Deputy Manager - Ofsted

Universal Care Group; West Midlands; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

OFSTED bonus

Management support

Brand-new service

Career progression

Cycle to Work

Wellbeing programme

Training opportunities

Annual leave

Job summary

Universal Care Group is seeking a Deputy Children's Home Manager to join a newly opening 4-bed EBD home. You will support the Registered Manager to provide a nurturing, therapeutic environment for children and lead the care team with a focus on safeguarding and high-quality practice.

You will progress into senior leadership roles within a growing organisation, with strong support from the management team. The role is ideal for an experienced childcare professional seeking a fresh challenge and a

Qualifications

• Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or equivalent) as a minimum.
• Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare, or willingness to work towards this qualification.
• Minimum of 2 years' experience within a residential childcare setting.
• Experience as Senior Residential Support Worker, Team Leader, Shift Leader, or Deputy Manager.
• Understanding of Ofsted regulations and safeguarding requirements.
• Strong leadership and organisational skills.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Commitment to delivering outstanding outcomes for children and young people.

Responsibilities

• Support the Registered Manager in day-to-day operation and compliance.
• Lead shifts and provide leadership to the residential care team.
• Develop a positive, nurturing, and therapeutic environment for children and young people.
• Support staff induction, supervision, mentoring, and development.
• Monitor care plans, risk assessments, and placement plans to meet individual needs.
• Contribute to quality assurance, audits, and improvement initiatives.
• Assist in OFSTED inspection preparation and monitoring activities.
• Ensure safeguarding procedures are followed and children are safe.
• Build relationships with families, social workers, and education providers.
• Assist with staffing rotas and shift planning to maintain appropriate staffing levels.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation in line with regulatory requirements.
• Deputise for the Registered Manager in their absence.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Staff development

Safeguarding

Regulatory knowledge

Education

Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare

Level 5 Leadership & Management Diploma (Residential Childcare)

Job description

Deputy Children's Home Manager

We are seeking a dedicated, ambitious, and compassionate Deputy Children's Home Manager to join our beautifully furnished 4-bed EBD home.

Working closely alongside the Registered Manager, you will help establish a nurturing, therapeutic, and child-centred environment where children can thrive. You will have the opportunity to influence practice, support the recruitment and development of staff, and help create a home that achieves exceptional outcomes for children and young people.

As part of a successful and growing group of children's residential homes, you will benefit from the support of an experienced Registered Manager, a highly visible Responsible Individual, and a wider leadership team committed to helping you develop professionally.

This role is ideal for an experienced Senior Residential Support Worker, Team Leader, or existing Deputy Manager seeking a fresh challenge and the opportunity to be part of an exciting new venture. It offers an excellent pathway for ambitious childcare professionals looking to progress into senior leadership and future Registered Manager positions within a growing organisation.

Responsibilities

• Support the Registered Manager in the day-to-day operation of the home, ensuring compliance with all relevant legislation, regulations, and company policies.
• Lead shifts and provide effective leadership, guidance, and support to the residential care team.
• Assist in developing and maintaining a positive, nurturing, and therapeutic environment for children and young people.
• Support staff induction, supervision, mentoring, and ongoing development to promote high-quality care and practice.
• Monitor children's care plans, risk assessments, and placement plans to ensure individual needs are met.
• Contribute to quality assurance processes, audits, action plans, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support the Registered Manager in preparing for OFSTED inspections, Regulation 44 visits, and local authority monitoring activities.
• Ensure safeguarding procedures are consistently followed and that children remain safe and protected at all times.
• Build positive relationships with children, families, social workers, education providers, and other professionals.
• Assist with staffing rotas, shift planning, and ensuring appropriate staffing levels are maintained.
• Maintain accurate records, reports, and documentation in line with regulatory requirements.
• Deputise for the Registered Manager in their absence and support the overall leadership and management of the home.

Benefits of Joining Our Team

• OFSTED Good/Outstanding inspection bonus
• Dedicated support from an experienced Registered Manager and highly visible Responsible Individual
• Opportunity to help shape and develop a brand-new service from registration through to opening
• Clear progression pathway towards Registered Manager opportunities within the organisation
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Employee Wellbeing Programme
• Continuous professional development and training opportunities
• Annual leave allowance that increases with service
• Team reward allowance to recognise and celebrate staff achievements
• Refer a qualified staff member scheme - RSWs, Seniors, Team Leaders and Deputies (£250 - £1,000)

Essential Requirements

• Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or equivalent) as a minimum.
• Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare, or willingness to work towards this qualification.
• Minimum of 2 years' experience within a residential childcare setting.
• Previous experience as a Senior Residential Support Worker, Team Leader, Shift Leader, or Deputy Manager.
• Sound understanding of children's residential care regulations and Ofsted requirements.
• Strong knowledge of safeguarding legislation, child development, and trauma-informed practice.
• Excellent leadership and organisational skills.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Ability to motivate, support, and develop others.
• Commitment to delivering outstanding outcomes for children and young people.

Desirable Requirements

• Experience supporting OFSTED inspections and quality assurance processes.
• Experience assisting with staff supervision, rota management, and performance development.
• Knowledge of therapeutic and trauma-informed care models.
• Full UK driving licence.

We welcome applications from individuals who are passionate about making a positive impact on children's lives and who are excited by the opportunity to help build and develop a brand-new home from the ground up. This is more than a Deputy Manager role-it's an opportunity to become a key part of a new service, contribute to its success from day one, and progress your career within a growing and ambitious organisation.