About Us
Keystone Children's Group Ltd is a new residential children's care provider opening our first home at 4 Westminster Avenue, Whalley Range, Manchester. We are a 2–3 bed home for children and young people aged 8–17 with emotional and behavioural difficulties (EBD) and learning disabilities (LD).
We work within a trauma-informed, therapeutic model of care — PACE, Positive Behaviour Support, attachment theory and restorative practice. We want to build a home that achieves Outstanding. We are looking for a Registered Manager who wants to be part of that from day one.
The Role
As Registered Manager you will be the named manager with Ofsted, holding full regulatory responsibility for the home. You will lead our staff team, shape the culture of the home and ensure every child receives the highest quality therapeutic care.
You will join at the pre-registration stage — this is a genuine opportunity to build something from scratch.
Key Responsibilities
- Hold Ofsted registration as the named Registered Manager under the Children's Homes (England) Regulations 2015
- Lead, manage and develop a small residential staff team
- Serve as Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
- Ensure all children have person-centred care plans, risk assessments and behaviour support plans
- Manage all Ofsted notifications in line with Regulation 40 timescales
- Oversee Regulation 44 monthly monitoring and Regulation 45 quality assurance
- Build strong relationships with placing authorities, social workers, IROs and families
- Maintain the Single Central Record and safer recruitment compliance
- Manage the home's budget and staffing resources
Essential Requirements
- Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare — or actively working towards it (Regulation 28 requirement)
- Minimum 2 years' experience in a senior or management role in a children's residential home
- Solid knowledge of the Children's Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and Quality Standards
- Enhanced DBS with children's barred list
- Experience managing Ofsted inspections — Good or Outstanding outcome preferred
- ARC physical intervention certification (B-Inspired/RRN-aligned) or equivalent, or willingness to certify pre-opening
- Level 3 Safeguarding minimum, with DSL experience
- Right to work in the UK
Desirable
- Experience opening or registering a new children's home
- Experience with children presenting with both EBD and learning disabilities
- Familiarity with Manchester Safeguarding Children Partnership (MSCP) procedures
What We Offer
- £60,000 salary
- Sleep-in rate £50 per session where required
- Real autonomy — you will shape the culture and practice of the home
- Supportive directors with hands-on sector experience
- Dedicated Responsible Individual providing proper governance support
- Small team — you will know every child and every staff member
- CPD and leadership training budget
- The opportunity to build a home that achieves Outstanding from day one
Safeguarding
Keystone Children's Group Ltd is committed to safeguarding children. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check with barred list, two references including most recent employer, right to work verification and full employment history. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £60,000.00 per year
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Manchester M16 0AN: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Experience:
- Registered Manager - Children's : 2 years (required)
Language:
Licence/Certification:
- Driving Licence (required)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
