Deputy Manager Children's Residential

FUSION FOSTERING LIMITED; Wellington; Hybrid; GBP 36,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

Fusion Fostering Limited is seeking an experienced Deputy Manager for our Children's Residential Home near Wellington. You will lead care planning, supervise staff, and ensure high-quality care for children and young people within a hybrid rota.

The role requires relevant level 3 and level 5 qualifications, strong leadership, and commitment to regulatory compliance. A full UK driving licence is essential for responsive operating needs.

Qualifications

• Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or equivalent).
• Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare (or willingness to achieve within agreed timescales).
• Experience in a Senior Residential or Deputy Manager role.
• Full UK Driving Licence.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee high-quality care plans for children and young people.
• Ensure care practices meet individual needs and outcomes.
• Support regulatory compliance and quality standards.
• Provide day-to-day leadership to Residential Care Workers.

Skills

Residential childcare experience

Leadership

Staff development

Care planning

Education

Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare

Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare

Job description

Job Description:

Deputy Manager Children's Residential Home

Salary: £35,535 rising to £36,035 after probation and to £37,035 (after qualifying in L5)
Location: Nr Wellington.
Contract: Full-Time, Permanent
Average Hours: 44.3 hours per week (inclusive of sleep-in duties)

What We Offer

Competitive salary and benefits package.

Career progression opportunities.

Ongoing professional development and training.

Supportive leadership team.

Opportunity to make a genuine difference in the lives of children and young people.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced, passionate, and child-centred Deputy Manager to join our residential children's home team. This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated professional to play a pivotal role in delivering outstanding care and support to children and young people, whilst helping to drive excellence in practice, compliance, and team performance.

Working closely with the Registered Manager, you will provide operational leadership across the home, ensuring that children receive high-quality care that promotes positive outcomes, stability, and development. You will lead on care planning and practice standards, support regulatory compliance, and contribute to the effective management and development of the staff team.

The role is designed around a hybrid operational rota, combining direct practice with management oversight, ensuring consistent leadership presence within the home and continuity of support for children and staff.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership and Care Planning

• Lead and oversee the delivery of high-quality care plans for children and young people.
• Ensure care practices are tailored to meet individual needs, aspirations, and outcomes.
• Monitor and evaluate care planning processes, ensuring plans remain relevant, effective, and outcome-focused.
• Champion a child-centred and trauma-informed approach throughout the service.

Regulatory Compliance and Quality Assurance

• Support the Registered Manager in ensuring full compliance with:
• Children's Homes (England) Regulations 2015
• Quality Standards
• Ofsted requirements
• Safeguarding legislation and guidance
• Assist with audits, quality assurance activities, and monitoring systems.
• Support preparation for inspections and contribute to continuous service improvement.
• Promote a culture of accountability, professional curiosity, and reflective practice.

People Management

• Provide day-to-day leadership, supervision, and support to Residential Care Workers and Senior Residential Care Workers.
• Support recruitment, induction, performance management, and staff development.
• Lead by example, promoting positive culture, teamwork, and professional standards.
• Assist in managing staffing resources and ensuring safe staffing levels are maintained.

Operational Responsibilities

• Participate in the management on-call rota.
• Provide leadership presence across the home through a hybrid working pattern that combines operational and management duties.
• Support with shift cover where required to maintain consistency and stability for children and the wider team.
• Ensure effective communication and handovers across shifts.

Hybrid Deputy Manager Rota

Deputy Managers work a hybrid rota designed to maximise leadership presence within the home while maintaining effective management oversight.

12-Hour Shifts: 09 45

8-Hour Shifts: 09 00

25-Hour Weekend Shifts: 09 45 (inclusive of sleep-in)

Participation in the management on-call rota is required.

About You

We are looking for someone who:

• Has substantial experience working within residential childcare settings.
• Demonstrates strong knowledge of the Children's Homes Regulations 2015 and Quality Standards.
• Has experience of leading teams and supporting staff development.
• Is confident in care planning, safeguarding, and risk management.
• Possesses excellent organisational, communication, and leadership skills.
• Is committed to achieving the best possible outcomes for children and young people.

Essential Requirements

• Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or equivalent).
• Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare (or willingness to achieve within agreed timescales).
• Experience in a Senior Residential or Deputy Manager role.
• Full UK Driving Licence.