About the Role
Bluelight Healthcare Recruitment Limited is seeking an experienced and passionate Registered Manager to lead a new 5-bed residential children’s home in Kent, specialising in supporting children and young people (CYP) with learning difficulties. The property is currently undergoing final renovations and nearing completion, presenting the perfect opportunity for a capable RM to influence and implement the home's operational model, ethos, and culture from the outset.
This is more than just a management role, it’s an opportunity to build something meaningful from the ground up, creating a warm, nurturing, and person-centred environment where young people can thrive.
The successful candidate will work closely with the company’s leadership to ensure the service is Ofsted-ready and adheres to all regulatory standards. You will be instrumental in recruitment, policy implementation, referral assessments, and community engagement as the home transitions from setup to operational.
Key Responsibilities
· Lead the Ofsted registration process and become the Registered Manager for the home.
· Provide inspirational leadership to staff, building a culture of excellence, care, and continuous improvement.
· Ensure compliance with the Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and the Quality Standards.
· Contribute to and implement the home’s Statement of Purpose.
· Support with final setup of the home including layout, furnishing, and equipment.
· Establish internal systems, rotas, handbooks, and key safeguarding and reporting protocols.
· Ensure the highest standard of person-centred care is delivered to children and young people with learning disabilities.
· Act as Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and ensure safeguarding protocols are robust and followed consistently.
· Lead on care planning, placement reviews, and ongoing assessment of children’s needs.
· Recruit, train, mentor, and supervise a motivated and skilled care team.
· Ensure staff receive appropriate training, appraisal, and personal development opportunities.
· Maintain effective rotas and staffing levels in line with regulatory requirements and the needs of children.
· Work in partnership with local authorities, parents, schools, health professionals, and regulators.
· Prepare for and respond effectively to Ofsted inspections, audits, and regulatory visits.
· Monitor and evaluate the home’s performance through internal audits and quality assurance frameworks.
Essential Criteria
· Previous Registered Manager experience in a children’s residential setting or a minimum of 2 years as Deputy Manager in an Ofsted-registered setting.
· Experience supporting children and young people with learning disabilities, autism, or complex needs.
· A Level 5 Diploma in Leadership & Management for Residential Childcare (or equivalent) or be working towards.
· Sound knowledge of the Children’s Homes Regulations 2015, Quality Standards, and Ofsted expectations.
· Strong leadership, team development, and safeguarding expertise.
· Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
· Valid UK driving licence and access to own vehicle.
Desirable Criteria
· Experience setting up or registering a new home with Ofsted.
· Knowledge of Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) or similar therapeutic approaches.
· Understanding of trauma-informed practice and SEND frameworks.
· Experience working with CYP on respite or short-break placements.
About Us
Bluelight Healthcare Recruitment Limited is a trusted provider of regulated healthcare services, currently registered with the CQC for adult and children’s complex care in the homecare sector and with a ‘Good’ rating. We are now expanding into children’s residential services regulated by Ofsted, with a clear focus on high-quality, safe, and therapeutic support.
We are committed to creating services that not only meet regulatory standards but provide truly outstanding care and we need the right leader to join us on that journey.
What We Offer
· Competitive salary and discretionary performance bonus
· Opportunity to shape and lead a new service
· Ongoing CPD, management training and career development
· Supportive senior leadership and governance structure
· Pension scheme, holiday entitlement, and other benefits
Application Instructions
If you are passionate about transforming the lives of children with learning difficulties and want to be part of building something impactful, we would love to hear from you.
Pay: £55,000.00-£65,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
