Head Of Care

 Head of Care – Residential Education Setting (Horsham Area)

Pink Tile Education are delighted to be partnering with a respected specialist residential education provider in the Horsham area. This pivotal leadership role oversees residential provision for children and young people aged 8–18. 
 
Role Purpose
The Head of Care leads the residential care team, ensuring a warm, safe and nurturing environment grounded in Positive Behaviour Support. The role promotes strong relationships, emotional security, personal development, and high‑quality daily care routines. You would be a key member of the senior leadership team and plays a central role in shaping the residential experience for pupils.
Key Responsibilities:
Residential Leadership & Operational Oversight

Lead residential care for 24 pupils aged 8–18, with capacity for up to 45.

Oversee four residential areas (younger years through to Post‑16), each with team leaders and keyworkers.

Ensure smooth daily routines including school collection, after‑school activities, EHCP‑linked development work, dinner, bedtime routines, morning routines, breakfast, and school drop‑off.

Manage residential staffing patterns, including keyworker shifts (Mon–Fri).

Participate in duty head rota and sleep‑in duties.

Senior Leadership & Management

Serve as part of the senior management team, deputising when required.

Lead care staff meetings and provide clear direction, supervision and professional support.

Maintain effective communication between care, education, domestic teams and senior leaders.

Monitor the quality of relationships between pupils and staff, ensuring continuous improvement.

Ensure the organisation’s ethos, aims and values are reflected in daily residential practice.

Staff Development & Training

Plan and deliver induction and ongoing training for care staff.

Ensure staff understand their roles and responsibilities, arranging additional training where needed.

Contribute to staff development, supervision and performance monitoring.

Care Planning & Casework

Oversee the creation, monitoring and evaluation of individual social programmes.

Ensure accurate, complete casework records are maintained.

Lead discussions between teachers and keyworkers regarding pupil progress.

Coordinate all medical aspects of pupil care within the residential setting.

Residential Provision & Activities

Organise and evaluate a varied programme of recreational and social activities that promote engagement, independence and social development.

Manage the ordering and allocation of recreational resources and equipment.

Coordinate annual residential trips.

Professional Practice & External Liaison

Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of residential childcare practice and implement improvements.

Liaise with parents, external agencies and local authority services as required.

Support childcare/social work students on placement.

Safeguarding

Uphold and promote robust safeguarding practice.

Ensure concerns are handled sensitively, professionally and in line with statutory guidance.

Promote pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development, including fundamental British Values.

Work in regulated activity at all times.

 
Additional Operational Responsibilities

Kitchen Management: Oversee the Chef Manager and a team of three catering staff.

Housekeeping Management: Oversee the Head Housekeeper and cleaning team.

Ensure both departments operate smoothly and support the residential environment.

 
Working Pattern

Average 43.5 hours per week, reflecting residential education staffing structures.

Includes evening duties, morning routines, and sleep‑ins as part of a rota.

Pupils are typically residential Monday–Friday, with some attending part‑week.

 
Package & Benefits

Three‑bedroom on‑site flat included.

Competitive salary (approx. £50,000 – £70,000 dependent on experience).

Healthcare.

14 weeks school closure per year.

NEST pension scheme.

Government tech scheme and cycle scheme.

Staff discount scheme.

Eligibility for Blue Light Card.

 
Important Notice – Pink Tile Education
At Pink Tile Education, safeguarding, quality, and integrity are central to everything we do.
Applicants must:

Have the right to work in the UK or hold a valid work visa.

Provide suitable references for pre‑employment checks.

Hold an Enhanced DBS on the Children’s Workforce (or Children’s & Adults’) Update Service, or be willing to obtain one.

Understand that pay includes 12.07% holiday pay.

We aim to respond to all applications. Due to high application volumes, individual feedback may not always be possible for unsuccessful applicants.