lives by leading a values-driven team.
- Qualifications: Experience in residential childcare and a Level 5 Diploma in Leadership & Management.
Registered Manager – New Children’s Home Opening
Location: Dudley
Salary: Circa £55,000–£65,000 (open to negotiation for the right person)
Contract: Full-time, permanent
Young People need better alternatives to unregulated provision. We’re recruiting a Registered Manager to open the first home of a newly launching residential care provider, created to tackle one of the sector’s biggest challenges: the growing reliance on unregulated provision for children and young people with complex needs.
Founded by a care experienced entrepreneur and led by experienced children’s services leaders, this organisation brings together system leadership, frontline practice and lived experience. Its purpose is clear, to offer local authorities a credible, regulated alternative that moves beyond containment-based care. The model is built around safety, strong relationships and progression, giving children stability and managers the space to lead, shape culture and do things properly.
The role
You’ll be responsible for opening and leading a new solo children’s provision in Dudley, creating a safe, stable and nurturing home from day one. You will:
- Act as the Registered Manager with Ofsted, meeting all fitness and registration requirements
- Lead the setup, registration and opening of the home
- Create a child-centred, trauma-informed culture where care is consistent, purposeful and emotionally safe
- Build, recruit and retain a strong, values-led staff team
- Ensure full compliance with Children’s Homes Regulations 2015 and the Quality Standards
- Be the lead safeguarding professional, setting the tone for robust, confident practice
- Develop high-quality care planning that genuinely improves outcomes for the child
- Work closely with local authorities, social workers and partner professionals
- Maintain a home that is inspection-ready at all times, not just when Ofsted are due
This role is underpinned by clear accountability, structure and measurable outcomes, while still allowing strong professional judgement and autonomy.
Who this role is for
This opportunity will suit an experienced children’s care leader who:
- Is values-led, calm and child-focused
- Has experience supporting children with SEMH, trauma and attachment needs
- Is confident leading a solo provision
- Enjoys building something from the ground up
- Is comfortable owning decisions, solving problems, and setting standards
- Wants to be part of a provider with long-term ambition, not short-term fixes
Essential requirements
- Level 5 Diploma in Leadership & Management for Residential Childcare or equivalent (or willingness to complete within required timescales)
- Significant experience in residential childcare (or equivalent, e.g. CAMHS inpatient settings)
- Strong safeguarding and child protection knowledge
- Sound understanding of Children’s Homes Regulations 2015 and Quality Standards
Desirable (but not essential)
- Experience opening or registering a new children’s home
- Therapeutic or trauma-informed practice experience
Why this role stands out
- First home of an ambitious new provider — real influence, not token input
- Backed by experienced sector leaders who understand operational realities
- A chance to help shape a new way of delivering care, without cutting corners
- Salary open to discussion for the right person
- Clear progression as the organisation grows
If you’re looking for a role where you can build something different from the ground up, this is it.
Registered Manager -Ofsted employer: Elite Search Associates Limited
Join a well-established business in Elland that values its employees and fosters a dynamic work culture. With a strong focus on professional growth, this hybrid role offers the opportunity to advance your career while enjoying a supportive environment and competitive benefits. Experience a workplace where your contributions are recognised and you can thrive in a fast-paced finance team.
Contact Details:
Elite Search Associates Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Registered Manager -Ofsted
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the care sector, attend relevant events, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation thoroughly. Understand their values, mission, and the specific challenges they face in residential care. This way, we can tailor our responses to show how we can contribute to their goals and make a real impact.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your answers and boost your confidence. We want to ensure that when the time comes, we’re ready to showcase our skills and experience effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals who want to make a difference in children’s lives, so let’s get your name out there!
We think you need these skills to ace Registered Manager -Ofsted
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Registered Manager. We want to see how you can bring your unique skills to our new children's home!
Showcase Your Values:Since we’re all about values-led care, don’t forget to emphasise your commitment to child-focused practices. Share examples of how you've created nurturing environments in your previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key achievements and experiences shine through without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Elite Search Associates Limited
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the Children’s Homes Regulations 2015 and Quality Standards. Brush up on your knowledge about trauma-informed care and how it applies to the role of a Registered Manager. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the basics, but that you’re genuinely passionate about providing high-quality care.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, especially in challenging situations. Think about times when you’ve built a strong, values-led team or created a nurturing environment for children. This is your chance to demonstrate your leadership style and how it aligns with the organisation's mission.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Compliance
Since compliance is key in this role, be prepared to discuss how you would ensure the home remains inspection-ready at all times. Bring specific examples from your previous experience where you maintained high standards and compliance in a residential setting.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that reflect your understanding of the role and the organisation’s goals. Inquire about their vision for the new home, how they plan to support staff development, or what challenges they foresee in the initial setup. This shows your genuine interest and helps you assess if the organisation is the right fit for you.
