Job Description
Post Title: Ofsted Registered Manager – Solo Children’s Home
Location: Luton, Bedfordshire
Reports to: Responsible Individual / Operations Director
Contract: Full-time, permanent
Role Overview: The Ofsted Registered Manager is responsible for the overall leadership, management and day-to-day operation of a solo children’s home in Luton, providing high-quality care and support for one child or young person with complex needs. The postholder will ensure the home operates in full compliance with the Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015, the Quality Standards, safeguarding requirements and Ofsted expectations, while creating a safe, nurturing and therapeutic environment that promotes positive outcomes.
Main Duties and ResponsibilitiesLeadership and Management
· Provide effective leadership and management of the home, ensuring the service is child-centred, trauma-informed and outcome-focused.
· Be the registered manager with Ofsted and hold legal responsibility for the day-to-day running of the home.
· Lead the development of a positive culture that promotes safeguarding, stability, consistency, dignity, equality and respect.
· Ensure the home’s Statement of Purpose is implemented, reviewed regularly and accurately reflects the service provided.
· Promote high standards of care, professional practice and performance across the home at all times.
Safeguarding and Regulatory Compliance
· Ensure full compliance with the Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015, the Quality Standards, the Care Standards Act 2000 and all relevant safeguarding legislation and guidance.
· Lead safeguarding practice within the home and ensure all concerns, incidents and allegations are acted on promptly, recorded accurately and reported appropriately.
· Maintain effective working relationships with Ofsted, local authorities, social workers, education providers, health professionals and other partner agencies.
· Ensure all statutory notifications are submitted within required timescales, including serious incidents and changes that must be reported to Ofsted.
· Oversee and respond to Regulation 44 visits and reports, and complete Regulation 45 quality of care reviews and service improvement plans.
· Prepare for and lead Ofsted inspections, ensuring evidence of compliance, progress and positive outcomes is readily available.
Care Planning and Outcomes
· Ensure assessments of referrals are robust and that any admission is appropriate to the needs of the child and the purpose of the home.
· Lead placement planning, matching considerations and transition planning to support stability and reduce risk.
· Ensure each child has an individualised care plan, risk assessment and behaviour support plan that reflect their needs, strengths, wishes and agreed outcomes.
· Monitor progress in education, health, emotional wellbeing, relationships, independence and preparation for adulthood where appropriate.
· Advocate for children and challenge placing authorities and partner agencies where required to secure services and achieve agreed plans.
· Promote the child’s views, wishes and feelings and ensure they are listened to and involved in decisions affecting their care.
Staffing and Team Development
· Recruit, induct, supervise and develop a competent and stable staff team capable of meeting the needs of a solo placement.
· Ensure staffing levels, rotas and deployment are safe, effective and responsive to the child’s assessed needs.
· Provide regular supervision, team meetings, appraisal and performance management in line with policy and regulatory requirements.
· Ensure all staff complete mandatory training and receive ongoing development in safeguarding, behaviour support, trauma-informed care, de-escalation and relevant specialist needs.
· Promote safer recruitment practice and maintain all staffing records, qualifications and vetting checks.
· Provide out-of-hours management support and participate in an on-call rota where required.
Quality Assurance, Administration and Environment
· Maintain accurate, up-to-date and compliant records relating to children, staff, incidents, complaints, medication, health and safety, and operational practice.
· Monitor and review the quality of care through audits, feedback, incident analysis and service development planning.
· Ensure the home environment is safe, well maintained, welcoming, suitably furnished and fit for purpose.
· Oversee health and safety, fire safety, risk management, maintenance and premises compliance.
· Manage the home’s budget responsibly, monitoring expenditure and ensuring resources are used effectively to meet the child’s needs.
· Ensure policies, procedures and local protocols are implemented and reviewed in line with legislative and organisational changes.
Person SpecificationEssential
· Experience in residential childcare, including substantial experience working with children and young people with complex needs and challenging behaviours.
· At least 2 years’ experience in residential childcare within the last 5 years, including at least 1 year in a supervisory or management capacity.
· Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare (England), or willingness/eligibility to work towards it within required timescales.
· Strong knowledge of the Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015, Quality Standards, safeguarding procedures and Ofsted inspection expectations.
· Ability to lead and motivate a team, manage performance and drive continuous improvement.
· Experience of care planning, risk management, behaviour support and multi-agency working.
· Excellent written, verbal and organisational skills, with the ability to maintain clear and accurate records.
· Commitment to safeguarding, equality, diversity and promoting the rights of children and young people.
· Ability to work flexibly, including participation in on-call arrangements and attendance outside normal hours when required.
Desirable
· Previous experience as an Ofsted Registered Manager or Deputy Manager in a children’s home.
· Experience of leading a solo placement or highly individualised residential service.
· Knowledge of local commissioning arrangements and partnership working across Luton and surrounding authorities.
· Experience of achieving positive Ofsted inspection outcomes and leading service improvement activity.
· Relevant additional training in therapeutic practice, autism, mental health, attachment, self-harm or complex trauma.
· Full UK driving licence.
Key Working Relationships
The postholder will work closely with the Responsible Individual, internal residential staff, social workers, placing authorities, Ofsted, education providers, health services, safeguarding partners, therapists, families where appropriate, and other professionals involved in the child’s care.
Additional Requirements
This role is subject to enhanced DBS clearance, satisfactory references, verification of qualifications, and continued suitability to register with Ofsted. The postholder must demonstrate professional integrity, resilience, sound judgement and a clear commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes for children and young people.
Pay: Up to £70,000.00 per year
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
