Children’s Residential Registered Manager | Sunderland, SR3 | Full Time, 40 hours per week (day shifts, occasional sleep-ins) | £52,650 – £57,712.50 per annum, depending on experience and qualifications

Our client has a long-standing reputation for providing high-quality residential childcare services across the North East, supporting children and young people aged 8–18. Their therapeutic, child-centred approach helps young people overcome challenges and achieve positive outcomes.

This opportunity is based within the organisation's flagship four-bed children's home, supporting children with learning disabilities, including autism. The successful candidate will join a well-established team and play a key role in maintaining the home's high standards of care.

The Role

As Registered Manager, you will be responsible for the day-to-day leadership, management and development of the home, ensuring outstanding care is delivered in line with safeguarding legislation, Ofsted regulations and the organisation's values.

You'll lead a dedicated team including a Deputy Manager, Senior Residential Childcare Workers and Residential Childcare Workers, creating a positive, therapeutic environment where children can thrive. This is a fantastic opportunity for either an experienced Registered Manager or an ambitious Deputy Manager ready to take the next step into registration.

Key Responsibilities

Care for Children

• Deliver high-quality, child-centred care that promotes positive outcomes
• Ensure safeguarding procedures and best practice are consistently maintained
• Create a safe, nurturing and therapeutic home environment

Leadership

• Lead, motivate and develop the home's staff team
• Support and coach Deputy Managers, Seniors and Residential Childcare Workers
• Promote a positive culture in line with the organisation's values

Home Management

• Oversee the smooth day-to-day running of the home
• Maintain compliance with Ofsted regulations, Children's Homes Regulations and National Minimum Standards
• Monitor quality assurance, record keeping and home maintenance
• Manage the home's budget and resources effectively

Team Management

• Supervise, support and develop staff through regular supervisions and appraisals
• Work alongside HR to coordinate training and professional development
• Ensure staffing levels and rotas meet the needs of the home

Health & Safety

• Maintain a safe working environment
• Complete risk assessments where required
• Ensure incidents and safeguarding concerns are appropriately recorded and reported

Essential Criteria

Qualifications & Experience

• Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health & Social Care (Children & Young People's Residential Management), or willingness to work towards it within three years.
• Level 3 Residential Childcare qualification (or equivalent)
• Experienced Registered Manager, or an experienced Deputy Manager ready to progress
• Previous experience within an Ofsted-regulated children's residential setting
• Strong understanding of safeguarding legislation and children's residential care regulations
• Experience supporting children with learning disabilities and autism

Skills & Knowledge

• Proven leadership and people management skills
• Ability to balance strong leadership with a therapeutic, child-focused approach
• Excellent communication, organisation and decision-making skills
• Able to manage compliance, budgets and competing priorities while maintaining high standards of care

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Right to work in the UK
• Enhanced DBS check
• Satisfactory references and pre-employment checks
• Willingness to complete Ofsted registration requirements

Desirable

• Previous Good or Outstanding Ofsted inspection outcomes
• Experience managing budgets and quality assurance processes
• Experience supporting staff development and service improvement

What's In It For You?

• Sleep-in allowance of £75 per sleep-in
• £45 on-call payment
• Overtime available where managers are required to work shifts
• Mileage paid at 40p per mile
• Westfield Health Scheme, including cashback for dental treatment, eye tests and other healthcare costs
• 28 days' annual leave (including bank holidays, pro rata)
• Mobile phone provided
• Ongoing leadership development and support towards achieving the Level 5 qualification
• Excellent career progression opportunities across a growing organisation, including adult transition services
• Auto-enrolment pension scheme

Please note that the role will involve working bank holidays and, where required, supporting the home during Christmas and New Year. A six-month probationary period applies.

Our client is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all employees to share this commitment. This role is subject to satisfactory references, pre-employment checks, Ofsted approval and an enhanced DBS check.

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