At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and support a new children's home, ensuring high standards of care and safety.
- Company: Join Inkfish Care, a forward-thinking organisation dedicated to building better homes for children.
- Benefits: Earn £35,000 to £38,000, enjoy a company pension, and free on-site parking.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team with clear progression opportunities as we expand.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while shaping a new home from the ground up.
- Qualifications: Experience in children's residential settings and a Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare preferred.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 38000 £ per year.
If you’re tired of holding a home together with no real support, read this. This isn’t just another Deputy Manager role.
£35,000 to £38,000 | Real progression opportunities as we scale to 30 homes.
A role where you are supported, trusted, and able to lead properly. At Inkfish Care, we are building something special. Small, two‑bed homes where leadership is present, standards are clear, and the focus stays exactly where it should be… on the children. No constant firefighting. No being left to carry the pressure alone. No gap between what’s promised and what really happens day to day. Instead, you step into a home built to work. Clear expectations. Strong leadership. The right people around you. A team that backs each other and is held to account.
Rather than rely on institutional funding, we built our own network of ethical investors who prioritise outcomes for children over shareholder returns. This matters because local authorities are under significant pressure. The Children’s Commissioner reported in January 2026 that councils in England spent an estimated £353 million in 2025 on illegal or unregistered children’s homes, often due to a shortage of suitable regulated placements. This is where you come in, helping be part of the solution.
Inkfish Care is building small, regulated homes that give commissioners a safer, more reliable alternative, give children the care they deserve, and give staff the structure, leadership and support to do the job properly. We are now scaling with a clear plan to open 30 homes over the next five years, and to do this well, we need strong people who share our standards and our ambition. You will help open and shape a brand-new home in Kingswinford. Your voice will matter. Your standards will set the tone. And the way you lead will directly impact the lives of the children in your care. If you have ever thought, “this could be done better” but never had the backing to prove it, this is your opportunity.
About the role
You will work alongside the Registered Manager to create a safe, structured, and high‑performing home for children with complex needs. This is not about maintaining a service. It is about building one properly from the ground up. You will play a key role in setting expectations, embedding strong practice, and ensuring the home runs consistently, calmly, and in line with the standards we expect.
What you’ll be doing
- Support the Registered Manager with the day‑to‑day leadership and operation of the home
- Take full responsibility for the home when the Registered Manager is not present
- Maintain strong safeguarding practice and act decisively on any concerns
- Lead, coach, and develop the residential team to deliver consistently high standards
- Ensure the home operates in line with Children’s Homes Regulations and Quality Standards
- Contribute to care planning, risk assessments, and behaviour support strategies
- Monitor practice, maintain clear records, and ensure accountability across the team
- Support internal audits, Ofsted readiness, and continuous improvement of the home
- Work closely with external professionals and contribute to multi‑agency planning
About you
- Experience working in a children’s residential setting with leadership responsibility
- Strong understanding of safeguarding and supporting children with complex needs
- Confident working within Ofsted frameworks and regulatory expectations
- Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or willing to work towards it)
- Resilient, calm under pressure, and solutions focused
- Able to lead by example and build strong, professional relationships
- Clear communicator with good judgement and decision‑making ability
- Full UK driving licence
Working pattern
- 40 hours per week
- Typically Monday to Friday, with flexibility required
- Participation in an on‑call rota
- Some evening and weekend work as needed
What you’ll get
- £35,000 to £38,000 salary depending on experience
- Company pension
- Free on‑site parking
- The opportunity to help build and shape a new home from day one
- Direct access to an experienced and engaged leadership team
- Structured development with clear progression as we scale
Safeguarding
Keeping children and young people safe is a big deal to us. You’ll be joining an organisation committed to safeguarding and promoting welfare, and your appointment will be subject to safer recruitment checks (including enhanced DBS checks and references).
Lead Children’s Home Deputy Manager — Build a New Home in Dudley employer: Inkfish Care UK ltd
At Inkfish Care, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to creating a supportive and empowering environment for our staff. As a Lead Children’s Home Deputy Manager in Kingswinford, you will have the unique opportunity to shape a new home from the ground up, backed by a strong leadership team and a culture that prioritises collaboration and accountability. With competitive salaries, structured development opportunities, and a commitment to safeguarding, we are building a future where both children and staff thrive together.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Children’s Home Deputy Manager — Build a New Home in Dudley
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the children's care sector. Attend local events or workshops where you can meet people from Inkfish Care or similar organisations. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to job opportunities that aren't even advertised!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by understanding the company culture and values. Inkfish Care is all about building strong, supportive homes for children. Show them how your experience aligns with their mission and how you can contribute to creating a positive environment.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just wait for job openings; be proactive! If you’re passionate about what Inkfish Care is doing, reach out directly through our website. Express your interest in future roles and share how you can help shape their vision for new homes.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your leadership skills during interviews. Talk about specific examples where you've led teams or improved practices in previous roles. Inkfish Care values strong leadership, so make sure they see you as someone who can step up and make a difference!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Children’s Home Deputy Manager — Build a New Home in Dudley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Let us see your enthusiasm for working with children and making a difference. Share personal experiences or insights that highlight why this role matters to you.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific requirements of the Deputy Manager role. Highlight relevant experience and skills that align with our mission at Inkfish Care.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon, so we can easily understand your qualifications and motivations.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. This helps us streamline the process and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Inkfish Care UK ltd
✨Know the Company Inside Out
Before your interview, take some time to research Inkfish Care thoroughly. Understand their mission, values, and the specific challenges they face in building new homes. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you align your answers with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
As a Lead Children’s Home Deputy Manager, your leadership skills are crucial. Prepare examples from your past roles where you've successfully led a team, managed complex situations, or implemented changes that improved care standards. Be ready to discuss how you can bring this experience to the new home.
✨Demonstrate Your Understanding of Safeguarding
Safeguarding is a top priority for Inkfish Care. Brush up on current safeguarding practices and be prepared to discuss how you would ensure a safe environment for children with complex needs. Share specific strategies you've used in the past to maintain high safeguarding standards.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so come prepared with insightful questions. Ask about the support systems in place for staff, the vision for the new home, or how they measure success. This shows you're not just interested in the role, but also in contributing to the organisation's future.
