Step Forward Care – South Tyneside (Boldon)
About Us
Step Forward Care is a new and ambitious provider in children’s residential care, with clear plans for growth across the South Tyneside area. Following the success of our first home, we are now opening our second children’s home.
Our approach is centred around providing therapeutic care, with support and guidance from a qualified psychologist. This ensures that both children and staff are supported to understand behaviours, build resilience, and achieve positive, long-term outcomes.
The Opportunity
This is a rare opportunity to take full ownership of a brand-new children’s home from the ground up, with the backing of an established and successful service. As Registered Manager, you will have the autonomy to shape the culture, build your own team, and create a home that delivers genuinely outstanding outcomes for children.With clear plans to expand, this role also offers strong progression into a wider leadership position as Step Forward Care continues to grow. If you are an ambitious, child-focused leader who wants to make a real impact and be part of something from the beginning, this is an excellent opportunity to do so.
The Home
The successful candidate will manage a three-bedroom home in Boldon, South Tyneside, supporting up to two children aged 8–18. The home has been fully renovated and thoughtfully designed to meet the needs of the children, providing a safe, nurturing, and structured environment. The service utilises the ClearCare system and BrightHR to support effective day-to-day management and compliance.
The home is ready for Ofsted registration, which the successful candidate will lead and oversee.
The Role
You will be responsible for:
- Leading the Ofsted registration process and ensuring ongoing compliance
- Managing the day-to-day operations of the home in line with legislation and company policies
- Promoting a positive, nurturing, and child-centred environment
- Overseeing referrals and placement matching
- Recruiting, managing, and developing a high-performing staff team
- Completing staff supervisions, appraisals, and performance management
- Managing staffing structures, rotas, and workforce planning
- Ensuring high-quality care planning and individualised support for each child
- Managing budgets and ensuring financial efficiency
- Liaising with senior management, local authorities, and external professionals
- Leading on safeguarding and ensuring the welfare of children at all times
- Participating in an on-call rota
Requirements
- Minimum 3 years’ experience in children’s residential care
- At least 2 years’ experience at Senior/Deputy/Manager level
- Experience working with children with social, emotional and behavioural difficulties (SEBD)
- Strong knowledge of Ofsted regulations, Children’s Homes Regulations, and Quality Standards
- Experience of managing or supporting Ofsted inspections to a minimum of Good
- Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management (or working towards)
- Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare
- Strong leadership, organisational, and communication skills
- Full UK driving licence
What We Offer
- Competitive salary (dependent on experience)
- Performance-related bonus
- Company pension
- Career progression opportunities within a growing organisation
- Opportunity to shape and develop a new home and future services
- Casual dress and company events
Working Pattern
- Monday to Friday (with flexibility required)
- Participation in an on-call rota
- Full-time, permanent position
Job Type: Permanent
Pay: £50,000.00-£56,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company events
- Company pension
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
Licence/Certification:
- Driving Licence (preferred)
Work Location: In person
