Head of Care

Unidad Educativa Bilingüe Delfos; Billingshurst; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Ingfield Manor School seeks an experienced Residential Services Manager to lead Acorns, our residential provision for children and young people with additional needs. The role focuses on day-to-day management and strategic development of residential services, ensuring high standards of care and safeguarding.

You will lead a multidisciplinary team, oversee planning of recreational activities, and align practices with national standards and best practice.

Qualifications

• Experience leading a multidisciplinary residential care team.
• Understanding of safeguarding and health & safety standards.
• Familiarity with National Minimum Standards for Residential Special Schools.
• Experience in development and review of policies and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Provide strong, child-centred leadership to a multidisciplinary residential care team.
• Ensure the residential provision operates effectively and in line with the National Minimum Standards for Residential Special Schools.
• Lead the development, implementation and review of the Statement of Purpose.
• Support the strategic development of residential services, including before and after-school provision.
• Develop and maintain operational policies and procedures in line with legislation and best practice.
• Foster a positive, supportive environment for staff and young people.
• Ensure compliance with Health & Safety requirements, including risk assessments and reporting procedures.

Skills

Leadership

Staff development

Strategic planning

Multidisciplinary team

Job description

About The Company

Ingfield Manor School is a non-maintained residential special school and part of Salutem Care and Education who have services across England and Wales supporting adults and children in residential and educational Environments.

About The Company

Ingfield Manor School is a non-maintained residential special school and part of Salutem Care and Education who have services across England and Wales supporting adults and children in residential and educational Environments.

Based in its our own idyllic grounds, Ingfield Manor School offers extensive specialist facilities with the aim to provide an exceptional learning environment, helping children and young people fulfil their potential. Facilities include woodland and outdoor classroom space, high specification sensory room and swimming pool.

At Ingfield Manor School, we believe everyone should have the opportunity to live a healthy, active, and fulfilling life, regardless of their background or disability. The aim of our services is to provide a safe and stimulating environment that enables children and young people to flourish and grow.

Our IMS provision caters for students aged 3—19 years with neurological motor impairment such as Cerebral Palsy and associated medical and sensory needs. Following the Conductive Education approach, Ingfield Manor School focuses on the holistic development of everyone, including their physical and communication skills.

Acorns is the nine‑bedded residential provision at Ingfield Manor School, offering overnight and short‑break stays, Monday - Friday during term time only for children and young people aged 7 to 19. Our accommodation is bright, modern and designed to feel homely and supportive, helping our children and young people feel comfortable and at ease during their stay. With well‑equipped bedrooms and a variety of communal lounge, dining and activity spaces, Acorns provides plenty of opportunities for socialising, relaxing and building independence in a warm, welcoming environment.

We are immensely proud of our school and our community. We are committed to providing the very best for young people while they are with us, helping them to develop the knowledge, skills, confidence and aspiration to succeed throughout their lives. We know that our staff team make the school and residential provision what it is today and are the key to a successful future. Staff are well supported by the leadership team and are offered opportunities to progress. We know that each and every one of our staff have a pivotal role to play and we believe in supporting everyone to fulfil their potential. Ingfield Manor School is a rewarding place to work, and staff report high levels of job satisfaction.

Through working for Salutem we offer a comprehensive range of employee benefits designed to support you in various aspects of your life through our benefits platform Salutem Extras.

Some of these benefits include free online GP access for you and your family, ensuring that healthcare is readily accessible when you need it most. Additionally, our free employee assistance programme extends its support to both you and your partner, providing essential services such as counselling, financial advice, and legal guidance.

Ingfield Manor School has convenient road links and is a 10 minute drive from Horsham. There is a bus stop 10 minute walk from the school, a large car park for those travelling by car.

New employees joining Ingfield Manor School are guaranteed a warm welcome from the community. Our motto is ‘Fulfilling Potential’ and we strongly believe that this should include our entire school community. We look forward to getting to know you better and helping you to play your part in providing the very best to our young people.

About The Role

Ingfield Manor School is seeking an experienced and passionate Residential Services Manager to lead Acorns, our residential provision for children and young people with additional needs.

This is an exciting leadership opportunity to oversee the day-to-day management and strategic development of our residential services, ensuring the highest standards of care, safeguarding, and support. You will lead a dedicated multidisciplinary team, champion the voice of each young person, and create a nurturing environment that promotes independence, personal growth, and meaningful experiences.

Alongside managing the residential provision, you will oversee the planning and coordination of recreational outings and social activities, ensuring every young person has opportunities that reflect their interests, aspirations, and developmental needs.

• Contract Type: Fixed-Term Maternity Cover


• Duration: 12 Months


• Start Date: December 2026


• Hours: 40 hours per week


• Working Pattern: Monday to Friday, Term Time Only (39 weeks per year)


• Daily Hours: 8 hours per day with flexible shift and rota patterns

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Operational Management

• Provide strong, child-centred leadership to a multidisciplinary residential care team.


• Ensure the residential provision operates effectively and in line with the National Minimum Standards for Residential Special Schools.


• Lead the development, implementation and review of the Statement of Purpose.


• Support the strategic development of residential services, including before and after-school provision.


• Develop and maintain operational policies and procedures in line with legislation and best practice.


• Foster a positive, supportive environment for staff and young people.


• Ensure compliance with Health & Safety requirements, including risk assessments and reporting procedures.

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