Head Of Care

Link 3 Recruitment; Derby; On-site; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A specialist education recruitment agency is seeking a Head of Care to lead a residential care team in Derby. This role involves ensuring high-quality care for young people with Special Educational Needs. The ideal candidate will have experience in managing care services and a Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare. A commitment to wellbeing and staff development is essential. This is a full-time permanent position.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in managing residential care services for children and young people.
• Strong understanding of complex needs, SEN, and trauma-informed care.
• DSL training is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support the residential care team to ensure high-quality care.
• Serve as the Registered Manager with Ofsted.
• Manage recruitment, training, supervisions, and appraisals for staff.
• Monitor and evaluate care quality and health and safety.

Skills

Leadership

Organisational skills

Communication skills

Knowledge of regulatory requirements

Education

Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare

Job description

Job Title

Head of Care

Company

Link3 Recruitment

Location

Swadlincote, UK

Employment Type

Full-Time, Permanent

Salary

Competitive, dependent on experience and qualifications

About Us

Link3 Recruitment is a specialist education recruitment agency supporting staffing needs across schools & care-based educational provisions throughout the UK. We are currently seeking a dedicated and experienced Head of Care / Registered Manager to lead a residential care team based within an education setting for young people aged 6 to 19 with Special Educational Needs (SEN).

The Role

This is a full-time leadership role responsible for overseeing the residential care team and ensuring high-quality, person-centred care within a care provision located on a school site. As the Registered Manager, you will be a member of the senior leadership team and a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), playing a critical role in maintaining compliance, safeguarding, and effective day-to-day care delivery. You will work closely with education and therapeutic colleagues to ensure a consistent, integrated approach to care that supports the emotional, social, and developmental needs of the young people.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, supervise, and support the residential care team to ensure safe, high-quality care
• Serve as the Registered Manager with Ofsted
• Take a key role in the organisation's senior leadership team
• Manage recruitment, training, supervisions, and appraisals for residential staff
• Oversee & support transitions, care plans, and individual support needs
• Act as a Designated Safeguarding Lead
• Monitor and evaluate care quality, health and safety, and incident reporting procedures
• Collaborate with internal teams and external agencies to promote joined-up support
• Manage care rotas, on-call cover, and contribute to emergency planning & risk management
• Represent the care provision in professional settings, including multi-agency meetings

Minimum Requirements

• Experience: Proven experience in managing residential care services for children and young people; strong understanding of complex needs, SEN, and trauma-informed care.
• Qualifications: Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare (or equivalent); DSL training is advantageous.
• Skills: Excellent leadership, organisational, and communication skills; ability to manage staff teams effectively and model outstanding care practice; strong working knowledge of regulatory requirements, safeguarding legislation, and quality frameworks.
• Additional Requirements: Willingness to be part of the on-call rota & attend meetings beyond standard hours; ability to travel as required for professional development or multi-agency engagement; commitment to inclusion, wellbeing, & staff development; Covid-19 vaccinations are encouraged unless medically exempt.

How to Apply

If you're an experienced care leader ready for a new and meaningful challenge, we'd love to hear from you. Please send your CV and a brief cover letter to or apply via our website at