Deputy Manager Childrens Residential Home in Ilford

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure each young person's individual needs are recognised, met, and consistently reviewed.
• Promote a safe, inclusive environment free from discrimination within and beyond the home.
• Safeguard young people from harm in line with legislation, company policy, and regulatory guidance.
• Ensure compliance with the Children's Homes Regulations 2015, Quality Standards, and Ofsted requirements.
• Attend and contribute to reviews, planning meetings, and case discussions.
• Undertake direct work with children and act as a positive role model.
• Support the development of systems to enable young people to provide feedback on their care.
• Maintain accurate, timely records including logs, files, and placement plans.
• Chair children's meetings and promote meaningful consultation with young people.
• Promote collaborative working with parents, carers, professionals, and external agencies.

Staff Management and Leadership

• Provide clear leadership, direction, and daily operational support to the staff team.
• Ensure that each child has a named key worker and that placement plans are implemented effectively.
• Lead and oversee shift planning, ensuring appropriate staffing and continuity of care.
• Support the recruitment, induction, and retention of staff.
• Deliver effective supervision (including during probation), coaching, and annual appraisals.
• Promote continuous professional development and identify training needs.
• Lead staff meetings and facilitate open communication and reflective practice.
• Promote a balanced management approach combining guidance, control, and empowerment.
• Support staff to work in line with all relevant policies, procedures, and statutory requirements.
• Address concerns relating to staff conduct or competence and carry out management investigations as required.
• Assist the Registered Manager in fostering a positive, developmental culture within the home.

Requirements

• Qualifications: NVQ Level 3 in Children and Young People's Workforce (or equivalent). Working towards Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare (or equivalent). Good standard of secondary education including literacy and numeracy.
• Experience: Minimum 1 year experience as a Deputy Manager in an Ofsted-regulated children's residential home. Minimum 2 years experience working directly with young people in residential care, especially those presenting challenging behaviours.
• Knowledge: Children's Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and Quality Standards, Ofsted Inspection Framework and requirements, Children Act 2004 and Working Together to Safeguard Children, safeguarding policies, child protection procedures, and whistleblowing, understanding of the home's Statement of Purpose and company ethos, familiarity with professional Codes of Conduct and regulatory expectations.

Safeguarding Commitment

This role requires a strong commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The post holder must adhere to all safeguarding policies and procedures and report concerns in accordance with regulatory and legal requirements.

If you are passionate about making a difference in children's lives and meet the criteria above, we would love to hear from you.