SUMMARY
We are establishing a solo children's home in Dudley for one child with emotional and behavioural difficulties and complex trauma. The home will provide a safe, nurturing and therapeutic environment underpinned by trauma-informed, relationship-based and child-centred practice.
Key responsibilities
- Lead the home's Ofsted registration and opening.
- Ensure compliance with the Children's Homes Regulations 2015, Quality Standards and Ofsted requirements.
- Safeguard and promote the welfare of the child.
- Develop a stable, nurturing and trauma-informed culture.
- Lead placement matching, care planning and risk management.
- Recruit, supervise and develop a competent residential-care team.
- Maintain safe staffing levels and effective on‑call arrangements.
- Work collaboratively with families, social workers, commissioners, education, health and safeguarding partners.
- Monitor the quality of care through audits, Regulation 44 visits and Regulation 45 reviews.
- Manage the home's budget, resources, records and operational performance.
Essential experience and qualifications
- At least two years' experience within the previous five years in a position relevant to the residential care of children.
- At least one year's experience supervising and managing staff working in a care role.
- Management or Deputy Manager experience within an Ofsted-regulated children's home.
- Experience supporting children with emotional and behavioural difficulties, complex trauma or comparable needs.
- Strong knowledge of safeguarding, the Children's Homes Regulations 2015, Quality Standards and Ofsted inspection requirements.
- A Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare or an accepted equivalent.
- A Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare, or eligibility and commitment to complete it within the required statutory period.
- Strong leadership, communication, report-writing and multi-agency working skills.
- A full UK driving licence, unless a reasonable adjustment is agreed.
- Eligibility to work in the United Kingdom.
- Experience of registering or opening a new children's home, or improving an existing home to Good or Outstanding, is desirable.
What we offer
- Salary of £50,000-£55,000 per annum.
- Performance‑related bonus of up to £5,000.
- Permanent, full‑time employment.
- Funded mandatory training and professional development.
- Support to complete relevant qualifications.
- Professional supervision and Responsible Individual oversight.
- Workplace pension.
- Enhanced DBS costs funded by the employer.
- Opportunities to shape the culture and development of a new home.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All applicants must share this commitment.
QUALIFICATION AND SKILLS NEEDED
- Qualifications Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare or an accepted equivalent relevant qualification.
- Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare (England), or a qualification the provider considers equivalent.
- Evidence of relevant continuing professional development in safeguarding, leadership and residential childcare.
- Experience At least two years' experience within the previous five years in a position relevant to the residential care of children.
- At least one year's experience in a role requiring the supervision and management of staff working in a care role.
- Experience as a Registered Manager, Deputy Manager or senior leader in an Ofsted-regulated children's home.
- Experience of leading a new home through Ofsted registration or improving a home to Good or Outstanding.
- Experience of supporting children with trauma, emotional and behavioural needs, exploitation risks, disabilities or other needs relevant to the Statement of Purpose.
- Knowledge Thorough knowledge of the Children's Homes (England) Regulations 2015, Quality Standards and Ofsted inspection framework.
- Strong understanding of safeguarding, allegations management, missing‑from‑care procedures, exploitation and positive behaviour support.
- Understanding of placement matching, care planning, multi‑agency working and the wider looked‑after‑children system.
- Ability to provide visible leadership, manage change and create a stable, child‑centred culture.
- Ability to recruit, supervise, develop and hold staff accountable for high‑quality practice.
- Strong written, analytical and digital skills, including preparation of regulatory reports, audits and improvement plans.
- Ability to manage budgets, rotas, resources and competing operational demands.
- Essential Attributes Integrity, sound judgement, resilience, emotional intelligence and a commitment to children's rights.
- Ability to remain calm, decisive and reflective during safeguarding incidents and organisational pressure.
- Physically and mentally fit to manage the home, subject to appropriate occupational‑health assessment.
- Enhanced DBS with children's barred‑list check and satisfactory references.
- Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel, unless a reasonable adjustment is agreed.
- Flexibility to work outside normal office hours and participate in the on‑call rota.