RQ1724788 – Residential Children’s Home Manager

Job Details

PAYE – £342.21 a day

Residential Children’s Homes Manager

As the Residential Children’s Homes Manager, you will be responsible for the effective management of residential children’s homes and the delivery of a high-quality, child-centred service in line with all relevant legislation, regulations, codes of practice, policies, and procedures. You will have full autonomy to recruit your own team and lead the development of a new and important service that supports vulnerable children and young people.

Wokingham Borough Council aims to ensure children in care are able to live close to their families, friends, communities, and support networks. The service includes a multi-building provision made up of a 4-bed Emotional Behavioural Difficulties (EBD) home and up to two smaller complex needs homes. These settings are designed to support children with complex needs to remain within or return to Wokingham, reducing the need for out-of-area or unregistered placements.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the effective operation of two children’s homes in line with statutory regulations and Ofsted requirements (including registration as Homes Manager).
• Ensure a high-quality, child-centred service that meets children’s assessed needs in a safe, planned, and holistic way.
• Manage and oversee the annual budgets for both homes, ensuring effective use of resources.
• Work in partnership with key stakeholders to deliver coordinated care and support for children and young people.
• Address complex operational challenges and ensure services remain effective, responsive, and within budget.
• Develop and share specialist knowledge, acting as a source of expertise within the organisation.
• Embed and implement a therapeutic practice model across all aspects of service delivery.
• Collaborate with Corporate Parenting teams to secure the best possible placement options for children.

Candidate Requirements

• Level 5 Leadership and Management in Residential Childcare (or equivalent recognised qualification).
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience as a manager in a children’s residential setting.
• Strong understanding of delivering high-quality care and meeting regulatory standards.
• Experience in managing change and supporting staff through service development and growth.
• Experience in recruitment and team building within a residential care environment.
• Ability to ensure quality standards are met, monitored, and improved where necessary.