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- Tasks: Lead and manage a new multi-building children's home, ensuring a child-centred service.
- Company: Wokingham Borough Council, dedicated to supporting vulnerable children and young people.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, local discounts, and supportive management.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while shaping a new residential service.
- Qualifications: Level 5 Leadership and Management in Residential Childcare or equivalent experience required.
- Other info: Join a vibrant community with excellent transport links and career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 59009 - 64673 £ per year.
We have an opportunity for a Residential Children's Homes Manager to lead and manage our brand-new, multi-building children's home(s) within the borough. As the Residential Children's Homes Manager, you will be responsible for the effective management of the residential homes, and the provision of a professional children and young people centred service, in line with the relevant regulations, legislation, codes of practice, and policy and procedures.
This role will provide the successful Residential Children's Homes Manager with the unique opportunity to further establish the recently opened Children's Homes. They will be able to use their leadership and coaching skills to further develop existing and new members of staff. The successful candidate for this role will have the opportunity to make a significant contribution to the overall shaping and embedding of the Residential Homes in Wokingham.
Residential Children's Homes in Wokingham is a new venture. The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate their experience of being professionally creative, safe and "solution focussed" in a challenging and fast paced environment. The candidate will also be a strong and steady mentor for not only the growing team, but also for our Children.
Wokingham Children's Services are relentlessly focussed on the full rounded picture that Corporate Parenting provides, we are looking for individuals who will advocate for our children, and have them at the heart of every decision made. Wokingham Borough Council's aim is to enable our most vulnerable children and young people in care to live close to the things they hold dear - close to family, friends, community, and those who care for them most.
This service comprises a multi-building children's home including a 4-bedroom Emotional Behaviour Disorder/Difficulties (EBD) home and one smaller (2 bedroom) home.
Candidate requirements:- Professional qualification in (recognised and current) Level 5 Leadership and Management in Residential Childcare, or equivalent
- Significant experience as a manager in a children's residential setting
- The ability to lead and manage a team to achieve best outcomes for Children in our Care at our Residential Care Home.
- Confidence in managing competing demands in tight timescales.
- Ability to work seamlessly with our multi agency network, and our Wokingham Children's Services team.
- Salary of £59,009 - £64,673 per annum plus benefit
- Supportive management with regular supervision
- Generous annual leave allowance, with additional 5 days with 5 yrs continuous service.
- Local and national discount schemes
- Car salary sacrifice benefit available
Wokingham Borough is set in the heart of Berkshire with excellent transport links to Reading and central London. Our area comprises of a vibrant and historical market town, attractive villages, and miles of beautiful countryside. We’re home to a range of high performing schools including 69 primary and 21 secondary, a host of international businesses and an incredible community. We have a strong local economy with accelerated growth, a range of excellent public facilities and low levels of crime, offering an exceptional quality of life.
If you’re interested in this exciting opportunity, click the link below and apply today!
Closing Date: Sunday 12th April 2026 at 11pm
Interview Date: W/C 27th April 2026 (in person, in Wokingham).
Please note: Interviews will be held in person, by a panel with a presentation required (details to be confirmed upon invitation). We will also be following up the Professional panel interview with a Young Person's panel interview.
Please be aware that we will be reviewing the applications we receive on a daily basis, and we reserve the right to close the advert early if suitable candidates are identified.
If your application is shortlisted for an interview, you will be required to provide proof of your right to work in the UK at that stage. Additionally, successful candidates must present proof upon receiving a job offer. Please note that all offers are conditional and subject to the satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks.
Wokingham Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff, other workers and volunteers to share this commitment. All successful candidates for this role will be subject to Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks along with other relevant employment checks.
Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we regret that we are unable to respond to every applicant individually. If you do not hear from us within 4 weeks of the application closing date, please assume that your application has not been successful on this occasion.
We appreciate your interest in joining Wokingham Borough Council and thank you for taking the time to apply. Wokingham is an equal opportunities employer.
Children\'s Residential Homes Manager in Wokingham employer: Wokingham Jobs
Contact Detail:
Wokingham Jobs Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Children\'s Residential Homes Manager in Wokingham
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Wokingham Borough Council and their approach to children's services. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your leadership stories! Think of specific examples where you've led a team or made a positive impact in a children's residential setting. We want to hear about your experiences and how they align with the role of a Residential Children's Homes Manager.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the panel interview! Since you'll be facing both a professional panel and a Young Person's panel, practice answering questions from different perspectives. Show us how you can connect with both the team and the children you'll be working with.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! Make sure you complete the online application form fully, as we won't accept CVs without it. This is your chance to shine, so take your time and make it count!
We think you need these skills to ace Children\'s Residential Homes Manager in Wokingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Start with a Bang: Kick off your application with a strong opening statement. We want to see your passion for working with children and how your experience aligns with the role. Make it personal and engaging!
Showcase Your Experience: Highlight your relevant experience in managing children's residential settings. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your leadership skills and ability to create a safe, nurturing environment.
Be Solution-Focused: Since this role is all about being solution-focused, make sure to include instances where you've tackled challenges head-on. We love seeing how you’ve creatively solved problems in past roles!
Complete the Online Form: Remember, we only accept applications through our website with a fully completed online form. Don’t skip this step! It’s your chance to shine and show us why you’re the perfect fit for our team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Wokingham Jobs
✨Know Your Regulations
Familiarise yourself with the relevant regulations and legislation surrounding children's residential care. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you understand the framework within which you'll be operating.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team in a challenging environment. Highlight your coaching abilities and how you've developed staff in previous roles, as this is crucial for the position.
✨Engage with the Young People’s Perspective
Since there will be a Young Person's panel interview, think about how you can advocate for children and young people. Be ready to discuss how you would put their needs at the heart of your decision-making.
✨Prepare for the Presentation
You'll need to deliver a presentation during the interview, so make sure you know your audience and tailor your content accordingly. Practice speaking clearly and confidently about your vision for the homes and how you plan to implement it.