Registered Manager (Children) in London

Find out more about the daily tasks, overall responsibilities, and required experience for this opportunity by scrolling down now. Therasteps Care is currently in the process of purchasing a new children's residential home on the outskirts of the Bexhill area, and we are seeking an experienced and passionate Registered Manager to lead and develop the service ahead of its opening. This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated leader to play a key role in shaping a new therapeutic home from the beginning, supporting the registration process, recruitment of the staff team, development of the culture within the home, and ensuring the service is fully prepared to deliver high-quality care and positive outcomes for children and young people. Therasteps Care is a therapeutic children's residential provider committed to achieving positive outcomes for young people with complex needs. We are looking for a Registered Manager who is child-focused, ambitious, and committed to delivering outstanding care in line with all safeguarding and regulatory requirements.

Role Overview

As Registered Manager, you will have overall responsibility for the day-to-day management of the home, leadership of the staff team, and safeguarding and welfare of all children. You will ensure the home operates in full compliance with the Children's Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and the Quality Standards, and you will drive continuous improvement in care practice and outcomes. You will lead by example, embedding a therapeutic, trauma-informed approach and ensuring that all staff deliver consistent, high-quality care that supports children to thrive.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strong, effective leadership and direction to the staff team.
• Take full accountability for the operational management of the home.
• Support with the setup and development of the new home prior to opening.
• Recruit, manage, supervise and develop staff in line with safer recruitment practices.
• Promote a positive, high-performance culture focused on achieving the best outcomes for children.
• Lead team meetings, supervision, and performance management processes.
• Ensure staff are appropriately trained, supported, and developed.

Regulatory Compliance and Quality Assurance

• Support the Ofsted registration process for the new home.
• Ensure full compliance with the Children's Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and Ofsted Quality Standards.
• Maintain readiness for Ofsted inspections and lead the home through inspection processes.
• Oversee Regulation 44 and Regulation 45 processes, ensuring robust monitoring and continuous improvement.
• Ensure all policies, procedures, and records are accurate, up to date, and compliant.
• Notify Ofsted and relevant authorities of significant events in line with Regulation 40.

Safeguarding and Child Protection

• Hold overall responsibility for safeguarding within the home.
• Ensure all safeguarding concerns are managed effectively and reported in line with statutory guidance.
• Promote a culture where safeguarding is embedded in all aspects of practice.
• Work closely with Local Authorities and safeguarding partners.

Child-Centred Practice

• Ensure high-quality care planning, risk assessments, and behaviour support strategies are in place and effective.
• Promote trauma-informed, therapeutic approaches to care.
• Ensure children's voices are central to all planning and decision-making.
• Support children to achieve positive outcomes across education, health, and emotional wellbeing.

Operational Management

• Manage rotas, staffing levels, and resources effectively to meet the needs of the home.
• Oversee health and safety, medication management, and the physical environment.
• Ensure accurate financial management in line with budgets.
• Participate in the on-call rota and provide management oversight outside of normal hours where required.

Partnership Working

• Develop and maintain effective relationships with families, social workers, education providers, and other professionals.
• Represent the home in all external meetings and multi-agency forums.
• Promote positive relationships that support stability and outcomes for children.

Qualifications and Experience

Essential

• Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare.
• Minimum of 4 years' experience within a children's residential setting.
• At least 2 years' experience in a senior or management role.
• Strong working knowledge of safeguarding, child protection, and relevant legislation.
• Proven experience of managing Ofsted inspections and regulatory compliance.
• Full UK driving licence.

Desirable

• Experience opening or supporting the development of a new children's home.
• Level 7 qualification in Leadership and Management or willingness to work towards.
• Experience within a therapeutic or trauma-informed care setting.

Person Specification

• Strong leadership and decision-making skills.
• Resilient, organised, and able to work under pressure.
• Child-focused, empathetic, and committed to achieving positive outcomes.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to lead and develop a high-performing team.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary package.
• Opportunity to lead and shape a brand-new home from the outset.
• Ongoing professional development and training.
• Supportive senior leadership team.
• Clear opportunities for career progression.
• Pension scheme and statutory benefits.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced and motivated Registered Manager who is looking to take ownership of a new service and make a genuine difference to the lives of children and young people. If you are passionate about delivering high-quality care and achieving outstanding outcomes, we would welcome your application.