About the role
Ofsted-registered accountability for a children’s home: the quality of care, the culture of the team and the outcomes for every child living in it.
These are the criteria providers across the UK typically set for this role, so you can judge your own fit before you apply anywhere. Individual services vary — any role we put you forward for will have its own criteria, pay and rota, and we confirm those with the provider first.
What the role usually involves
- Hold Ofsted registration for the home and account for it at inspection
- Lead the team, set practice standards and manage performance honestly
- Own safeguarding, quality assurance and the Regulation 45 review cycle
- Manage budget, occupancy, referrals and placement matching
- Build working relationships with local authorities, IROs, schools and health services
Typical criteria
- Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare, held or achievable within the registration timescale
- At least two years in a children’s residential setting within the last five, and at least one year supervising staff
- Detailed command of the Children’s Homes Regulations, the quality standards and the inspection framework
- A track record you can evidence through inspection outcomes rather than tenure alone
- Suitability to be assessed as a fit person by Ofsted
- A full UK driving licence
Often asked for as well
Not usually dealbreakers, but they widen the range of services that will consider you.
- Previous registration held without enforcement action
- Experience registering a new home or turning around a judgement
- Solo, EBD or complex-needs experience
Hours and pay
Full-time, with on-call responsibility for the home.
Bonuses tied to occupancy and inspection judgement are normal and can add meaningfully. Check what triggers them, who decides, and how often they have paid out in the last two years.
Checks and eligibility
- An enhanced DBS check on the relevant barred list, or a current one on the update service we can check
- The right to work in the UK — we are not a licensed sponsor, so we cannot offer visa sponsorship or take over an existing certificate
- A full employment history with references covering it, including one from your most recent care employer
- Proof of identity and address, plus evidence of any qualification or professional registration the role depends on