Job Summary: Registered Manager – Ofsted Children’s Home (Maidstone)
Role: Registered Manager (Ofsted)
Location: Maidstone, Kent
Setting: New children’s home opening soon – brand-new service, fresh start
Regulator: Ofsted ONLY – NOT CQC
Who We Want
You MUST have proven experience AS DEPUTY OR REGISTERED MANAGER IN AN OFSTED-REGISTERED CHILDREN’S HOME (adult/CQC experience does not count).
Key Responsibilities – Full List
Regulatory Compliance & Ofsted
- Be the Registered Person with Ofsted; ensure full compliance with The Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015, Quality Standards, and Regulation 44/45
- Prepare for, lead, and excel in all Ofsted inspections; maintain inspection-ready practice at all times
- Implement all policies/procedures aligned to children’s social care legislation
- Ensure safeguarding children is embedded in everything you do; lead child protection, referrals, LADO, and multi-agency safeguarding forums Care & Quality for Children
- Lead delivery of safe, nurturing, person-centred care for children/young people (8–18)
- Oversee all care plans, risk assessments, placement plans, and Reg 44 children’s home quality assessments
- Monitor children’s progress, wellbeing, education, health, and emotional development; review outcomes regularly
- Ensure behaviour support, de‑escalation, and positive relationships are core practice
- Leadership & Staff Management
- Lead, inspire, and manage the whole team: recruitment, induction, supervision, appraisals, and training
- Ensure mandatory training (safeguarding, PMVA, first aid, meds) is up‑to‑date
- Manage rotas, safe staffing levels, and conduct regular staff meetings/one‑to‑ones
- Build a culture of openness, listening, and learning – zero tolerance for poor practice
Operations, Admin & Governance
- Full operational management of the home: premises, safety, maintenance, fire/health safety
- Manage budgets, fees, invoices, and financial records within agreed limits
- Maintain 100% accurate, timely documentation: daily logs, incident reports, MAR, records, files
- Build strong links with local authorities, social workers, schools, CAMHS, families, and external agencies
New Service Launch
- Help set up the brand‑new home: policy writing, Ofsted registration preparation, service design
- Build the team from scratch; shape culture and values from day one
- Ensure everything is ready for opening and first children
Essential Requirements
Proven experience: Deputy Manager OR Registered Manager in an OFSTED‑REGISTERED CHILDREN’S HOME (CQC/adult = NOT ACCEPTABLE)
Qualification: Level 5 Diploma in Leadership & Management for Residential Childcare (or enrolled)
Enhanced DBS + Barred List check
Deep knowledge: Children’s Homes Regulations, Ofsted standards, Safeguarding Children, Reg 44/45
Right to work in UK, full UK driving licence
About Us
Brand‑new children’s home opening very soon in Maidstone!
We are building a safe, warm, high‑quality service focused on children’s wellbeing and future. Fresh start, supportive team, and great opportunities to grow with us.
Apply now only if you have OFSTED CHILDREN’S HOME management background – CQC/adult care does not match this role.
Pay: £30,811.81-£57,638.39 per year
Work Location: In person
