At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a new children's home, ensuring high standards of care and compliance.
- Company: A growing organisation focused on providing exceptional residential care for children.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance incentives, and clear progression to Registered Manager.
- Other info: Join a founding leadership team with support from experienced professionals.
- Why this job: Shape a new service and make a real difference in children's lives.
- Qualifications: 3-5 years in children's residential care and strong leadership experience.
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 Residential Children's Home (Permanent, Contract) in Welling employer: Daytime Healthcare Recruitment Limited
Join a pioneering children's home that prioritises high standards of care and compliance, offering a unique opportunity for professional growth as you step into a key leadership role. With a supportive team and a clear pathway to becoming a Registered Manager, you'll thrive in a dynamic environment that values your contributions and fosters a culture of continuous improvement. Experience the satisfaction of shaping a nurturing home while being part of a dedicated leadership team committed to making a difference in children's lives.
Contact Detail:
Daytime Healthcare Recruitment Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Manager Residential Children's Home (Permanent, Contract) in Welling
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the children's care sector and let them know you're on the lookout for a Deputy Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of the Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the key responsibilities of the role, especially around safeguarding and quality standards.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills during interviews. Share specific examples of how you've supported a manager or led a team in challenging situations. This will demonstrate your readiness to step into a Deputy Manager role and eventually a Registered Manager position.
✨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 about their job search and eager to join our growing organisation.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Manager Residential Children's Home (Permanent, Contract) 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 residential care.
Be Specific About Your Experience:Use concrete examples to demonstrate your knowledge of the Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015. We love seeing candidates who can clearly articulate their understanding and application of these standards in their work.
Express Your Ambition:Let us know about your career aspirations! If you're aiming for a Registered Manager role in the future, mention it in your application. We’re looking for someone who wants to grow with us and take on more responsibility as we develop.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity in our new children’s home.
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. Think about times when you’ve had to support a manager or step in during their absence. This will demonstrate your readiness for the Deputy Manager role and your potential to grow into a Registered Manager.
✨Emphasise Your Experience with Trauma-Informed Care
Be ready to talk about your experience supporting children with trauma or complex needs. Share specific instances where your approach made a difference, as this is crucial for the role and will highlight your suitability.
✨Engage with the Vision
Express your enthusiasm for shaping a new home and contributing to its culture. Discuss how you see yourself fitting into the leadership team and your ambition to grow within the organisation. This shows you’re not just looking for a job, but a long-term career.
