Head of Care

About The Company

Ingfield Manor School is a non‑maintained residential special school and part of Salutem Care and Education, supporting children and adults across England and Wales.

Our on‑site residential provision, Acorns, offers term‑time overnight and short‑break stays (Monday–Friday) for children and young people aged 7–19. The nine‑bedded setting is bright, modern and homely, with well‑equipped bedrooms and welcoming communal spaces that encourage socialising, relaxation and independence.

We are proud of our school community and committed to giving every young person the skills, confidence and ambition to succeed. Our staff team is central to everything we do, and we provide strong leadership support, development opportunities and a positive, rewarding working environment. Colleagues consistently report high job satisfaction.

Ingfield Manor is easily accessible, just 10 minutes from Horsham, with a nearby bus stop and ample on‑site parking.

New starters receive a warm welcome, and our motto, Fulfilling Potential, applies to every member of our community. We look forward to supporting you as you help us make a real difference to the lives of our young people.

Contract: Term‑time only (39 weeks)

Salary: £37,740–£39,694

Start Date: 20 April 2026

We are seeking an experienced and passionate Head of Care to lead our dedicated team and ensure exceptional care, support, and experiences for the children and young people within our residential setting. This is an exciting opportunity for a strong leader who is committed to promoting positive outcomes, independence, and a safe, nurturing environment aligned with our school’s ethos and values.

Leadership & Operational Management

• Provide compassionate, child‑centred leadership to a multidisciplinary care team.
• Ensure the residential provision operates effectively and in line with National Minimum Standards.
• Lead on the development, delivery, and review of the provision’s Statement of Purpose.
• Work with senior leaders to maintain policies and procedures compliant with legislation and best practice.
• Foster a positive, supportive environment for both staff and young people.
• Oversee Health & Safety requirements, including risk assessments and adherence to company policies.

Supporting Children & Young People

• Lead on the assessment and admission process for all new children entering the provision.
• Oversee care plans, risk assessments, and behaviour support plans tailored to each individual.
• Ensure collaborative care planning with children, families, social workers, and professionals.
• Promote an environment where children feel safe, valued, and able to express their views.
• Coordinate recreational, social, and community activities with appropriate risk assessments.
• Ensure a consistent programme of meaningful, age‑appropriate experiences promoting growth and independence.
• Maintain a clean, welcoming, personalised residential environment.
• Support preparation for adulthood through personalised independence planning.
• Work closely with the nursing team to meet all health needs.
• Promote inclusion, independence, and active community participation.

Safeguarding & Compliance

• Act as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL).
• Ensure robust safeguarding practices are always followed.
• Maintain full regulatory compliance and support Ofsted inspection readiness.

Staff Management & Development

• Support with recruitment, onboarding, and training of support staff.
• Ensure staff receive appropriate CPD opportunities.
• Conduct regular supervisions and appraisals.
• Ensure team adherence to organisational policies and the Statement of Purpose.
• Drive continuous improvement through audits and quality assurance processes.
• Manage staffing levels and respond to emergencies to keep shifts safely covered.

Professional Conduct

• Maintain high standards of professionalism, ethics, attendance, and punctuality.
• Uphold and promote the school’s ethos, policies, and practices.
• Work within relevant…