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- Tasks: Lead the launch of a new children's residential care home and develop high-quality care standards.
- Company: Dynamic start-up focused on children's residential care in Bedfordshire.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonuses, and strong support for career progression.
- Why this job: Shape a new service and make a real difference in children's lives.
- Qualifications: Experience in children's residential care and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Opportunity to build a team and establish a safeguarding culture from the ground up.
The predicted salary is between 43000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
Location: Bedfordshire
Salary: Competitive ÂŁ50,000 to ÂŁ57,500 - dependent on experience + bonuses
Contract: Full-time, permanent
Overview
We are recruiting a Registered Manager or an experienced Deputy Manager ready to step up to lead the opening and registration of a new children’s residential care home in the Bedford area. This opportunity is well suited to:
- Registered Managers with Ofsted children’s residential experience, or
- Experienced Deputy Managers with strong regulatory exposure who are ready to progress into a Registered Manager role, or
- Managers with CQC-registered children’s residential experience who are seeking to transition into an Ofsted-regulated service with appropriate support.
You will work closely with an established Responsible Individual to design, register, and launch a high-quality children’s home from inception.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead or support the registration of a new children’s residential home with Ofsted
- Develop and implement policies, procedures, and systems aligned to Children’s Homes Regulations 2015 and Ofsted Quality Standards
- Prepare the service for pre-registration activity and initial inspection
- Recruit, induct, and develop a stable, high-performing staff team
- Establish a strong safeguarding culture and effective risk management processes
- Oversee care planning, behaviour support strategies, and quality assurance frameworks
- Build effective relationships with local authorities, commissioners, and external professionals
- Manage staffing, rotas, and operational readiness
- Step into full Registered Manager accountability post-registration (subject to Ofsted approval)
Essential Experience & Qualifications
- Experience as a Registered Manager or Deputy Manager within children’s residential care
- Strong safeguarding, leadership, and compliance background
- Involvement in inspections, audits, or regulatory improvement activity
- Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare (or actively working towards / willing to enrol immediately)
- Good working knowledge of regulated care frameworks
- Confident leadership style with strong organisational and communication skills
- Clear motivation to lead and develop a children’s residential service
Regulatory Experience
- Ofsted children’s residential experience – preferred
- CQC children’s residential experience – considered and supported, with a clear pathway to Ofsted alignment (Support will be provided to bridge regulatory differences where required.)
Desirable Experience
- Experience supporting new home openings or pre-registration activity
- Trauma-informed or therapeutic care approaches
- Experience supporting children with EBD, SEMH, ASD, or complex needs
What’s on Offer
- Clear step-up pathway for experienced Deputy Managers
- Strong Responsible Individual support throughout registration
- Opportunity to build and shape a service from the ground up
- Competitive salary and benefits
- Long-term career progression within a growing provider
How to Apply
Applications are welcomed from Registered Managers, experienced Deputy Managers, and candidates with relevant CQC children’s residential experience seeking progression into an Ofsted-regulated service. Please submit your CV for a confidential discussion.
Registered Manager / Deputy Manager employer: Key Talent Solutions
Contact Detail:
Key Talent Solutions Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Registered Manager / Deputy Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the children's residential care sector. Attend local events or online webinars to meet potential employers and get your name out there. Remember, it's all about who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its values. Think about how your experience aligns with their mission, especially in safeguarding and compliance. We want you to shine, so practice answering common interview questions related to leadership and care management.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for children's care! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've made a difference in previous roles. Whether it’s through innovative care strategies or team development, let them see your commitment to high-quality service.
✨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 dedicated individuals ready to step up and make an impact in children’s residential care.
We think you need these skills to ace Registered Manager / Deputy Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. Highlight your regulatory experience and any leadership roles you've held, as this will show us you're a great fit for the Registered Manager or Deputy Manager position.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about children's residential care and how your background aligns with our mission. Be sure to mention any relevant experience with Ofsted or CQC regulations.
Showcase Your Leadership Style: We want to see your leadership style come through in your application. Share examples of how you've developed teams or implemented effective safeguarding practices in your previous roles. This will help us understand how you can lead our new home.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Key Talent Solutions
✨Know Your Regulations
Familiarise yourself with the Children’s Homes Regulations 2015 and Ofsted Quality Standards. Being able to discuss these in detail will show your understanding of the role and your readiness to lead a new home.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or managed challenging situations in previous roles. Highlight your leadership style and how it aligns with creating a positive environment for children.
✨Demonstrate Your Safeguarding Knowledge
Be ready to discuss safeguarding practices and how you would implement them in a new setting. This is crucial for the role, so showing your commitment to child safety will make a strong impression.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the new home’s vision, the support you'll receive during registration, and how success will be measured. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
