Registered Manager – Children’s Home (Ofsted-Registered)
Next Wave Care Group – Isle of Wight
Next Wave Care Group is seeking an experienced, values-led Registered Manager to lead one of our children’s homes on the Isle of Wight and deliver excellent, trauma-informed care for children and young people with complex needs.
This is a pivotal leadership role for a confident, child-centred professional who can provide strong operational and strategic leadership, secure positive outcomes for children, and maintain full compliance with Ofsted expectations and the Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015.
About the Role
As Registered Manager, you will hold full responsibility for the day-to-day leadership, management, and continuous development of the children’s home.
You will ensure the home provides a safe, nurturing, and therapeutic environment where children and young people can thrive emotionally, socially, and educationally. You will lead a skilled staff team, embed trauma-informed and relational practice, and ensure that children’s voices are central to all care planning and decision‑making.
You will be responsible for maintaining Ofsted registration, meeting the Quality Standards, and evidencing continuous improvement through reflective practice, robust monitoring, and strong leadership.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide effective leadership and management of the children’s home in line with the Statement of Purpose, Quality Standards, and Next Wave Care Group’s trauma‑informed ethos
- Ensure full compliance with the Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015, including Regulations 44 and 45, with accurate monitoring, reporting, and action planning
- Safeguard and promote the welfare of children, ensuring their safety, emotional wellbeing, stability, and development are at the heart of all practice
- Lead, inspire, supervise, and develop a competent and motivated staff team through safe recruitment, induction, training, supervision, and ongoing professional development
- Create a positive, open, and accountable culture where safeguarding, learning, and reflective practice are embedded
- Build strong, professional relationships with children, families, placing authorities, and partner agencies
- Ensure effective risk management, incident response, and learning from practice
- Prepare for and lead Ofsted inspections, responding effectively to feedback, recommendations, and requirements
- Manage resources responsibly, including staffing, rotas, and budgets, to ensure high‑quality, sustainable care
Essential Requirements
Applicants must meet the Ofsted Registered Manager fitness requirements under Regulation 28, including:
- Proven integrity, good character, and physical and mental fitness to manage a children’s home
Within the last five years, you must have:
- At least two years’ experience working in a children’s residential care setting
- At least one year’s experience supervising and managing staff in a care environment
You must also:
- Hold a Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare (or be willing and eligible to complete this within required timescales)
- Have strong knowledge of safeguarding, child development, trauma‑informed practice, and the Quality Standards
- Be eligible for Ofsted registration as Registered Manager and able to maintain that registration
What We Offer
- The opportunity to lead and shape a children’s home with a clear therapeutic and trauma‑informed approach
- A supportive and engaged senior leadership team within a values‑driven organisation
- The chance to make a meaningful and lasting difference to children and young people’s lives
- Ongoing professional development, leadership support, and career progression
- Outcome‑related bonuses
- Comprehensive induction and transition support
- Team‑building activities and opportunities to contribute to service development
- Pension scheme and statutory benefits
Right to Work
Applicants must hold a valid UK right to work.
We do not offer sponsorship.
Safer Recruitment Statement
Next Wave Care Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All appointments are subject to Enhanced DBS checks, satisfactory references, and all relevant pre-employment checks in line with Schedule 2 of the Children’s Homes Regulations.
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