Deputy Manager - Children's Services

Every child deserves more than care. They deserve a foundation of love, stability, and opportunity.

We're looking for an experienced, resilient and child-centred Deputy Manager to support our Registered Manager in the day-to-day running of one of our children's homes. You'll deputise fully in the Registered Manager's absence, help lead and develop the staff team, and act as the home's Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead - playing a key role in helping the home achieve and maintain a "Good" or "Outstanding" Ofsted rating.

This is a great next step for a Senior Residential Support Worker or Team Leader ready to move into management, or an existing Deputy Manager looking for a supportive, therapeutic environment with genuine career progression.

What you'll be doing

• Supporting the Registered Manager in ensuring the home operates in line with the Children's Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and Ofsted's SCCIF
• Deputising for the Registered Manager, including liaising with Ofsted inspectors when required
• Acting as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead, ensuring safeguarding concerns are identified, reported and managed appropriately
• Providing day-to-day leadership and supervision to the staff team, including recruitment, induction, and performance management support
• Championing the voice, wishes and feelings of the children and young people in our care
• Supporting care planning, education, health and wellbeing outcomes, and each child's transition to independence
• Building strong working relationships with placing authorities, social workers, virtual schools and other professionals
• Contributing to budget monitoring and resource management for the home

What we're looking for

• Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare (or equivalent), with a willingness to work towards the Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare
• Strong working knowledge of the Children's Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and Ofsted's SCCIF
• Sound understanding of safeguarding legislation, including Working Together to Safeguard Children
• Experience supervising, leading or supporting the development of a staff team
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to remain calm and resilient under pressure
• A genuine commitment to trauma-informed, child-centred practice
• Ability to work flexibly, including participation in an on-call rota
• A full, valid UK driving licence
• A satisfactory enhanced DBS check, including a check against the Children's Barred List (this post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974)
• Structured support and funding towards your Level 5 Diploma
• Ongoing specialist and safeguarding training
• A supportive, values-led senior leadership team
• Clear progression pathway towards Registered Manager
• Company pension scheme and generous annual leave

Ready to lead a home where children truly come first?

Our team is committed to providing safe, nurturing and high-quality care for children across Bristol, Bath, and Hampshire. Our services support a child’s growth, emotional well-being and long-term stability.

Every child deserves more than care. They deserve a foundation of love, stability, and opportunity. We are a dedicated children’s service provider working across Bristol, Bath, and Hampshire, committed to meeting the diverse needs of children and young people from all walks of life.

Our team is made up of experienced carers, educators, and support professionals who share one common goal: creating safe, nurturing, and empowering environments where children can thrive. Whether a child is in need of short-term care, long-term stability, or specialist support, Anchor provides a dependable framework that prioritises well-being, growth, and resilience.