Children's Home Deputy Manager Christchurch

Job Description:

Full job description

Deputy Manager – Residential Children's Home

Location: Christchurch, Dorset

Salary: £40,000 - £43,000 per annum (depending on experience)

Hours: 40 hours per week (flexibility required to meet the needs of the business)

Contract: Full-Time | Permanent

Lead a Dedicated Team and Transform Young Lives

We are seeking an experienced and passionate DeputyManager to join a growing and child-focused organisation in Christchurch, Dorset. This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated leader to help manage a residential children's home, supporting children and young people through a trauma-informed approach while driving positive outcomes and maintaining the highest standards of care.

As the Deputy Manager, you will be responsible for the overall management of the home, supporting the Registered Manager, ensuring compliance with Ofsted regulations, developing a high-performing team, and creating a safe, nurturing environment where children can thrive.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate, and develop a team committed to delivering outstanding care through a trauma-informed approach.
• Build positive and trusting relationships with children and young people who have experienced trauma.
• Review, update, and maintain children's records, incident reports, safeguarding documentation, and care plans.
• Ensure all safeguarding concerns are managed appropriately and reported to relevant agencies, including LADO, MASH, and Ofsted.
• Manage staffing levels and participate in the on-call rota.
• Ensure the home operates in accordance with Children's Homes Regulations, Quality Standards, and company policies.

About You

Essential Requirements

• Full UK Driving Licence.
• NVQ/QCF Level 3 or Level 5 in Residential Childcare (or equivalent), or currently working towards the qualification.
• Minimum of 12 months' experience in a management position.
• At least 2 years' experience within the last 5 years working in a residential children's home.
• Strong understanding of safeguarding procedures and relevant legislation.
• Ability to work flexibly and participate in an on-call rota.

Desirable

• Previous experience as a Deputy Manager.
• Experience achieving positive Ofsted outcomes.
• Strong knowledge of trauma-informed care practices.

Benefits

• Competitive salary of £40,000 - £43,000 per annum.
• Opportunity to join an exciting and growing organisation.
• Clear opportunities for career progression and professional development.
• Full structured induction programme.
• Company pension scheme.
• Child-focused leadership team committed to positive outcomes.

Safeguarding Commitment

As part of our commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, the successful candidate will be required to undergo an Enhanced DBS check.

Equal Opportunities

We are an equal opportunities employer and recruit based on merit, irrespective of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, race, sex, sexual orientation, religion or belief.

Sponsorship

Refresh Recruitment does not currently hold a Sponsorship Licence. Whilst this status is reviewed regularly, there are currently no plans to apply for one. Applicants must therefore have the right to work in the UK.

Application Process

Our aim is to contact all successful applicants within five working days of receiving an application. If you have not heard from us within this timeframe, please feel free to contact us to confirm that your application has been received.

If you are an experienced residential childcare leader looking for an opportunity to make a meaningful impact while leading a dedicated team, we would love to hear from you.