At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a new children's care home and support the Registered Manager in daily operations.
- Company: A growing organisation focused on high-quality children's care.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance incentives, and clear career progression.
- Other info: Join a founding leadership team with support from experienced professionals.
- Why this job: Shape a new service and grow into a Registered Manager role.
- Qualifications: 3-5 years in children's residential care and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 € per year.
This is a key leadership appointment within a new children’s home, renovated to a very high standard.
Following the appointment of a newly developing Registered Manager, we are seeking a strong, experienced Deputy Manager to help build a high-performing, stable, and compliant service, while also positioning themselves as a future Registered Manager as the organisation grows.
This role is ideal for someone who:
- Is already operating at a strong Deputy or acting-up Manager level
- Wants to play a central role in shaping a home from early stages
- Is confident supporting and strengthening a developing Registered Manager
- Sees themselves stepping into a Registered Manager position in the near future
The home is:
- At pre-registration / inspection stage with Ofsted
- Led by a Registered Manager stepping into the role for the first time
- Supported by an experienced Responsible Individual and wider leadership team
This Deputy role is therefore critical in:
- Providing experience, stability, and day-to-day leadership strength
- Acting as a trusted number two, with the confidence to challenge and support
- Stepping in to lead the home operationally when required
Key Responsibilities
Operational Leadership
- Support the Registered Manager in the day-to-day running of the home
- Take the lead in the RM’s absence, ensuring continuity of safe and effective operations
- Maintain high standards of care, staffing, and home environment
Safeguarding & Quality
- Lead by example in safeguarding practice and decision-making
- Ensure full compliance with Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and Quality Standards
- Support preparation for and response to Ofsted inspections
- Monitor care quality and contribute to continuous improvement
Team Leadership
- Support recruitment, supervision, and development of staff
- Act as a strong role model for trauma-informed and child-centred care
- Address performance issues early and constructively
Service Development & Stability
- Help stabilise and embed the home’s structure, routines, and culture
- Contribute to the development of policies, procedures, and systems
- Support the Registered Manager in building a resilient and consistent service
Leadership Progression
- Take on increasing responsibility as the service grows
- Be prepared to step into a Registered Manager role in the future (within this or another home)
- Engage with leadership development and succession planning
Operating Expectations
This is not a passive Deputy role. You will be expected to:
- Be a hands-on leader, visible within the home and team
- Provide confidence and experience to support a developing Registered Manager
- Operate with a high level of accountability and ownership
- Balance support and constructive challenge in leadership dynamics
- Thrive in a growing organisation where structure is still being built
Person Specification
Essential
- Minimum 3–5 years’ experience in children’s residential care
- At least 2 years in a senior / deputy leadership role
- Strong working knowledge of Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and Quality Standards
- Proven ability to lead shifts, manage staff, and maintain standards
- Experience supporting children with trauma, behavioural needs, or complex backgrounds
- Level 3 Diploma in Children and Young People’s Workforce (or equivalent)
- Working towards or holding Level 5 in Leadership & Management for Residential Childcare
Desirable
- Experience in home openings or pre-registration environments
- Experience supporting or mentoring less experienced managers
- Confidence in engaging with Ofsted processes and inspections
- Ambition to progress into a Registered Manager role
What We’re Really Looking For
We are looking for someone who:
- Brings experience where it matters
- Is confident enough to lead when needed, without ego
- Can support and strengthen—not undermine—the Registered Manager
- Understands the balance between compliance, care quality, and team culture
- Wants to grow with the organisation, not just take a job
What’s on Offer
- Competitive salary (aligned to experience)
- Performance-related incentives
- Clear progression pathway to Registered Manager and beyond
- Opportunity to be part of a founding leadership team
- Support from an experienced Responsible Individual and wider group
Deputy Manager - Children's Care Home (Permanent) in Welling employer: Daytime Healthcare Recruitment Limited
Join a pioneering children's care home that prioritises high standards and a supportive work culture, where your leadership will directly shape the future of our service. With a clear pathway for progression to Registered Manager, you will benefit from competitive salaries, performance-related incentives, and the opportunity to be part of a founding leadership team in a growing organisation. Our commitment to employee development and a collaborative environment makes us an exceptional employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in children's care.
Contact Detail:
Daytime Healthcare Recruitment Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Manager - Children's Care Home (Permanent) in Welling
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the children's care sector. Attend local events or online webinars to meet people who might know about job openings. Remember, sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and its values. Think about how your experience aligns with their mission. We want you to shine, so practice answering common interview questions and have some examples ready that showcase your leadership skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for children's care! During interviews, share stories that highlight your commitment to safeguarding and quality care. This will help you connect with the interviewers and demonstrate that you’re the right fit for their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our organisation. Let’s get you on the path to becoming a Deputy Manager!
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Manager - Children's Care Home (Permanent) in Welling
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Leadership Skills:When writing your application, make sure to highlight your leadership experience. We want to see how you've supported teams and managed operations in previous roles, especially in children's care settings.
Be Specific About Your Experience:Don't just list your responsibilities; share specific examples of how you've made a difference in your past roles. We love seeing concrete achievements that demonstrate your ability to lead and improve care quality.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure your application speaks directly to the job description. Use similar language and focus on the key responsibilities and qualities we're looking for. This shows us you understand the role and are genuinely interested.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you get all the updates about your application status directly from us.
How to prepare for a job interview at Daytime Healthcare Recruitment Limited
✨Know Your Regulations
Make sure you brush up on the Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and Quality Standards. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you’re not just familiar with the rules, but that you can also lead a compliant service.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Highlight your ability to support and challenge your colleagues constructively, especially in a high-pressure environment. This will demonstrate that you can be a strong number two and a future Registered Manager.
✨Emphasise Your Experience with Trauma-Informed Care
Be ready to discuss your experience working with children who have complex backgrounds or trauma. Share specific instances where your approach made a difference, as this will resonate well with the values of the role.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the home’s vision and the challenges it faces. This shows your genuine interest in shaping the service and your readiness to contribute to its development from the ground up.
