Registered Manager — Parent and Child Two-Bed Unit
Aruna Care NW | Kirkby area | Enhanced salary band to be discussed, potential bonus for dual registration | Full-time, permanent
We are looking for a Registered Manager to lead a parent-and-child two-bed unit, with the opportunity to discuss an enhanced salary band and bonus arrangement for a candidate who is able to become dual-registered across two small homes.
About the service
Aruna Care NW provides parent-and-child assessment placements in small, homely two-bed settings. The role will initially focus on one two-bed unit in Kirkby, with a view to dual registration across a second two-bed unit in the Kirkby area as the service develops.
This is an opportunity for a manager who enjoys being close to practice, developing consistent standards across small services, and ensuring that families receive safe, respectful, and evidence-informed support throughout the assessment process.
The role
You will be accountable for the quality, safety, and day-to-day leadership of the parent-and-child two-bed unit in Kirby. Subject to Ofsted registration and service need, there is scope for the successful candidate to become dual registered across two homes: one in Widnes and one in the Kirkby area. Day to day, that means:
- Leading the team and the rota so that families are safely and warmly supported around the clock
- Holding the quality of assessment: reading the recording, testing the evidence, and making sure what we send out is fair, accurate and defensible
- Managing admissions — matching, impact risk assessment, pre-placement planning and the first 72 hours
- Supervising, appraising and developing the staff team, and building a culture where people can say what they are worried about
- Safeguarding: chairing internal reviews, making notifications and referrals, and working with the local authority, LADO and the police when needed
- Keeping the home compliant with the Residential Family Centres Regulations 2002 and the national minimum standards, including the statement of purpose, records and required notifications
- Supporting quality assurance, inspection readiness and service development across the two-bed model
- Taking part in the management on-call rota, currently one weekend in four, for which an allowance is paid on top of salary
What we are looking for
Essential:
- A relevant professional qualification: a social work qualification with current Social Work England registration, or a Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare or equivalent
- Substantial experience in residential childcare, a residential family centre, a mother and baby unit or a comparable regulated setting, including experience of supervising staff
- A working knowledge of parenting capacity assessment and of how residential assessment evidence is used in care proceedings
- Sound understanding of safeguarding, the Children Act 1989, the Public Law Outline and Ofsted's regulatory framework
- Willingness and ability to be registered with Ofsted as manager of a parent and child two-bed unit, with the potential to pursue dual registration across two homes where appropriate
- Writing you are prepared to be cross-examined on — clear, evidenced and analytical
- An enhanced DBS check with barred list information, which we will obtain, and the right to work in the UK
- A full driving licence and use of a vehicle
Desirable:
- Experience of managing an Ofsted-registered service through inspection
- Previous registration as a registered manager
- Training in trauma-informed practice, domestic abuse, or infant mental health
- Experience of working with parents who have themselves been in care, or who have had a child removed
- Qualified in Parent Assess
What we offer
- Enhanced salary band to be discussed, with a potential bonus arrangement for dual registration across two parent and child two-bed homes
- A clear on-call arrangement, currently one weekend in four, with an allowance paid in addition to salary
- A small two-bed model where the manager can remain close to practice and make a direct difference to families
- The opportunity to help shape consistent systems, standards and assessment practice across two small homes
- Clear organisational support, regular quality oversight and a focus on safe, evidence-informed practice
- [Pension, annual leave, funded qualifications and CPD — complete to match your offer]
How to apply
Apply through Indeed, or send a CV and a short covering note to [email protected] explaining your experience of leading regulated services and why a small parent and child two-bed model interests you. We are happy to have an informal conversation before you apply — [name and contact].
Closing date: [insert]. Interviews will be held [insert], and will include a written exercise.
Safeguarding and equality
Accolade Group NW is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk, and expects all staff to share that commitment. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and is subject to an enhanced DBS check with barred list information, satisfactory references covering the whole of your employment history, and the checks required for Ofsted registration. The successful candidate cannot take up the registered manager post until Ofsted has determined their application.
We welcome applications from all backgrounds and will make reasonable adjustments at any stage of the process — please tell us what you need.
Pay: £46,000.00-£52,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
