Ofsted Registered Manager - Children's Residential Home

Safe Haven Talent is recruiting on behalf of a specialist children’s residential home in Gravesend seeking an experienced and compassionate Registered Manager to lead a dedicated team providing exceptional, therapeutic care for children and young people.

This is an opportunity to make a real difference — shaping a service that provides safety, stability, and healing for children who have experienced trauma, loss, or disruption. The successful candidate will be a strong and empathetic leader with the vision, resilience, and expertise to deliver excellence in line with Ofsted standards and the Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage all operational aspects of the home, ensuring full Ofsted compliance and consistently high standards of care.
  

• Create a trauma -informed, therapeutic culture that promotes emotional safety, stability, and personal growth.
  

• Develop and implement individualised care and placement plans tailored to each child’s needs, strengths, and aspirations.
  

• Provide strong, reflective leadership, supervision, and development for all staff members.
  

• Champion safeguarding practice and ensure all incidents are reviewed and responded to in line with local procedures and Regulation 40.
  

• Collaborate effectively with social workers, families, schools, and external professionals to ensure the best outcomes for every child.
  

• Manage budgets and resources efficiently while maintaining the highest standards of practice.
  

• Chair meetings, reviews, and planning discussions that keep children’s voices at the centre of all decision -making.
  

• Drive continuous improvement through data analysis, audits, and quality reviews.
  

If you are a resilient and inspiring leader who believes in providing every child with safety, belonging, and opportunity, this role offers both purpose and progression.

Requirements

Essential:

• Minimum 2 years’ management or supervisory experience within a children’s residential care setting.
  

• Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare (England) or equivalent (or working towards completion).
  

• Proven success as a Registered Manager, Deputy, or Senior Team Leader within an Ofsted -regulated home.
  

• Strong understanding of Children’s Homes Regulations 2015, Quality Standards, and Working Together to Safeguard Children (2023).
  

• Skilled in trauma -informed and therapeutic practice, with experience supporting children with complex emotional or behavioural needs.
  

• Excellent written and verbal communication, with the ability to produce high -quality reports and documentation.
  

• Sound knowledge of safeguarding, risk management, and quality assurance.
  

• Positive, solution -focused approach with a commitment to inclusion and children’s rights.
  

• Full UK driving licence and enhanced DBS required.
  

1. Complete the online assessment (questions available on the application page).
   

2. Sign and return a Safeguarding Declaration and Consent Form confirming that you have no outstanding safeguarding cases with Ofsted or LADO.
   

   • This form will be emailed to you after application and must be completed, signed, and returned before proceeding further.
     

✅ Note: Candidates who complete both the assessment and safeguarding declaration early will be fast -tracked for client review.

Benefits

• Competitive salary up to £60,000 per annum.
  

• Free on -site parking and excellent local transport links.
  

• Casual dress policy promoting a relaxed and supportive working environment.
  

• Pension scheme and paid annual leave entitlement.
  

• Career progression and professional development opportunities.
  

• Work within a values -led, trauma -informed organisation that prioritises staff wellbeing and reflective practice.
  

• Opportunity to make a tangible impact on the lives of children and young people.