Most Deputy Manager roles in children's care feel like you're firefighting all day: endless paperwork, stretched staff, and precious little time to actually shape how children are cared for. This is different. We're looking for someone who wants real leadership responsibility in an OFSTED-registered home where your decisions genuinely improve children's lives, and where the team actually has your back
Picture yourself walking into a well-run home where staff respect your leadership because you've earned it through genuine support and clear direction. You'll spend your days doing what actually matters: assessing each child's needs, planning their care pathway, sitting down with your team to solve real problems, and knowing that the systems you put in place are making a tangible difference to vulnerable young people. This isn't middle management theatre; it's hands-on leadership where you see the results of your work
You'll work alongside the Registered Manager as a genuine partner, not a subordinate. Together you'll drive recruitment, shape the team's development, handle safeguarding decisions that count, and plan activities that make these children's days better. Health and safety protocols, risk assessments, care planning, education records, appointments, maintenance issues - you'll own the operation and build processes that actually work, not just tick boxes
The home invests in your growth. You'll get proper ongoing training, regular pay reviews, a generous pension scheme, and a team that values staff wellbeing as much as service quality. This is the kind of workplace where staying matters, where your contribution is noticed, and where your career doesn't stall
What you will be doing
- Provide managerial leadership to the home's day-to-day operation, working closely with the Registered Manager to ensure smooth running and high standards
- Assess, plan, and review each child's needs - conducting specialist assessments, creating personalised care plans, and evaluating how well the service is meeting them
- Manage and update all service user files: risk assessments, care plans, education records, and safeguarding documentation kept current and compliant
- Supervise and organise the daily workload of staff, supporting them, supervising their practice, and developing their skills through induction and ongoing support
- Facilitate and attend meetings and appointments for all children, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs are represented
- Ensure health and safety protocols are followed, handle safeguarding concerns appropriately, manage maintenance issues, and keep the home compliant with all legal and statutory requirements
Why you will love working here
- Competitive salary of £35,000 to £40,000 per annum with regular pay reviews, so your contribution is properly recognised
- A generous pension scheme and key perks that show this provider values looking after their team
- Real opportunities for ongoing training and professional development - your skills grow, your career progresses
- A supportive team environment where staff wellbeing isn't an afterthought but a genuine focus, and where you're leading people who want to be there
Is this you?
- Are you holding a relevant health or social care qualification at NVQ Level 4 or 5, or equivalent?
- Have you got proven management experience working in a registered children's home, where you've led staff and shaped care delivery?
- Do you have strong communication and organisational skills, with genuine knowledge of safeguarding procedures and confidence handling safeguarding concerns?
- Are you proficient in IT - comfortable with Excel, Word, and PowerPoint - and do you have a full UK Driving Licence and willingness to support children's activities and appointments?
Applications close on 12 October 2026. Great roles like this are filled quickly, so the sooner you apply the better.
Safeguarding: We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All roles are subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.