Job Description Join a pioneering team creating a therapeutic sanctuary for children and young people who need specialised care and support.
\Registered Manager (Short Breaks)
Full-Time | Permanent
\Embrace Care is looking for an experienced children's residential services manager to lead The Retreat, our unique therapeutic service based within purpose-built lodges in Capenhurst, just outside Chester.
\The Retreat offers an exceptional environment, with a range of activities and facilities available on site. The service will provide stabilisation, crisis intervention, planned short stays and an approved place of care for children and young people who need a safe, supportive and therapeutic environment.
\The Retreat forms part of a dual Ofsted registration. This is a rare opportunity to shape a distinctive service, develop a skilled and consistent team and create an environment in which children and young people feel safe, understood and able to move forward.
\You will need management experience within an Ofsted-regulated children's service, together with a strong understanding of the Children's Homes Regulations, Quality Standards and Ofsted expectations. You will be a confident and compassionate leader who remains visible, approachable and closely connected to both the children and the team.
\Provide confident, visible and child-centred leadership across The Retreat
Take responsibility for the quality and day-to-day operation of the service
Work closely with the Registered Manager and senior leadership team to maintain regulatory compliance and readiness for Ofsted inspection
Ensure that the service delivers effective stabilisation, crisis intervention, planned short stays and approved place-of-care arrangements
Maintain strong safeguarding arrangements and a culture in which children's welfare comes first
Oversee referrals, admissions and placement matching to ensure the service can safely meet each child's needs
Ensure care plans, risk assessments and records are accurate, meaningful and regularly reviewed
Monitor the quality of care and use learning, feedback and evidence to drive continuous improvement
Manage staffing, rotas, supervision, performance and team development
Maintain appropriate oversight of incidents, complaints, notifications and regulatory reporting
Manage the service responsibly within agreed staffing and financial parameters
An experienced manager within an Ofsted-regulated children's residential service
Knowledgeable about the Children's Homes Regulations, Quality Standards and Ofsted inspection framework
Experienced in safeguarding children and managing complex or challenging situations
Able to translate regulatory expectations into high-quality everyday practice
Organised and confident in managing compliance, quality assurance and service development
Able to build credible relationships with children, families and external professionals
Passionate about creating positive and lasting outcomes for children and young people
\Management experience within an Ofsted-regulated children's service
Strong working knowledge of Ofsted requirements and children's residential care
Experience of leading and developing care teams
Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare, or willingness to complete the qualification within the required timeframe
Full UK driving licence held for at least 12 months
Flexibility to meet the needs of the service and participate in the on-call rota
\Fully funded training and professional development
Therapeutic and specialist training
Genuine opportunities for continued career progression
Private medical and dental insurance
Health and wellbeing support
Enhanced maternity and paternity leave
Employee referral bonus scheme
On-site parking
Employee discounts, including discounted stays at our Chester and Preston hotels, subject to availability
Company events and recognition programmes
If you are an experienced children's services manager who wants to lead with compassion, build a strong team and deliver exceptional outcomes for children and young people, we would love to hear from you.
\Apply today and help us create something truly special at The Retreat.
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Registered Manager Children Residential Care in Chester employer: EMBRACE CARE LTD
Embrace Care is an exceptional employer, recognised as one of The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2026, offering a nurturing environment for Residential Support Workers in Preston. With a strong focus on employee growth through continuous therapeutic guidance and a supportive team culture, we ensure that our staff are well-equipped to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children who have faced adversity. Join us for a rewarding career where job security and professional development go hand in hand, all within a dedicated and compassionate home setting.
