Deputy Manager - Children's Home in Sutton

Lighthouse Pedagogy Trust is a charity creating children’s homes where children can thrive. We believe every child deserves the chance to achieve great things and lead fulfilling lives. Our first home opened in Sutton in February 2022, supporting up to six children aged 11–18 with emotional and behavioural needs. Our children's home is an award‑winning building that has set a new standard for UK children's homes.

Compensation: GBP 39000 - GBP 43000 yearly

Location: London Borough of Sutton, SM2

Contract: Permanent contract, 40 hours

Benefits:

• Backing from an experienced and supportive leadership team and RI
• Starting holiday allowance of 28 days (plus bank holidays), increasing to 30 days at 2 years and 33 days at 5 years
• Employer pension contributions, life insurance, enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption pay
• Employee assistance programme, discounted shopping, cycle-to-work scheme and more

Responsibilities:

• Be part of creating a home where children feel safe, valued and able to thrive, building real, meaningful relationships that make a lasting difference.
• Support young people to explore who they are, discover what they want from life, and take steps towards their goals and ambitions.
• Play a key role in leading and shaping a dedicated team, helping to create a warm, reflective culture where everyone can grow and do their best work.
• Build your leadership confidence by working closely with the Registered Manager and stepping up to lead when needed, including during key visits and inspections.
• Develop your skills in coaching and mentoring, supporting colleagues through supervision, reflection and ongoing learning opportunities.
• Work in a genuinely collaborative way with families, schools and partner agencies, creating joined‑up, holistic support around each child.
• Contribute to something bigger by helping us grow and develop our innovative approach, influencing practice beyond our home and into the wider sector.
• Grow your career with us. With plans to open more homes, there are real opportunities to progress into Registered Manager roles and take on leadership of your own home over time.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Experienced in managing and supervising staff in a children’s home (deputy/senior level experience).
• Experienced working with teenagers with emotional, social and behavioural difficulties.
• A reflective leader who can contribute to a positive, relationship‑focused culture.
• Warm, consistent and able to build trust with children, families and colleagues.
• Resilient, adaptable and committed to continuous learning and improvement.
• A strong advocate for children’s safety, wellbeing and voice.
• Eager to grow and progress into a Registered Manager role as we expand.
• Hold the Level 3 Diploma or equivalent and be willing to work towards the Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management.

Safer Recruitment: At Lighthouse Pedagogy Trust, we safeguard all children and young people in our care. As part of our recruitment process, we conduct rigorous checks and vetting of all applicants, in line with legal and regulatory requirements and best practices. Everyone who works in our homes will be responsible for safeguarding young people and putting their safety and wellbeing first. This role is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (police records) check, including overseas police checks where necessary. Please note that this post is exempt from the limitations of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act, and as such, all previous cautions and convictions will need to be disclosed as part of any application.