Residential Manager

HeadStart Group Ltd; England; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A family-led residential care provider is seeking a Registered Manager to lead a new children's home in Bedford. The role involves overseeing day-to-day operations, ensuring compliance with regulations, and creating a supportive environment for children with social, emotional, and behavioral needs. Candidates must have at least 2 years of experience as a Registered Manager and a commitment to child-centered practices. The position offers a competitive salary of £45,000 - £55,000 plus a performance bonus for favorable Ofsted ratings.

Benefits

Performance bonus for achieving a Good or Outstanding Ofsted rating

Strong support from an experienced Responsible Individual

Clear progression opportunities

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years' experience as a Registered Manager in a children's home.
• Experience in trauma-informed, child-centred practices.
• Proven ability to lead and motivate a staff team.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day operation and compliance of the home.
• Build and support a staff team fostering a positive culture.
• Oversee placement planning and safeguard children's welfare.

Skills

Committed to trauma-informed, child-centred practice

Strong knowledge of Children's Homes Regulations

Ability to develop and lead a staff team

Excellent communication skills

Education

Level 5 Diploma in Leadership & Management for Residential Childcare

Job description

Registered Manager - Children's Residential Home

Bedford, Bedfordshire

Full-time | Permanent

£45,000 - £55,000 DOE + Performance Bonus

Headstart Group

Headstart Group is preparing to open a small, therapeutic children's home in Bedford, providing safety, stability and high-quality care for up to 4 children with social, emotional and behavioural needs (SEMH/EBD). We are now looking for an experienced, confident and child-centred Registered Manager to lead the home from the very beginning.

This is a rare opportunity to shape a brand-new service, influence its culture and create a nurturing home where children genuinely feel safe, valued and supported.

About the Role

As the Registered Manager, you will:

• Lead the day-to-day operation of the home
• Build, support and develop your own staff team
• Create a therapeutic, structured and child-centred environment
• Ensure full compliance with Children's Homes Regulations & Quality Standards
• Oversee referrals, placement planning, safeguarding and multi-agency collaboration
• Drive continuous improvement and embed strong values into the home
• Lead the Ofsted registration process and prepare the home for inspections

You’ll have the autonomy to put your own footprint on the home, shape routines and systems, and establish a positive workplace culture from the start.

What We Offer

• £45,000 - £55,000 DOE
• Performance bonus for achieving a Good or Outstanding Ofsted rating
• Strong support from an experienced Responsible Individual (RI)
• Clear progression opportunities into senior roles as the organisation grows
• The chance to influence the home's setup, culture and long-term direction

About You

We are looking for someone who:

• Has a minimum of 2 years' experience as a Registered Manager in a children's home
• Has strong knowledge of the Children's Homes Regulations, Quality Standards and Ofsted requirements
• Is committed to trauma-informed, child-centred practice
• Can develop, motivate and lead a staff team with professionalism and empathy
• Communicates clearly, confidently and with emotional intelligence
• Holds (or is working towards) the Level 5 Diploma in Leadership & Management for Residential Childcare

Preferred but not essential:

Experience opening a new children's home or working in a newly established home.

(We welcome applications regardless - this experience is an advantage, not a requirement.)

Above all, you'll bring passion, resilience and a genuine commitment to creating a safe, stable environment where children can thrive.

About Headstart Group

Headstart Group is a family-led, values-driven residential care provider opening its first home in Bedford. Our mission is to deliver high-quality, therapeutic care and provide children with the stability, safety and opportunities they deserve.

With plans for future growth, this role also offers excellent long-term progression.

How to Apply

For a confidential conversation or to request a full job description:

admin@

07775 793211

You can also apply directly through LinkedIn with your CV.