Deputy Manager – Children's Residential Home

Multiple Locations: Croydon | Manchester | Stockport | Slough | Ashford

£35,000 – £45,000 + Performance Bonus | Full-Time | Permanent

Are you an experienced Deputy Manager or a Senior Support Worker / Team Leader ready to take the next step in your career? We have exciting Deputy Manager opportunities across our children's residential homes in Croydon, Manchester, Stockport, Slough, and Ashford.

We welcome applications from established Deputies AND from ambitious Team Leaders or Senior Carers with strong experience in children's residential settings who are ready to progress into management.

THE ROLE

As Deputy Manager, you will work closely alongside the Registered Manager to lead the home, maintain high standards of care, and support a team of residential support workers. You will be instrumental in achieving and maintaining positive Ofsted outcomes and driving continuous improvement across the home.

Key responsibilities:

- Support the Registered Manager in the day-to-day running of the home

- Supervise, mentor, and develop the residential support team

- Take full responsibility for the home in the Registered Manager's absence

- Oversee care planning, risk assessments, and young people's documentation

- Ensure all practice meets Children's Homes Regulations 2015 and Quality Standards

- Support and contribute to Ofsted inspection preparation and compliance

- Safeguard and promote the welfare of all children and young people in the home

- Build positive relationships with young people, families, and external professionals

- Assist with rota management and day-to-day operational decisions

WHO WE'RE LOOKING FOR

We are open to two candidate profiles:

Experienced Deputy Managers:

- Previous experience as Deputy Manager in a children's residential setting

- Good working knowledge of Children's Homes Regulations 2015

- Experience supporting Ofsted inspections and maintaining compliance

- Strong leadership and team management skills

Team Leaders / Senior Carers stepping up:

- Minimum 2 years' experience in a children's residential setting

- Current or recent Team Leader or Senior Support Worker experience

- Demonstrated ability to lead shifts, mentor staff, and manage young people's needs

- Clear ambition and readiness to progress into a Deputy Manager role

- Working towards or willing to complete Level 5 Diploma

All candidates must have:

- Level 3 in Residential Childcare (or equivalent) — essential

- Full understanding of safeguarding and child protection procedures

- Experience working with children with EBD, LD, SEMH, or complex needs

- Resilience, compassion, and a genuine commitment to improving young lives

- Enhanced DBS (or willingness to obtain one)

LOCATIONS AVAILABLE

We have Deputy Manager vacancies at homes in:

- Croydon (South London)

- Manchester (North West)

- Stockport (Greater Manchester)

- Slough (Berkshire)

- Ashford (Kent)

Please indicate your preferred location(s) when applying.

SALARY & BENEFITS

- Salary: £30,000 – £38,000 per annum (dependent on experience)

- Performance bonus scheme

- Company pension

- 28 days annual leave + bank holidays

- Paid induction and ongoing CPD and training

- Level 5 Diploma support for candidates stepping up

- Clear progression pathway to Registered Manager

- Employee Assistance Programme

HOW TO APPLY

Apply now with your up-to-date CV and include your preferred location and a brief summary of your experience in children's residential settings. Shortlisting is ongoing.

This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check. We are committed to safeguarding children and young people. Equal opportunities employer.