Registered Manager – Children's Home

Location: Wallasey, Wirral, Merseyside
Salary: £55,000–£65,000 per annum
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
Hours: 40 hours per week, with flexibility to meet the needs of the home

Essential Requirements – Please Read Before Applying

At least 2 years' relevant experience within the last 5 years in residential childcare.
At least 1 year's experience supervising or managing staff in a care role.
Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare (England), or an equivalent qualification; alternatively, the ability and commitment to achieve this within the regulatory timescale.
Experience managing or deputising within a children's residential home.
Strong working knowledge of safeguarding, children's home regulations, Ofsted requirements and the Children's Homes Quality Standards.
Experience of care planning, placement matching, risk assessments, staff supervision and service improvement.
Full UK driving licence and ability to travel as required.

About the Role

We are looking for an experienced, compassionate and motivated Registered Manager to lead a children's residential home in Wallasey, Wirral.

This is an opportunity to lead a small, child-centred residential service, creating a safe and supportive home where children and young people can build positive relationships, develop confidence and achieve brighter futures.

The home has capacity for up to two children aged 7–17 and offers a welcoming residential environment with private bedrooms, shared living spaces and outdoor space. Its approach focuses on stability, emotional wellbeing, education, personal development and helping children feel safe, valued and supported.

The service is intended to support children with a range of needs, including emotional and behavioural difficulties, social, emotional and mental health needs, attachment difficulties, trauma-related behaviours, special educational needs and developmental delays.

The home will provide medium- to long-term residential care, with individualised support tailored to each child's circumstances, needs and care plan.

The Ofsted registration application has been submitted, and the organisation is awaiting a manager to complete the process. The successful candidate will play a key role in progressing the home's registration and establishing effective leadership, safeguarding arrangements and high-quality residential care.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership and Ofsted Registration

Lead the day-to-day management and development of the children's home.
Support and progress the Ofsted registration process, meeting the relevant fitness, suitability and regulatory requirements.
Ensure the home operates in accordance with the Children's Homes (England) Regulations 2015, the Quality Standards, its Statement of Purpose and applicable statutory guidance.
Work closely with the Responsible Individual to establish robust governance, regulatory compliance and continuous improvement.

Safeguarding and Child-Centred Care

Create a safe, nurturing and consistent environment where children are listened to, respected and supported.
Maintain effective safeguarding arrangements and ensure concerns, incidents and risks are managed promptly and appropriately.
Oversee individual care plans, placement plans, risk assessments and behaviour support plans.
Ensure children have access to education, healthcare, family relationships, leisure opportunities and support to develop independence.
Promote positive relationships, trauma-informed practice and proportionate responses to behaviour.
Monitor children's progress and ensure their views, wishes and feelings inform decisions about their care.

Staff Leadership and Development

Recruit, lead, supervise and develop a skilled residential childcare team.
Ensure appropriate safer recruitment checks, induction, training, supervision and appraisals.
Maintain safe staffing arrangements and ensure staff understand their responsibilities.
Address performance and practice concerns effectively while promoting a supportive, accountable team culture.

Quality Assurance and Regulatory Compliance

Maintain accurate records, statutory notifications and management oversight.
Oversee quality assurance arrangements, including Regulation 44 independent visits and Regulation 45 reviews of the quality of care, as applicable.
Prepare for regulatory monitoring and inspections and implement improvement actions.
Monitor safeguarding, complaints, incidents, care planning and children's outcomes to identify opportunities for improvement.

Partnership Working and Operational Management

Develop effective relationships with social workers, placing authorities, families, schools, healthcare professionals and safeguarding partners.
Participate in care reviews and multi-agency meetings, ensuring agreed actions are completed.
Manage staffing resources, budgets, premises, health and safety and operational risks.
Ensure the home remains welcoming, well maintained and suitable for the children accommodated.

About You

You will be a child-centred leader with the experience and professional judgement required to manage a children's residential home. You will understand the importance of safeguarding, stable relationships, individualised care planning and a well-supported staff team.

You will be able to balance compassionate leadership with clear professional standards, maintain effective oversight of the service and work collaboratively with families and external professionals to achieve positive outcomes for children.

What We Offer

Salary of £55,000–£65,000 per annum.
A senior leadership opportunity within a growing children's residential care service.
The opportunity to shape the development and quality of a small children's home.
Support from the Responsible Individual and wider leadership team.
Ongoing professional development and opportunities for career progression.

Safeguarding and Pre-Employment Checks

The successful candidate must demonstrate a strong commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

All appointments are subject to appropriate pre-employment checks, including an Enhanced DBS, satisfactory references, online checks and overseas police checks where required.

How to Apply

If you have the experience, qualifications and commitment to lead a children's residential home and make a meaningful difference to young people's lives, we would welcome your application.

Please submit your up-to-date CV outlining your residential childcare management experience, qualifications and suitability for the role.