At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a children's home, providing trauma-informed care and ensuring compliance with Ofsted standards.
- Company: Next Wave Care Group, a values-driven organisation on the Isle of Wight.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, ongoing professional development, and meaningful impact on children's lives.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with excellent career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a lasting difference in the lives of children and young people with complex needs.
- Qualifications: Experience in children's residential care and leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Next Wave Care Group is seeking an experienced, values-led Registered Manager to lead one of our children’s homes on the Isle of Wight and deliver excellent, trauma-informed care for children and young people with complex needs. This is a pivotal leadership role for a confident, child-centred professional who can provide strong operational and strategic leadership, secure positive outcomes for children, and maintain full compliance with Ofsted expectations and the Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015.
About the Role
As Registered Manager, you will hold full responsibility for the day-to-day leadership, management, and continuous development of the children’s home. You will ensure the home provides a safe, nurturing, and therapeutic environment where children and young people can thrive emotionally, socially, and educationally. You will lead a skilled staff team, embed trauma-informed and relational practice, and ensure that children’s voices are central to all care planning and decision‑making. You will be responsible for maintaining Ofsted registration, meeting the Quality Standards, and evidencing continuous improvement through reflective practice, robust monitoring, and strong leadership.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide effective leadership and management of the children’s home in line with the Statement of Purpose, Quality Standards, and Next Wave Care Group’s trauma‑informed ethos
- Ensure full compliance with the Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015, including Regulations 44 and 45, with accurate monitoring, reporting, and action planning
- Safeguard and promote the welfare of children, ensuring their safety, emotional wellbeing, stability, and development are at the heart of all practice
- Lead, inspire, supervise, and develop a competent and motivated staff team through safe recruitment, induction, training, supervision, and ongoing professional development
- Create a positive, open, and accountable culture where safeguarding, learning, and reflective practice are embedded
- Build strong, professional relationships with children, families, placing authorities, and partner agencies
- Ensure effective risk management, incident response, and learning from practice
- Prepare for and lead Ofsted inspections, responding effectively to feedback, recommendations, and requirements
- Manage resources responsibly, including staffing, rotas, and budgets, to ensure high‑quality, sustainable care
Essential Requirements
- Applicants must meet the Ofsted Registered Manager fitness requirements under Regulation 28, including proven integrity, good character, and physical and mental fitness to manage a children’s home
- Within the last five years, you must have at least two years’ experience working in a children’s residential care setting and at least one year’s experience supervising and managing staff in a care environment
- You must also hold a Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare (or be willing and eligible to complete this within required timescales)
- Have strong knowledge of safeguarding, child development, trauma‑informed practice, and the Quality Standards
- Be eligible for Ofsted registration as Registered Manager and able to maintain that registration
What We Offer
- The opportunity to lead and shape a children’s home with a clear therapeutic and trauma‑informed approach
- A supportive and engaged senior leadership team within a values‑driven organisation
- The chance to make a meaningful and lasting difference to children and young people’s lives
- Ongoing professional development, leadership support, and career progression
- Outcome‑related bonuses
- Comprehensive induction and transition support
- Team‑building activities and opportunities to contribute to service development
- Pension scheme and statutory benefits
Right to Work
Applicants must hold a valid UK right to work. We do not offer sponsorship.
Safer Recruitment Statement
Next Wave Care Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All appointments are subject to Enhanced DBS checks, satisfactory references, and all relevant pre-employment checks in line with Schedule 2 of the Children’s Homes Regulations.
Registered Manager (Children's home) - Next Wave Care Group in Sandown employer: Next Wave Care Group
Next Wave Care Group is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and empowering work environment for our staff. We prioritise employee well-being through comprehensive training, career progression opportunities, and a positive workplace culture that values open communication and collaboration. Located in a nurturing setting, our team works together to provide high-quality, trauma-informed support, ensuring that both our staff and the individuals we serve thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Registered Manager (Children's home) - Next Wave Care Group in Sandown
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the care sector, attend local events, and join relevant online groups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to leadership and trauma-informed care. Think about real-life examples from your experience that showcase your skills and values. We want to see how you can make a difference!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for child-centred care during interviews. Talk about your commitment to safeguarding and how you’ve successfully led teams in the past. Let’s make sure they see you as the perfect fit for their values-driven organisation!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our mission at Next Wave Care Group.
We think you need these skills to ace Registered Manager (Children's home) - Next Wave Care Group in Sandown
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for working with children shine through. We want to see how much you care about making a difference in their lives and how your values align with ours at Next Wave Care Group.
Be Specific About Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in children's residential care. We’re looking for specific examples of how you've led teams, managed challenges, and created positive outcomes for children. The more detail, the better!
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor it to the role of Registered Manager by addressing the key responsibilities and requirements mentioned in the job description. Show us that you understand what we’re looking for and how you fit the bill.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our values there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Next Wave Care Group
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and Ofsted expectations. Brush up on trauma-informed care practices and be ready to discuss how you’ve implemented these in your previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership style and how you've successfully managed a team in a residential care setting. Think about specific challenges you faced and how you inspired your team to overcome them.
✨Emphasise Child-Centred Care
Be ready to talk about how you prioritise the voices of children in care planning and decision-making. Share stories that demonstrate your commitment to creating a nurturing environment where children can thrive emotionally and socially.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle difficult situations. Practice articulating your thought process and decision-making strategies in these scenarios to show your capability in real-life situations.
