Children’s Home Manager – Experienced Deputies Welcome

Lemontree Recruitment; Tudhoe; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Lemontree Recruitment is seeking an experienced Registered Manager or Deputy Manager to lead a residential children’s home in England. You will oversee day-to-day operations, staff development and create a safe, therapeutic environment for young people with SEMH.

The role reports to the Responsible Individual, aligns with Ofsted standards, and involves safeguarding leadership, staff recruitment and collaboration with families and professionals. DBS checks apply.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in children's residential care.
• Proven track record as Registered Manager, Home Manager or Deputy Manager.
• Knowledge of Children's Homes Regulations, Quality Standards and Ofsted expectations.
• Willingness to undertake Ofsted registration if not already registered.

Responsibilities

• Lead the daily operations of the home and promote a child-centred culture.
• Oversee safeguarding, respond to concerns and allocate significant incidents appropriately.
• Ensure compliance with regulations and prepare for Ofsted inspections.

Skills

Leadership

Safeguarding

Staff development

Education

Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare

Job description

Are you an experienced Registered Manager looking for your next opportunity, or a strong Deputy Manager ready to step up?

We're seeking a committed, child-centred leader to manage a residential children's home supporting young people with emotional and behavioural needs.

Applications are welcome from existing Registered Managers, experienced children's home managers willing to undertake Ofsted registration, and strong Deputy Managers with substantial children's residential care and leadership experience.

The role

You’ll lead the day-to-day running of the home, develop the staff team and create a safe, nurturing and therapeutic environment where young people can thrive.

Reporting to the Responsible Individual, you'll work closely with a Quality & Compliance Manager who provides independent quality assurance, advice and professional challenge. You'll hold responsibility for operational decisions, care delivery and outcomes for young people.

Key responsibilities

• Manage the home’s daily operations and promote a positive, child-centred culture.
• Lead safeguarding practice, respond to concerns and allocate significant incidents appropriately.
• Ensure compliance with the Children's Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and the Quality Standards.
• Prepare for Ofsted inspections and drive improvements following audits and feedback.
• Recruit, supervise and develop staff, maintaining appropriate staffing levels.
• Oversee individual care plans and promote positive educational, health and emotional wellbeing outcomes.
• Ensure young people’s voices, wishes and rights shape their care.
• Build effective relationships with families, external professionals and the wider leadership team.
• Participate in the on-call rota.

About you

You’ll bring:

• Significant experience in children's residential care, with a strong track record as a Registered Manager, Home Manager or Deputy Manager.
• Proven experience leading staff, managing safeguarding concerns and supporting the effective running of a home.
• Existing Ofsted registration, or the willingness to undertake registration as the home’s Registered Manager.
• A Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare, or be working towards it.
• Strong knowledge of children's homes regulations, Quality Standards and Ofsted expectations.
• Sound judgement, resilience and the ability to lead service improvement.
• A compassionate approach and a clear commitment to achieving positive outcomes for children.
• Experience supporting young people with SEMH needs, contributing to Ofsted inspections, or supporting service development and turnaround would be an advantage.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Appointment is subject to an enhanced DBS check, including the children's barred list, satisfactory references and safer recruitment checks