Deputy Manager - Childrens Homes

YourRecruit; Milton Keynes; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

YourRecruit is seeking an experienced Deputy Manager for a children’s residential home in Milton Keynes. You will support the Registered Manager in leading staff, ensuring high standards of care, safeguarding, and regulatory compliance while fostering a safe, nurturing, and child-centered environment.

The role requires leadership experience in Ofsted-regulated settings, trauma-informed care, and a commitment to professional development for a stable, effective team.

Qualifications

• Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare or equivalent qualification.
• Experience in Ofsted-regulated children’s residential homes.
• Strong safeguarding knowledge and partnership with LADO guidance.

Responsibilities

• Support the Registered Manager with day-to-day running of the home.
• Lead, supervise and mentor Residential Support Workers and senior staff.
• Ensure high-quality, trauma-informed care for children aged 8–17.

Skills

Leadership

Safeguarding

Communication

Decision-making

Team development

Driving licence

Education

Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare

Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare

Job description

Deputy Manager - Children’s Residential Care

Reports to: Registered Manager

Hours: 40 hours per week

The Role

We are looking for an experienced Deputy Manager - Children’s Residential Care to support the Registered Manager with the day-to-day leadership and operation of a children’s home supporting young people aged 8-17. The Deputy Manager - Children’s Residential Care will play a key role in creating a safe, nurturing and child-centred home where young people can feel secure, build trusting relationships and make meaningful progress. You will provide leadership to the staff team, maintain high standards of care and safeguarding, and deputise for the Registered Manager when required.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Registered Manager with the effective day-to-day running of the home.
• Lead, supervise and mentor Residential Support Workers and senior staff.
• Ensure children receive high-quality, individualised and trauma-informed care.
• Maintain strong safeguarding practice and respond appropriately to concerns, incidents and allegations.
• Ensure care plans, risk assessments, key-work sessions and records are accurate and up to date.
• Promote a warm, safe and homely environment where children’s views are listened to and respected.
• Support staff supervision, induction, probation and ongoing professional development.
• Assist with safer recruitment and the development of a stable, effective staff team.
• Work closely with social workers, local authorities, education, health professionals, families and other agencies.
• Support referrals and admissions, ensuring placements are appropriately assessed.
• Contribute to audits, Regulation 44 visits, Ofsted inspections and service improvement plans.
• Support therapeutic approaches within the home alongside relevant professionals.
• Participate in the on-call rota and provide leadership during emergencies or critical incidents.
• Deputise for the Registered Manager and maintain continuity of leadership in their absence.

About You

To be considered for the Deputy Manager - Children’s Residential Care position, you will ideally have:

• Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare or an equivalent relevant qualification.
• Experience working within an Ofsted-regulated children’s residential home.
• Previous senior, supervisory or management experience.
• Experience supporting children with emotional, behavioural and complex trauma-related needs.
• Good knowledge of the Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and Quality Standards.
• Strong safeguarding knowledge, including an understanding of LADO procedures.
• An understanding of trauma, attachment and therapeutic approaches.
• The ability to lead, motivate and develop a staff team.
• Strong communication, organisation and decision-making skills.
• A full UK driving licence.
• A Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare, or a willingness to work towards this qualification, would be advantageous.

Disclaimer: This job description is intended as a guide to the main responsibilities of the role and is not exhaustive. Duties may be amended from time to time in line with the needs of the service. The successful candidate will be required to undertake appropriate safer recruitment checks, including an Enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references, right to work checks and verification of relevant qualifications. Appointment will be subject to satisfactory completion of all pre-employment checks