Registered Manager – Children’s Home
Exmouth, Devon
Mellifera Homes is seeking an experienced Registered Manager to lead the registration, opening and development of a new children’s home in Exmouth.
This opportunity will suit an established leader with the experience, judgement and resilience to create a safe, stable and loving environment where children can thrive
About Mellifera Homes
Mellifera Homes is a small, values-led residential childcare provider committed to offering children safe, nurturing and thoughtfully designed homes.
We already operate an established children’s home in Exmouth that is rated Good by Ofsted. As we continue to grow, we want to retain the close, responsive leadership and child-focused decision-making that underpin our existing service.
Our leaders are visible, accessible and directly involved in supporting homes. We believe Registered Managers should be given the autonomy, resources and senior leadership support needed to create stable teams and deliver consistently high-quality care.
About the Home
- A carefully planned home for up to five children aged 7 - 17, enabling meaningful relationships, consistent care and strong oversight
- High-quality accommodation with ensuite bedrooms and generous communal living space
- Carefully matched admissions that support positive group dynamics and sustainable placements
- Trauma-informed and relationship-based approaches embedded throughout practice
You will be joining an organisation that offers:
- A planned and phased approach to opening
- Staffing levels informed by the individual needs and risks of the children
- Strong staff retention and an internal bank team, reducing reliance on agency staffing
- A culture built on trust, accountability and reflective practice
- Decision-making that remains close to the home and the children
Further information regarding the home’s specific care model, planned staffing structure and Statement of Purpose will be discussed with shortlisted candidates.
The Role
You will:
- Lead the final stages of registration and the opening of a carefully planned home with strong foundations already in place
- Help with recruiting, developing and retaining a high-performing team
- Ensure full compliance with Children's Homes Regulations, Quality Standards and associated guidance
- Provide strong safeguarding leadership
- Maintain effective oversight of care planning, risk management and children’s outcomes
- Manage referrals and ensure admissions are thoroughly assessed and appropriately matched
- Build constructive relationships with children, families, local authorities and partner agencies
- Maintain readiness for Ofsted inspections
- Manage the home’s staffing, resources and budget responsibly
- Work closely with the Responsible Individual and senior leadership team
About You
We are looking for a confident and experienced leader who has:
- Successful experience as a Registered Manager within children's residential care
- Strong understanding of safeguarding, regulation and inspection requirements
- Experience of leading a home through Ofsted inspection
- Proven ability to develop and retain effective teams and achieve positive outcomes for children
- Experience of managing referrals, admissions and placement matching
- The ability to establish clear expectations and maintain professional accountability
- Confidence in working with local authorities and multi-agency professionals
- Commitment to trauma-informed and relationship-based care
- High levels of integrity, emotional intelligence and resilience
- The ability to balance operational leadership with strategic thinking
Essential
- Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare, or an equivalent recognised qualification
- Previous successful experience as a Registered Manager within residential childcare
- Strong working knowledge of the Children’s Homes Regulations and Quality Standards
- Full UK driving licence
- Willingness to participate in an agreed on-call arrangement
- Ability to meet Ofsted’s fitness requirements for registration
Desirable
- Experience of achieving a Good or Outstanding Ofsted judgement
- Experience of registering or opening a new children’s home
What We Offer
- The opportunity to lead a thoughtfully developed home from opening
- A supportive, collaborative and child-focused organisation
- Direct support from the Responsible Individual and senior leadership team
- Autonomy to shape the home’s staff team, culture and practice
- Support with recruitment, HR, training, finance and property management
- Regular supervision and professional development
Apply
To apply, please send your CV and a supporting statement outlining your experience as a Registered Manager and your leadership achievements.
Please contact Katie Ranft at: [email protected]
Informal and confidential discussions are welcomed before application.
Mellifera Homes is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The successful applicant will be subject to safer recruitment checks, including an enhanced DBS check, verification of their full employment history, satisfactory references and checks required by Ofsted.
Mellifera Homes is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from suitably qualified candidates from all backgrounds.
Pay: £55,000.00-£60,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- On-site parking
- Sick pay
Work Location: In person
