Deputy Manager – Children’s Residential Care

Post Title: Deputy Manager – Children’s Residential Care
Reports to: Registered Manager
Location: Ascot

Salary: £38,840 - £42,500
Hours of Work: 40 hours per week, typically Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm; flexibility required, including on-call duties
Responsible For:

- Supervision and support of Residential Support Workers and Team Leaders

- Deputising in the absence of the Registered Manager

- Supporting the overall operational delivery of high-quality care and support to children and young people

Main Purpose of the Role

❖ To assist the Registered Manager in delivering an efficient, effective, and professional service in line with the Children’s Homes’ values, policies, and procedures.
❖ To promote and maintain a culture that is child-centred, inclusive, and compliant with the Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and Quality Standards.
❖ To support the day-to-day running of the home and ensure the well-being, safety, and developmental progress of all children in the home.
❖ To supervise and support staff, ensuring that all care practices are of a high standard, trauma-informed, and in line with individual care plans.
❖ To promote safeguarding and ensure robust processes for protecting children are in place and followed.
❖ To support the Registered Manager in developing the service, maintaining 100% occupancy, and ensuring excellent relationships with commissioners, families, and regulatory bodies such as Ofsted.

Main Areas of Responsibility

• Ensure all practice reflects person-centred principles and complies with the Children’s Homes Regulations and Quality Standards, Care Act 2014, and relevant safeguarding legislation.
• Support the Registered Manager in the operational and administrative management of the home, ensuring all legal and organisational standards are met.
• Ensure high standards of care planning, key working, record-keeping, and daily routines are maintained.
• Supervise and mentor staff through formal supervision, team meetings, and daily support, ensuring professional development is supported.
• Assist with recruitment, induction, and probation processes for new staff in line with safer recruitment practices.
• Lead by example in managing and responding to safeguarding concerns, risk assessments, and behavioural support interventions.
• Participate in the on-call rota and respond effectively to emergencies and critical incidents.
• Liaise with internal teams and external professionals including local authorities, therapists, schools, and healthcare professionals to ensure holistic support for children.
• Participate in inspections and internal audits; contribute to service development and continuous improvement plans.
• Support therapeutic practice in the home in collaboration with the in-house psychologist and other mental health professionals.
• Promote a homely, safe, and nurturing environment that meets the developmental needs of children aged 8–17 with complex trauma histories.
• Deputise in the Registered Manager’s absence and ensure continuity of service delivery and leadership.
• Contribute to maintaining the home’s occupancy and quality by representing the home positively with placing authorities and stakeholders.
• Ensure all policies and procedures of the Children’s Homes are upheld, including Health and Safety, Safeguarding, Confidentiality, and Equal Opportunities.

Special Requirements

- This post is service-based but may require occasional travel across boroughs or regions for training, multi-agency meetings, or to assess new referrals.

- Participation in the on-call rota is a requirement.

- Occasional evening or weekend work may be required.

Person Specification

A. Education, Training & Qualifications

- NVQ Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (essential)

- Working towards or willingness to complete Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare (desirable)

- Full UK driving licence (essential)

B. Experience

- Minimum of 1 year in a supervisory or senior role within a children’s residential setting

- Experience supporting young people with emotional, behavioural, or complex trauma needs

- Proven experience of working in compliance with Ofsted standards

- Experience contributing to inspections and/or internal audits

- Experience working within diverse communities and a multi-agency framework

C. Skills & Abilities

• Ability to lead, motivate and support a team effectively
• High level of emotional intelligence, patience, and resilience
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills (verbal, written, and electronic)
• Ability to manage conflict and challenging behaviour constructively
• Sound judgment and decision-making, particularly in crisis situations
• Ability to support children’s emotional regulation using trauma-informed approaches
• Strong administrative and organisational skills

D. Knowledge & Understanding

• In-depth knowledge of the Children’s Homes Regulations 2015 and Quality Standards
• Understanding of safeguarding procedures and LADO protocols
• Understanding of trauma, attachment theory, and therapeutic care
• Knowledge of the statutory and regulatory framework within which children’s homes operate
• Commitment to equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory practice
• Understanding of the importance of confidentiality and data protection in children’s services
• Familiarity with risk assessments, health and safety, and medication management within residential settings

NS18887

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