Working in a children’s home is one of the most rewarding careers, offering the chance to transform young lives, support personal growth, and be a positive force for change.
For those considering a role in a public sector children’s home, London’s local authorities provide an environment that combines unparalleled professional support, meaningful rewards, and an opportunity to make a real difference.
Here, we explore why joining a public sector children’s home in London could be the career move you’ve been waiting for. Discover children's home manager roles below, or explore other opportunities via our lcoal authorities.
Making a real difference
As a children’s home manager, your role is pivotal in helping children and young people thrive. Many children in residential care have faced immense challenges, including trauma, neglect, or family breakdowns. Your work will centre on:
- Creating a safe and stable home environment where young people can feel secure and valued.
- Building trusting and meaningful relationships, offering the emotional support and care that children need to grow and flourish.
- Promoting positive life outcomes, from helping a child ride a bike for the first time to supporting them in their education or transition to independence.
As one children's home manager shared:
“Forming meaningful, trusting relationships with the children and young people, seeing them grow and flourish, and being a part of their support system is very motivating and satisfying.”
Every day is different in a children’s home. Whether it’s helping to plan activities, supporting therapeutic interventions, or simply sharing a meal with the young people, you’ll be part of their journey toward a brighter future.
Why Choose a Public Sector Children’s Home?
Choosing to work in the public sector brings with it unique benefits that set it apart from private sector roles. London’s local authorities are committed to creating a supportive environment for their staff and ensuring you have the tools and resources to thrive.
Job security and stability
The public sector is well-known for providing greater job security compared to private providers. London’s local authorities invest in their children’s homes to ensure staff feel valued and supported, with robust processes in place to provide long-term employment stability.
Comprehensive benefits package
Public sector roles offer competitive benefits, including:
- Generous annual leave allowances, often exceeding 30 days per year, plus bank holidays
- Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme, widely regarded as one of the best pension schemes in the UK
- Family-friendly policies, including flexible working options and parental leave
- Access to Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs) for mental health and well-being support
Professional development and progression
Public sector children’s homes in London are committed to staff development. Many offer:
- Opportunities to gain qualifications like the Level 5 Diploma in Leadership or degrees in Social Work.
- Funded training and courses, giving you the chance to specialise in areas like therapeutic life story work, trauma-informed care, or management.
- Career pathways that enable you to progress into senior leadership roles or specialist positions.
Supportive working environment
Public sector children’s homes emphasise teamwork, collaboration, and professional support. You’ll benefit from:
- Reflective supervision and strong leadership to guide you through challenges.
- A culture of inclusion and equity, where diversity is celebrated, and everyone’s voice is heard.
- Access to regional networks, like the Children’s Home Managers Network, for sharing best practices and collaborative problem-solving.
London boroughs with current and planned children's homes
London is home to a diverse range of public sector children’s homes across the following boroughs:
- Barnet
- Brent
- Croydon
- Greenwich
- Hackney
- Hammersmith & Fulham
- Haringey
- Harrow
- Hillingdon
- Hounslow
- Southwark
- Sutton
- Wandsworth
- Achieving for Children (Kingston & Richmond)
These boroughs offer purpose-built facilities, compassionate teams, and a shared commitment to improving outcomes for children and young people.
Challenges
This role isn’t without its challenges—managing behaviours, staffing, and compliance can be demanding. However, the rewards far outweigh the difficulties. As one manager shared:
“I'm encouraged by the ability to positively impact children's lives and futures as well as develop staff into future leaders”
Join us in transforming lives
A career in a public sector children’s home is not just a job—it’s a chance to make a lasting impact. You’ll help vulnerable children feel safe, supported, and valued while enjoying the professional growth, benefits, and stability that come with working in the public sector.
“I see young people as our future. I believe all children deserve the best.”
London Social Work for Children advertises managerial roles in children's homes. There are a wide range of career opportunities within children’s homes outside of those on our website, explore other roles by visiting a local authority's jobs board.