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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage three single-occupancy children's homes, providing personalised care.
- Company: Stable and growing organisation focused on children's welfare.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, senior leadership role, and long-term career progression.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives with autonomy and support.
- Qualifications: Level 4 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care required.
- Other info: Role involves safeguarding, compliance, and working closely with Ofsted.
The predicted salary is between 51600 - 61600 £ per year.
Location: Stoke-on-Trent
Service Type: 3 Children’s Homes – Single Occupancy (1 child per home)
Age Range: Children & Young People 8–18
Salary: £60,000 – £70,000 per annum
Contract: Full-time | Permanent
The Role
We are seeking an experienced and capable Ofsted Registered Children’s Home Manager to provide leadership and oversight across three single-occupancy children’s residential homes in the Stoke-on-Trent area. Each home supports one child per placement, enabling highly personalised, therapeutic care for children and young people aged 8–18 with complex needs. This role is suited to a manager who understands the demands of solo placements, is confident working with Ofsted, and can demonstrate strong regulatory, safeguarding, and leadership competence. You will either already be registered with Ofsted or be able to meet the requirements for registration as a Children’s Home Manager under the Children’s Homes Regulations (England) 2015.
Key Responsibilities
- Hold (or obtain) Ofsted registration as Registered Manager for children’s residential services
- Provide strategic and operational leadership across three Ofsted-regulated, single-occupancy homes
- Ensure each home operates fully in line with the Children’s Homes Regulations (England) 2015 and the Quality Standards
- Maintain homes in a constant state of inspection readiness, working towards Good or Outstanding Ofsted outcomes
- Lead on safeguarding, risk assessment, care planning, and behaviour support for individual placements
- Ensure robust recording, monitoring, and quality assurance in line with regulatory expectations
- Lead, supervise, and develop Registered Managers / Deputies and residential staff teams
- Oversee safer recruitment, staff induction, supervision, training, and performance management
- Manage budgets, staffing models, rotas, and resources across all services
- Act as the primary professional contact for Ofsted, placing authorities, and external professionals
- Promote and embed a trauma-informed, child-centred culture across all homes
- Work closely with the Responsible Individual (or fulfil RI responsibilities where applicable)
Essential Requirements
- Level 4 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care (Children & Young People) – minimum
- Working towards the Level 5 Diploma (or willingness and eligibility to enrol immediately)
- Minimum 2 years’ management experience within children’s residential care
- Experience working within Ofsted-regulated children’s homes
- Ability to meet Ofsted Registered Manager suitability criteria, including competence, experience, and qualification requirements
- Strong working knowledge of safeguarding, legislation, and regulatory compliance
- Experience managing complex placements and high-support care environments
- Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle
- Right to work in the UK
Desirable
- Level 5 Diploma completed
- Previous experience as an Ofsted Registered Manager
- Experience working within single-occupancy / solo placement models
- Proven history of improving or maintaining positive Ofsted outcomes
- Experience leading multiple homes or geographically close services
What’s on Offer
- Salary £60,000 – £70,000, dependent on experience and registration status
- Senior leadership role with genuine autonomy and professional trust
- Opportunity to work within a specialist, low-occupancy care model
- Supportive senior leadership and realistic operational expectations
- Long-term progression within a stable and growing organisation
Safeguarding & Compliance
This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references, and full safer recruitment checks in line with Ofsted and regulatory requirements.
Ofsted Registered Children’s Home Manager in Stoke-on-Trent employer: Optima Plus Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Optima Plus Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Ofsted Registered Children’s Home Manager in Stoke-on-Trent
✨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 brushing up on Ofsted regulations and the specific needs of children in single-occupancy homes. Show us that you’re not just familiar with the role but passionate about making a difference in these children's lives.
✨Tip Number 3
When you get an interview, don’t just talk about your experience—share specific examples of how you've led teams or improved outcomes in previous roles. We want to see your leadership skills in action!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in joining our team and making a positive impact.
We think you need these skills to ace Ofsted Registered Children’s Home Manager in Stoke-on-Trent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Ofsted Registered Children’s Home Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience in managing children’s residential care and your understanding of Ofsted regulations. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: In your application, emphasise your leadership experience and how you've successfully managed teams in a similar environment. We’re looking for someone who can inspire and develop staff, so share examples of how you’ve done this in the past.
Demonstrate Your Knowledge of Safeguarding: Since safeguarding is crucial in this role, make sure to include specific examples of how you've implemented safeguarding measures in previous positions. We want to know that you’re committed to creating a safe environment for children and young people.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Optima Plus Recruitment
✨Know Your Regulations
Familiarise yourself with the Children’s Homes Regulations (England) 2015 and Ofsted's expectations. Be ready to discuss how you’ve ensured compliance in your previous roles, as this will show your understanding of the regulatory landscape.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience, especially in managing teams and overseeing multiple homes. Think about specific challenges you've faced and how you led your team to overcome them.
✨Demonstrate Child-Centred Care
Be prepared to talk about how you promote a trauma-informed, child-centred culture. Share stories that illustrate your approach to personalised care and how you’ve successfully managed complex placements.
✨Engage with Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-life situations. Practice articulating your thought process and decision-making strategies, particularly around safeguarding and risk assessment.
