Deputy Children's Home Manager

Health Recruit Network; Reading; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

Health Recruit Network in Reading area seeks a dedicated Deputy Children's Home Manager for a residential home. This full-time role offers up to £40,000 per annum and requires strong safeguarding, leadership, and Ofsted knowledge.

You will supervise staff, develop care plans, ensure compliance, and act as senior decision-maker in the absence of the Registered Manager. You will collaborate with social workers and families to promote safety and wellbeing.

Qualifications

• Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or equivalent) is required; Level 5 Diploma is preferred.
• Minimum 2 years’ experience in a residential childcare setting.
• Experience supervising or leading staff.
• Strong safeguarding, child protection and Ofsted knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Support the Registered Manager to ensure Ofsted compliance and safeguarding requirements.
• Supervise, support, and develop residential support workers, including appraisals.
• Assist in staff recruitment, induction, training and rota management.
• Act as the senior decision-maker in the absence of the Registered Manager.
• Ensure safeguarding concerns are reported and acted upon in line with policy.
• Promote a safe, nurturing and therapeutic environment for children and young people.
• Be a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) or support the DSL as required.
• Contribute to development and review of care plans, risk assessments and behaviour strategies.
• Ensure children’s voices are heard and they participate in decisions about their care.
• Promote independence, education, health and emotional wellbeing.
• Manage challenging behaviour using approved therapeutic and de-escalation approaches.
• Assist in preparing for Ofsted inspections and audits.
• Maintain accurate records, reports, and logs in line with regulations.
• Monitor compliance with policies, procedures and standards of care.
• Support implementation of improvement plans and staff development.
• Build positive relationships with social workers, parents, schools and other professionals.
• Attend reviews, planning meetings, and represent the home in multi-agency forums.
• Promote the reputation of the home and the organisation in the community.

Skills

Staff supervision

Ofsted knowledge

Rota management

Communication skills

Education

Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or equivalent)

Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare (or working towards)

Job description

Deputy Children's Home Manager – EBD Service

Reading Area - Up to £40,000 per annum - Full time

About the Role

We have partnered with a brilliant Children's Service who are on the lookout for an experienced, driven and genuinely child focused Deputy Childrens' Home Manager to lead support children's residential home. This is a real opportunity to make a meaningful difference to the lives of children and young people.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Registered Manager in ensuring the home complies with Ofsted regulations and safeguarding requirements.
• Supervise, support, and develop residential support workers, including carrying out supervisions and appraisals.
• Assist in staff recruitment, induction, training, and rota management.
• Act as the senior decision-maker in the absence of the Registered Manager.
• Ensure all safeguarding concerns are reported, recorded, and acted upon in line with policy and statutory requirements.
• Promote a safe, nurturing, and therapeutic environment for children and young people.
• Be a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) or support the DSL as required.
• Contribute to the development and review of individual care plans, risk assessments, and behaviour management strategies.
• Ensure children’s voices are heard and they are actively involved in decisions about their care.
• Promote independence, education, health, and emotional wellbeing.
• Manage challenging behaviour using approved therapeutic and de-escalation approaches.
• Assist in preparing for Ofsted inspections and audits.
• Maintain accurate records, reports, and logs in line with regulations.
• Monitor compliance with policies, procedures, and standards of care.
• Support implementation of improvement plans and staff development.
• Build positive relationships with social workers, parents, schools, and other professionals.
• Attend reviews, planning meetings, and represent the home in multi-agency forums.
• Promote the reputation of the home and the organisation in the community.

Essential

• Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or equivalent) and willingness to work towards Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare.
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience in a residential childcare setting.
• Experience supervising or leading staff.
• Strong understanding of safeguarding, child protection, and Ofsted standards.
• Ability to manage rotas, staff development, and shift leadership.
• Excellent communication, organisational, and decision-making skills.

Desirable

• Level 5 Diploma (or working towards).
• Experience supporting children with complex needs, trauma, or challenging behaviours.
• Experience liaising with Ofsted or regulatory bodies.