Registered Children's Home Manager – New 3-Bed EBD Residential Home
Location: Watford
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
Salary: Competitive (dependent on experience)
About the Role
We are looking for an experienced and passionate Registered Children’s Home Manager to lead the opening of a new 3-bed Ofsted-registered residential home in Watford, supporting children with Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties (EBD).
This is a rare opportunity to take full ownership of a new service from the very beginning. Working closely with the Responsible Individual, you will establish a safe, nurturing, and trauma-informed home that delivers outstanding outcomes for children and young people.
From policy development and registration to building and leading your own team, this role offers the chance to create a high-quality, child-centred environment that truly makes a difference.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the Ofsted registration and full home setup, including policies, systems, and staffing.
- Ensure compliance with the Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and Quality Standards.
- Recruit, train, and lead a skilled, values-driven residential care team.
- Promote a trauma-informed, therapeutic approach to care.
- Oversee all aspects of daily operations for a 3-bed EBD children’s home.
- Monitor and drive positive outcomes for children and young people.
- Foster a safe, nurturing, and structured environment in line with individual care plans.
- Manage budgets, resources, and reporting systems effectively.
Essential Skills and Qualifications
- Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health & Social Care (Children and Young People’s Residential Management) or equivalent (or working towards).
- Minimum 2 years’ recent experience as a Registered Manager, Deputy Manager, or Team Leader in a children’s residential setting within the last 5 years.
- Strong understanding of trauma-informed practice, attachment theory, and systemic approaches.
- Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop a high-performing team.
- In-depth knowledge of Ofsted standards, safeguarding, and relevant regulations.
Why Join Us?
- Opportunity to lead from the ground up and shape a new service.
- Small, specialist 3-bed EBD home allowing for truly individualised care.
- Supportive and experienced senior leadership team.
- Competitive salary and benefits package.
- Clear professional development and progression opportunities.
If you are a committed and ambitious leader with a passion for transforming the lives of children and young people, we would love to hear from you.
Apply today to begin the journey of building an exceptional children’s home from day one.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £45,000.00-£55,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company events
- Company pension
- On-site parking
Experience:
- Residential Childcare Leadership: 2 years (required)
Licence/Certification:
- NVQ 5 Leadership and Management (preferred)
- NVQ 3 Residential Childcare (or equivalent) (required)
- Driving Licence (preferred)
Work Location: In person
