Registered Manager Childrens Home

Reports to: Responsible Individual / Directors
Location: Colchester, Essex
Salary: £46-£55k
Hours: Full-Time (40 hours per week), with some on-call duties.

Job Overview
We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Registered Manager to oversee the operations of our Childrens Homes. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in managing childrens home with social work qualification whilst demonstrating exceptional leadership and management skills. As the Registered Manager, you will be responsible for ensuring high-quality care is provided to all our young persons whilst adhering to regulatory standards and best practices.

Job Purpose:

The Registered Manager is responsible for the day-to-day management of the childrens home, ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations (e.g., Ofsted standards, Childrens Home Regulations, and Quality Standards) and creating a safe, nurturing environment where children and young people can thrive. They will lead, manage, and inspire the support care team, working in partnership with external agencies and stakeholders to provide high-quality care and support.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Leadership and Management:
• Lead and manage a team of support workers to ensure the highest standards of care for children.
• Oversee staff recruitment, development, and performance, ensuring staff are appropriately trained and qualified.
• Ensure a positive team culture that aligns with the homes values and ethos.
• Conduct regular supervision, appraisals, and team meetings.
2. Regulatory Compliance:
• Ensure the home operates in compliance with Ofsted regulations, Childrens Home Regulations, and other relevant legal frameworks.
• Manage the registration process with Ofsted, maintaining high ratings in inspections.
• Ensure that all policies and procedures are up to date and adhered to.
• Maintain accurate and timely records, including safeguarding concerns, incident reports, and care plans.
3. Care and Support:
• Ensure the emotional, physical, and developmental needs of children and young people are met through personalised care plans.
• Provide guidance and support to the care team in managing challenging behaviours, safeguarding concerns, and crisis situations.
• Work with children and young people to help them achieve positive outcomes in education, health, and personal development.
• Foster positive relationships with the childrens families, social workers, and other professionals involved in their care.
4. Safeguarding:
• Take overall responsibility for safeguarding within the home, ensuring that safeguarding policies and procedures are implemented and followed.
• Be the designated safeguarding lead for the home, managing safeguarding concerns and reporting them to the appropriate authorities.
5. Health and Safety:
• Ensure the home is a safe environment for children and staff, conducting regular risk assessments and implementing health and safety protocols.
• Manage any emergencies or crises within the home, ensuring staff and children are safe.
6. Budgeting and Resource Management:
• Manage the homes budget effectively, ensuring resources are used appropriately.
• Monitor and control expenditure, keeping within financial constraints.
7. Partnership Working:
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with external agencies, including local authorities, healthcare providers, education professionals, and other stakeholders.
• Represent the home at professional meetings and reviews concerning the children.
8. Monitoring and Reporting:
• Monitor the performance and quality of care provided in the home, identifying areas for improvement.
• Provide regular reports to senior management and external stakeholders, including Ofsted.
• Implement and oversee quality assurance systems within the home.

Essential Qualifications:

• Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare (or equivalent).
• Degree in Social Work
• Previous experience managing a childrens residential care setting.
• Proven track record of managing teams and delivering high-quality care.
• In-depth understanding of safeguarding, child development, and attachment theory.

Skills and Experience:

• Strong leadership, management, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to build positive relationships with children, families, and professionals.
• Knowledge of relevant legislation, regulations, and standards (e.g., Ofsted, Childrens Home Regulations, Quality Standards).
• Strong organisational and time-management skills.
• Solid and demonstrable experience of managing childrens home with GOOD or OUTSTANDING rating
• Ability to work under pressure and handle crises effectively.
• Financial acumen, with experience managing budgets.
• Good working knowledge of care package systems ie Clearcare, Access Care Management etc

Personal Attributes:

• Passionate about making a difference in the lives of vulnerable children.
• Patient, empathetic, and emotionally resilient.
• A proactive and solution-focused approach.
• Commitment to continuous professional development.