Registered Manager – Therapeutic Children’s Home (3-Bed Service) – Bristol

Reports To

Responsible Individual (on behalf of our client)

£55,000 – £65,000 per annum + Performance Bonus Scheme

Job Purpose

Our client is seeking a Registered Manager for a newly established 3-bed therapeutic children’s home in Bristol, providing trauma-informed care for children and young people with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs.The Registered Manager will be responsible for the leadership, management, and development of the home, ensuring high-quality therapeutic care that promotes positive outcomes for children and young people.The role requires full compliance with:The Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015

Children’s Homes Quality Standards

Care Standards Act 2000

Working Together to Safeguard Children 2026

Ofsted requirements

Relevant safeguarding legislation and guidanceThe successful candidate will create a safe, nurturing, and therapeutically informed environment where children feel secure, valued, and supported to thrive emotionally, socially, and educationally.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership and Management

Register with Ofsted as the Registered Manager and maintain compliance at all times

Lead the day-to-day management of the home in line with legislation and policies

Develop and sustain a strong therapeutic, trauma-informed culture

Ensure the home achieves GOOD or OUTSTANDING Ofsted outcomes

Maintain an up-to-date Statement of Purpose

Promote a safe, structured, and nurturing environment

Therapeutic and Trauma-Informed Practice

Embed trauma-informed and therapeutic approaches throughout care delivery

Ensure staff understand trauma, attachment, ACEs, and SEMH needs

Promote relational and restorative behaviour support approaches

Work collaboratively with external professionals and services

Ensure care plans, risk assessments, and behaviour plans are individualised and reviewed

Safeguarding and Compliance

Safeguard and promote the welfare of children in line with statutory guidance

Ensure full compliance with all relevant legislation and regulations

Maintain effective safeguarding systems and respond to concerns appropriately

Ensure staff receive regular safeguarding supervision and training

Maintain accurate records for inspection and audit purposes

Staff Leadership and Development

Recruit, supervise, and develop a high-performing staff team

Conduct regular supervisions, appraisals, and performance management

Ensure mandatory training and ongoing development is completed

Promote reflective practice and staff wellbeing

Lead by example and maintain professional standards

Operational Responsibilities

Manage staffing rotas to ensure safe staffing levels

Oversee admissions, transitions, and placement matching

Manage the home’s budget effectively

Ensure the home environment remains safe, warm, and therapeutic

Participate in the on-call rota and provide out-of-hours support when required

Person Specification

Essential Qualifications

Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare (or equivalent), or willingness to complete

Relevant qualification in Health & Social Care, Childcare, or Leadership

Essential Experience

Minimum 5 years’ experience in residential childcare

Minimum 2 years’ experience in a managerial role in a children’s home

Experience managing homes rated GOOD or OUTSTANDING (URN evidence required)

Experience working with children with SEMH needs and complex trauma

Strong knowledge of children’s home regulations and safeguarding frameworks

Essential Skills

Strong leadership and decision-making skills

Ability to motivate and develop teams

Excellent communication and report writing skills

Strong understanding of trauma-informed and therapeutic practice

Ability to manage challenging behaviour in a relational and restorative way

Strong organisational and compliance skills

Desirable Experience

Experience opening or developing a new children’s home

Experience in therapeutic or psychologically informed environments

Knowledge of PACE, attachment theory, and restorative practice

Experience supporting children affected by exploitation, self-harm, or neurodiversity

Other Requirements

Full UK Driving Licence

Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and participate in on-call duties