Location: Erith DA8 or London SE2
Company: Bright Futures Children’s Care Ltd
Reports To: Director of Operations
Salary: £60,000 – £80,000 per annum (based on a 48-hour week)
Hours: Full-time, 48 hours per week (including weekends and sleep-ins)
Contract Type: Permanent, In-person

Job Summary

The Ofsted Registered Manager will be responsible for the leadership, management, and overall operational oversight of a children’s residential home supporting young people aged 8–18 with emotional and behavioural difficulties (EBD).

The post-holder will ensure the home operates in full compliance with the Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and Quality Standards, maintaining the highest standards of care, safeguarding, and professional practice. They will lead a dedicated staff team, manage budgets, oversee inspections, and ensure that every child receives consistent, therapeutic, and person-centred care.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strong and effective leadership to ensure the smooth running of the home.
• Manage, coordinate, and develop high-quality services for children and young people.
• Ensure full compliance with Ofsted regulations, the Children’s Homes Regulations 2015, and Quality Standards.
• Promote a positive, child-focused culture rooted in trauma-informed care and emotional wellbeing.
• Lead, supervise, and develop staff, including recruitment, induction, performance appraisal, and ongoing professional development.
• Implement safer recruitment practices in line with legislative requirements.
• Oversee budgets, expenditure, and financial controls to ensure effective resource management.
• Maintain accurate administrative and record-keeping systems in line with company policies.
• Monitor incidents and safeguarding concerns, ensuring appropriate action and reflective learning.
• Build and maintain professional partnerships with families, external agencies, and stakeholders.
• Maintain high standards of accommodation, health and safety, and risk management.
• Prepare for and respond effectively to Ofsted inspections.
• Participate in the on-call rota and support staff as required during emergencies.

Qualifications and Experience

Essential:

• Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare (or working towards completion).
• Minimum 2 years’ experience managing a residential children’s home.
• Proven experience working with children with Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties (EBD).
• Thorough understanding of Ofsted frameworks and children’s home compliance standards.
• Strong financial and administrative management skills.

Desirable:

• Level 3 or 4 qualification in Residential Childcare (considered with extensive deputy managerial experience).
• Experience within a trauma-informed or therapeutic care setting.
• Full UK Driving Licence and access to transport.

Skills and Attributes

• Excellent leadership, communication, and team development skills.
• Strong organisational and problem-solving abilities.
• Skilled in conflict resolution, staff debriefing, and reflective supervision.
• Confident decision-maker with sound professional judgement.
• Resilient, emotionally intelligent, and adaptable under pressure.
• Committed to achieving positive outcomes and continuous improvement.

Additional Requirements

• Enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references (as part of Safer Recruitment).
• Legal right to work in the UK.
• Flexibility to work on a 24/7 rota, including weekends, evenings, and sleep-ins.

Salary and Benefits

• Competitive salary (£60,000 – £80,000 per annum).
• Health & Wellbeing Programme.
• Company pension scheme.
• Performance bonuses.
• Employee Helpline.
• Supportive and inclusive working culture.

Work Location

The role is based in Erith (London Borough of Bexley) and Abbey Wood (Royal Borough of Greenwich), with plans for expansion across South-East London and North-West Kent, including the DA17 and SE postcode areas.

Safeguarding Commitment

Bright Futures Children’s Care Ltd is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Employment is subject to an enhanced DBS check, proof of eligibility to work in the UK, and satisfactory references.