Registered Manager Childrens Residential Home in London

Location: Harrow, HA2

Salary: Competitive (dependent on experience)

Contract: Full-time, Permanent

Hours: 37 hours per week (flexibility required to meet service needs)

Reports to: Responsible Individual / Director

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced, passionate, and highly motivated Registered Manager to lead and manage a Childrens Residential Home, ensuring the highest standards of care, safeguarding, and outcomes for children and young people. The successful candidate will be responsible for the overall leadership, management, and regulatory compliance of the home in line with Ofsted regulations, the Childrens Homes (England) Regulations 2015, and the Quality Standards. This is a key leadership role requiring a strong, confident manager who can develop staff, maintain compliance, and provide a nurturing, safe, and therapeutic environment for children with complex needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Leadership & Management
  • Register with Ofsted as the Registered Manager and maintain registration.
  • Provide strong, inspirational leadership to the staff team, promoting a positive and child-centred culture.
  • Ensure the home operates in line with its Statement of Purpose.
  • Lead by example, modelling professional practice and values at all times.
• Quality of Care
  • Ensure children receive high-quality, individualised care that promotes their safety, wellbeing, and development.
  • Implement care plans, placement plans, and risk assessments effectively.
  • Promote positive behaviour management strategies and trauma-informed practice.
  • Ensure childrens wishes, feelings, and voices are heard and acted upon.
• Safeguarding
  • Take overall responsibility for safeguarding and child protection within the home.
  • Ensure all safeguarding concerns are acted upon appropriately and reported in line with local safeguarding procedures.
  • Maintain effective relationships with Local Authorities, social workers, and external professionals.
• Regulatory Compliance
  • Ensure full compliance with Ofsted regulations, inspections, and requirements.
  • Prepare for and manage Ofsted inspections, audits, and monitoring visits.
  • Maintain accurate, timely, and compliant records and reports.
  • Notify Ofsted and relevant authorities of all notifiable events.
• Staff Management & Development
  • Recruit, supervise, appraise, and develop staff in line with safer recruitment practices.
  • Ensure all staff receive regular supervision, annual appraisals, and ongoing training.
  • Develop staff competency through coaching, mentoring, and performance management.
  • Manage staff rotas, sickness, and disciplinary processes effectively.
• Operational & Financial Management
  • Manage the homes budget and resources responsibly.
  • Ensure staffing levels are safe and appropriate at all times.
  • Monitor occupancy, placements, and service sustainability.
  • Work closely with senior management to contribute to service development.

Essential Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years experience working in a childrens residential care setting.
• At least 2 years experience in a management or leadership role within childrens residential services.
• Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare (working towards it or equivalent).
• Strong working knowledge of: Childrens Homes Regulations (2015), Ofsted Quality Standards, Safeguarding and child protection procedures.
• Proven experience of managing Ofsted inspections and regulatory compliance.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and organisational skills.
• Ability to work flexibly, including evenings, weekends, and on-call duties.
• Enhanced DBS check.
• Full UK driving licence (desirable).

Desirable Skills & Experience

• Experience supporting children with emotional and behavioural difficulties (EBD), trauma, or complex needs.
• Strong understanding of therapeutic and trauma-informed care approaches.
• Experience of service development or opening a new childrens home.
• Confident in multi-agency working and professional challenge.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary.
• Opportunity to lead and shape a high-quality childrens service.
• Ongoing professional development and training.
• Supportive senior management and clear leadership structure.
• A rewarding role where you can make a real difference to childrens lives.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit: An up-to-date CV and a covering letter outlining your suitability for the role and leadership experience. Applications will be subject to safer recruitment checks, including references, DBS, and verification of qualifications.