Deputy Manager - Children's Services

Anchor Children Services; Bath; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Diploma funding

Ongoing safeguarding training

Leadership team support

Career progression

Job summary

Anchor Children Services is seeking an experienced Deputy Manager for a children’s home in Bath. You will deputise for the Registered Manager, lead the staff team, and act as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead to support safeguarding and regulatory compliance.

You will drive trauma‑informed, child‑centred practice, oversee recruiting and induction, and contribute to budget monitoring while ensuring high quality care and progression toward a Good/Outstanding Ofsted rating.

Qualifications

• Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare (or equivalent) and willingness to pursue Level 5 Diploma in Leadership & Management for Residential Childcare.
• Strong knowledge of the Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and Ofsted’s SCCIF.
• Solid safeguarding understanding including Working Together to Safeguard Children.
• Experience supervising, leading or supporting staff development.
• Excellent communication and resilience under pressure.
• Committed to trauma‑informed, child‑centred practice.
• Able to work flexibly and participate in an on‑call rota.
• Full UK driving licence.
• Satisfactory enhanced DBS check (exemption under Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974).

Responsibilities

• Deputise for the Registered Manager and liaise with Ofsted inspectors as required.
• Lead and supervise staff, including recruitment, induction and performance support.
• Act as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead and manage safeguarding concerns appropriately.
• Champion the voice and best interests of children in care.
• Support care planning, education, health and wellbeing outcomes, and transitions to independence.
• Build strong relationships with placing authorities, social workers and other professionals.
• Contribute to budget monitoring and resource management for the home.

Skills

Staff supervision

Leadership

Safeguarding knowledge

Communication skills

Trauma-informed practice

On-call flexibility

Driving licence

DBS check

Budget monitoring

Recruitment & induction

Education

Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare

Level 5 Diploma in Leadership & Management (Residential)

Job description

Location: Bath

Salary: £35,000 - £40,000 per annum

Every child deserves more than care. They deserve a foundation of love, stability, and opportunity.

We're looking for an experienced, resilient and child‑centred Deputy Manager to support our Registered Manager in the day‑to‑day running of one of our children's homes. You'll deputise fully in the Registered Manager's absence, help lead and develop the staff team, and act as the home's Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead - playing a key role in helping the home achieve and maintain a "Good" or "Outstanding" Ofsted rating.

This is a great next step for a Senior Residential Support Worker or Team Leader ready to move into management, or an existing Deputy Manager looking for a supportive, therapeutic environment with genuine career progression.

What you'll be doing

• Supporting the Registered Manager in ensuring the home operates in line with the Children's Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and Ofsted's SCCIF
• Deputising for the Registered Manager, including liaising with Ofsted inspectors when required
• Acting as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead, ensuring safeguarding concerns are identified, reported and managed appropriately
• Providing day‑to‑day leadership and supervision to the staff team, including recruitment, induction, and performance management support
• Championing the voice, wishes and feelings of the children and young people in our care
• Supporting care planning, education, health and wellbeing outcomes, and each child's transition to independence
• Building strong working relationships with placing authorities, social workers, virtual schools and other professionals
• Contributing to budget monitoring and resource management for the home

What we’re looking for

• Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare (or equivalent), with a willingness to work towards the Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare
• Strong working knowledge of the Children's Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and Ofsted's SCCIF
• Sound understanding of safeguarding legislation, including Working Together to Safeguard Children
• Experience supervising, leading or supporting the development of a staff team
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to remain calm and resilient under pressure
• A genuine commitment to trauma-informed, child‑centred practice
• Ability to work flexibly, including participation in an on‑call rota
• A full, valid UK driving licence
• A satisfactory enhanced DBS check, including a check against the Children's Barred List (this post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974)

Why join us

• Competitive salary
• Structured support and funding towards your Level 5 Diploma
• Ongoing specialist and safeguarding training
• A supportive, values‑led senior leadership team
• Clear progression pathway towards Registered Manager
• Company pension scheme and generous annual leave

Ready to lead a home where children truly come first? Apply today with your CV and a short covering letter telling us why this role is right for you.