Head of Care

Job Title: Head of Care

Salary: £50,000 - £55,000 dependent on experience

Location: Acorn Park School, Banham, Norwich, Norfolk, NR16 2HU

Hours: Full-Time 

If you really want to make your mark in a rapidly growing business that is committed to improving the lives of children and young people, we have the role for you!

We’re looking for a Head of Care to join Acorn Park Schools team. Someone with who can deliver a holistic and integrated approach to care, education and clinical services would be perfect for this role. 

About the School

Acorn Park is a Special Educational Needs (SEN) School and Residential home. We help care for and support young people who have complex needs and specialise in the communication and learning challenges associated with Autism.

The Site is situated within Norfolk’s picturesque and tranquil countryside, close to the town of Banham.

The aim of the site is to provide enough support to unlock each child’s potential so they can live fulfilling and productive lives. We provide the young people with as much freedom as possible in a safe and supervised environment. This is achievable due to the dedication and support from a range of employed professionals who are passionate, reliable and understanding. 

About the Group

We are part of Acorn Care and Education and can promise you plenty of challenges, and a rich variety of opportunities to develop your career.

We provide Education and Care across a number of schools and residential homes nationally. Our specialist SEN provision, coupled with our expertise within residential care means we offer thousands of vulnerable children and young people across the UK a holistic, wraparound care, residential and education service, empowering them with everything they need to flourish. It is by no accident that 94% of our homes are rated as Outstanding or Good.

We welcome staff who share our commitment to help children experience better days and better lives. Through ongoing development and training, we ensure our staff are well prepared for their jobs and given every opportunity to extend their skills.

Acorn Care and Education is part of the Outcomes First Group. 

About the Role

The Head of Care role is a senior operational management role responsible for the management of the care services offered by Acorn Park. The role is responsible for the direct line management of the registered managers and indirectly assistant managers. The Head of Care is also responsible for the operations, quality of care, safety and financial performance of those services in line with the OFG/Acorn Care & Education’s vision, mission and values. 

Who we are looking for

We are looking for someone who has had extensive and successful experience as a senior leader within a children or young person’s care environment. You should have a positive work ethic and be able to work effectively to produce an effective leadership team.

You will be working with a bubbly team of registered managers who have a lot of experience working with children and adults with complex needs. As part of this role you will be required to develop the registered manager’s performance and abilities, so good communication skills and the ability to lead and manage strategically are vital.

You should have an extensive knowledge surrounding safeguarding of children and young people, as a main responsibility of the Head of Care will be ensuring that safeguarding procedures are implemented correctly.  We want someone who places a focus on the positive outcomes of our children and adults and takes responsibility for helping improve the lives of our young people.

While experience of working with children and young people with special educational needs is desirable, excellent leadership skills, the right motivation and personal qualities are just as important. 

Essential Criteria

• Must have experience as a senior leader within children or young person’s care environment.
• Experience liaising with local authorities.
• Experience of independent visits and QA processes
• Experience of leading CPD in care and safeguarding
• Must have developed effective leadership teams in previous work 

Why work for us

• Social activities
• "Your Wellbeing Matters"
• Employee Rewards Hub
• Pension
• Free School meals on site
• No two days are ever the same
• Be part of a fantastic team who work hard together and support each other
• Opportunity to enrich the lives of young people and make a positive difference
• Continuous professional development and training for a clear career path 

If you have any further questions regarding how to apply please contact 01204 558055 or email recruitment@acorncare.co.uk.

Acorn care and Education are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All successful applicants will be subject to fully Enhanced DBS. We expect all our employees and volunteers to share this commitment and strive to achieve the best outcome possible for everybody in our care. A full application form must be completed with all employment dates accurate and gaps in employment accounted for