Jobs in Gravesend

About the role

Spire Carehome for Children is seeking a compassionate and experienced Registered Children's Home Manager to lead the day-to-day operation of our children's residential care home. You will be responsible for creating a safe, nurturing and consistent environment for children with complex behavioural and emotional needs, while supporting the staff team to deliver high-quality, individualised care.

This role combines operational leadership, staff development, care planning, quality oversight and partnership working. The successful candidate will bring sound judgement, clear communication and a child-centred approach to every aspect of the home.

Why this role matters

The Registered Children's Home Manager sets the tone for the home. By maintaining high standards, strengthening practice and ensuring that each child's plan reflects their individual needs, you will help children experience stability, respectful support and consistent care.

What you'll do

Leadership and operations

· Manage the daily operation of the home and maintain a safe, nurturing and well-organised environment.

· Lead, supervise and support the staff team, promoting accountable, collaborative and child-centred practice.

· Provide practical guidance and training so staff understand care protocols and apply them consistently.

· Oversee medication administration processes and ensure staff follow the home's agreed procedures.

· Maintain high standards of practice and ensure the home's operation aligns with applicable regulatory requirements and internal procedures.

Care planning and quality

· Develop and implement individual care plans that reflect each child's needs, strengths and circumstances.

· Review children's progress regularly and update care plans when needs or circumstances change.

· Monitor the quality and consistency of care, addressing concerns and supporting continuous improvement.

Relationships and reporting

· Build positive, professional relationships with children and their families.

· Work constructively with external professionals and agencies involved in each child's care.

· Prepare clear and accurate weekly reports for the relevant placing authority.

What we're looking for

Essential experience and skills

· At least five years' experience within an Ofsted-regulated children's care setting.

· Proven experience of leading and supporting a team while building a collaborative working culture.

· Working knowledge of medication administration procedures and the ability to oversee these processes safely.

· Experience developing, implementing and reviewing individual care plans.

· Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to produce clear professional reports.

· The ability to communicate effectively with children, families, colleagues and external professionals.

· Current authorisation to work in the United Kingdom.

· Hold full responsibility for the safe and effective running of the home

· Ensure compliance with Ofsted regulations and the Children's Homes Regulations 2015

· Lead and develop a stable team of Deputy Managers, Senior Coaches and Residential Support Workers

· Promote a therapeutic culture across the home

· Ensure staff feel supported, confident and able to manage complex behaviours safely

· Oversee care planning, behaviour support strategies and risk management

· Ensure safeguarding practices are robust and consistently applied

· Lead serious incident reviews, audits and quality improvement processes

· Work closely with external professionals including social workers, education providers, CAMHS and therapists

· Embed trauma informed approaches across the service

· Ensure young people experience consistency, routine and emotional safety

· Support staff to use de-escalation, positive behaviour support and reflective practice

· Manage staffing, rotas and recruitment in line with safer recruitment practices

· Monitor budgets and operational performance

· Ensure training, supervision and development plans are delivered to staff

Preferred qualifications and experience

· A relevant NVQ Level 3 or Level 5 qualification; the precise qualification requirement will be confirmed before publication.

· Relevant professional experience, education or training in child psychology.

· Previous experience as a Registered Manager, Care Manager or Deputy Manager in a Children's Residential Home

· Strong knowledge of Ofsted regulations and safeguarding frameworks

· Experience supporting young people with Learning Disabilities, Complex Behaviours or Mental Health needs

· A calm, reflective and trauma informed leadership style

· The ability to build stable teams in complex and challenging environments

· Level 3 Residential Childcare (essential)

· Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management (completed, in process, or willing to complete)

Team and collaboration

You will lead the home's care team and work closely with children, families, placing authorities and other professionals involved in children's care. The reporting line and team structure will be confirmed during the recruitment process.

work model

This is a full-time, permanent, in-person role.

Location

Gravesend, Kent