We are looking for an experienced Registered Manager to lead Fern Lodge, a Good-rated four-bedroom children's home in Leiston, Suffolk. This is a settled home with three young people currently in placement, an established staff team, and a strong foundation to build on. What we need now is the right leader to take it forward.
About Able Health Care
Able Health Care is a privately-owned children's residential care provider operating three Ofsted-registered homes across Suffolk: Oak Tree House (Sudbury), Liberty Lodge (Ipswich), and Fern Lodge (Leiston). We are director-led, with our Responsible Individual closely and visibly involved in the day-to-day of our homes.
We are growing. A fourth home is currently in development, and we have a clear plan to expand across the Eastern Region over the coming years. For the right Registered Manager, this is an organisation with a long runway and genuine progression - not a static role in a static company.
We work to the Secure Base model and use a progressive digital system for our care recording. We hold ourselves to high standards across all three of our homes.
About Fern Lodge
Fern Lodge is a four-bedroom home registered to provide care for young people aged 7 to 17 with emotional and behavioural difficulties (EBD/SEMH). We currently have three young people in placement, with a stable and experienced staff team in post. Our most recent Ofsted inspection confirmed a Good rating.
Leiston is a small, quiet coastal town with the Suffolk Heritage Coast on its doorstep - a setting that supports the kind of calm, consistent, relationship-based care our young people need.
The role
You will be the home's Registered Manager with Ofsted, and the person ultimately accountable for the quality of care, safeguarding, regulatory compliance, and staff leadership at Fern Lodge. Day-to-day, you will:
- Lead and develop the staff team, with the direct support of an experienced Operations Manager and a hands-on Responsible Individual.
- Maintain and build on the home's Good Ofsted rating, with a clear ambition towards Outstanding.
- Hold full operational responsibility for safeguarding, regulatory compliance, and the Statement of Purpose.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with placing authorities, social workers, families, and the wider professional network.
- Oversee the home's budget, rota, recruitment, and training.
- Embed the Secure Base model and Trauma-informed practises in everyday practice and ensure care is consistently child-led.
You will work closely with the Operations Manager, the Responsible Individual, and your peer Registered Managers across our two sister homes — a real, working peer network.
About you
Essential
- Demonstrable experience as a Registered Manager in a children's residential home.
- Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare — completed, or actively working towards with clear evidence of progress.
- A track record of leading or contributing to teams through Ofsted inspection, with at least Good outcomes.
- A clear, working understanding of the Children's Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and the Quality Standards.
- Confident safeguarding leadership, with direct experience supporting young people with EBD/SEMH and associated risks (missing episodes, exploitation, complex behaviours).
- Strong professional judgement, calm under pressure, and visibly hands-on as a leader — not a desk-bound manager.
- Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle.
Desirable
- Previous experience in an EBD provision.
- Familiarity with the Secure Base model, Trauma-informed practises and/or PACE.
- Experience contributing to organisational growth, new-home development, or quality improvement programmes.
What we offer
- Salary: £47,000–£52,000 per annum, dependent on experience.
- Annual leave: 32 days inclusive of bank holidays.
- Pension: Company pension scheme.
- Training and development: Funded CPD and ongoing professional development, including L5 sponsorship where applicable.
- On-call: Supported on-call structure with cover sharing across the management team. We take work–life balance seriously - sustainable leadership matters.
- Leadership support: A genuinely hands-on Responsible Individual and an experienced Operations Manager and soon an in-house Psychotherapist to support teams.
- Peer network: A working community of Registered Managers and Deputies across our three homes and the growing group.
- Growth and progression: A clear pathway as we expand across the Eastern Region and operational leadership routes.
Practical requirements
We strongly prefer candidates living within approximately one hour's commute of Leiston (IP16). Sustainable leadership benefits the home, the young people, and you. For an exceptional candidate willing to relocate, we are open to a conversation.
How to apply
Apply via Indeed with your CV and a short covering note explaining why this role interests you and what you would bring to Fern Lodge. Initial conversations will be with our Operations Manager, followed by a full interview with the Director and Responsible Individual. Final-stage candidates will undertake the Ofsted Fit Person interview.
Able Health Care is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references, and the Ofsted Fit Person process.
Pay: £47,000.00-£52,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Health & wellbeing programme
- On-site parking
Application question(s):
- We are unable to offer Visa Sponsorship. Do you require Visa Sponsorship? YES or NO
Education:
- GCSE or equivalent (preferred)
Experience:
- Children's Home Support Worker (SENIOR LEVEL): 1 year (required)
- Children's Home DEPUTY MANAGER: 1 year (preferred)
- Children's Home REGISTERED MANAGER: 1 year (preferred)
Licence/Certification:
- Driving Licence (required)
- Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management (Childrens Res) (preferred)
- Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare or an equivalent (required)
Work Location: In person
