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- Tasks: Lead a team to provide nurturing care for children and young people with emotional needs.
- Company: Nurture Bridge, dedicated to creating safe homes for children.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, ongoing training, and a supportive work culture.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact on children's lives while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in residential childcare and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Enjoy team events and a focus on wellbeing in a dynamic environment.
The predicted salary is between 31000 - 39000 £ per year.
At Nurture Bridge, we provide therapeutic, nurturing homes for children and young people aged 7-17 with emotional and behavioural needs. Our mission is to create safe, structured environments where children can heal, grow, and thrive. We are now seeking a dedicated and experienced Deputy Manager to join our team at Woodview House. This is an exciting opportunity for someone with strong leadership skills who is passionate about making a lasting difference and who is looking to progress into a Registered Manager role in the future. We are committed to developing and supporting the right person on that journey.
About You
You are a confident, compassionate leader with a proven background in residential childcare. You bring:
- A strong understanding of trauma-informed practice
- A commitment to safeguarding and high-quality care
- The ability to inspire, guide, and support a team
- Ambition to grow into a Registered Manager role
Essential Requirements
- Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare (England)
- Minimum 2 years experience in a children's residential setting
- Experience supervising or managing staff
- Aged 21 or over (per Children's Homes Regulations)
- Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle
Desirable
- Level 5 Diploma in Leadership & Management for Residential Childcare (or willingness to work towards)
- Knowledge of the Children's Homes Regulations and Quality Standards
- Experience working within therapeutic or trauma-informed models of care
Key Responsibilities
As Deputy Manager, you will support the Registered Manager in the day-to-day running of the home, ensuring high standards of care, compliance, and team performance. Responsibilities include:
- Leading and supervising staff to deliver consistent, child-centred care
- Supporting with audits, rotas, and operational planning
- Conducting supervisions, appraisals, and performance monitoring
- Overseeing placement plans, risk assessments, and behaviour support strategies
- Ensuring safeguarding procedures are followed and concerns escalated appropriately
- Promoting a positive, therapeutic environment that builds emotional resilience
- Liaising with families, social workers, and external professionals
- Supporting budgeting, record-keeping, and regulatory compliance
- Acting as a role model and mentor to junior staff
Work Schedule & Wellbeing
We recognise the demands of leadership in residential care and are committed to supporting your wellbeing:
- Structured full-time role with protected time off
- Split shifts to promote work-life balance
- Sleep-ins paid at £60 per night
- Regular 1:1s, reflective supervision, and team development sessions
Why Join Nurture Bridge?
- Competitive salary: £37,000-£45,000
- Clear progression pathway to Registered Manager
- Ongoing training and leadership development
- Supportive, reflective, and wellbeing-focused culture
- Team events including coffee mornings, BBQs, and team lunches
- Free on-site parking and company pension
Additional Information
This role is subject to an enhanced DBS check and full safer recruitment procedures. All offers are subject to a successful probationary period. Disqualification from Caring for Children (England) Regulations 2002 applies. You must have the right to work in the UK.
Interested? If you're ready to take the next step in your leadership journey and help shape a home where children feel safe, valued, and inspired, we would love to hear from you. For an informal chat about the role, please get in touch.
Deputy Manager / Manager in Reading employer: Nurture Bridge Limited
Contact Detail:
Nurture Bridge Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Manager / Manager in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the childcare 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 opportunities at places like Nurture Bridge.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by brushing up on trauma-informed practices and safeguarding procedures. Show us that you’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable about the key aspects of the role. We love candidates who can hit the ground running!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to showcase your leadership skills! Think of examples from your past experiences where you’ve inspired or guided a team. We want to see how you can bring that magic to our team at Woodview House.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in joining our mission to create nurturing homes for children and young people.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Manager / Manager in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. We want to see how your background aligns with our mission at Nurture Bridge!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a Deputy Manager, leadership is key! Highlight any relevant experiences where you've inspired or guided a team. We love to see examples of how you've made a positive impact in previous roles.
Be Genuine and Passionate: Let your passion for working with children and young people shine through in your application. We’re looking for someone who truly cares about making a difference, so don’t hold back on sharing your motivations!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get to know you better!
How to prepare for a job interview at Nurture Bridge Limited
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand trauma-informed practice and the key responsibilities of a Deputy Manager. Brush up on the Children's Homes Regulations and Quality Standards, as these will likely come up in conversation.
✨Show Your Passion
During the interview, express your commitment to safeguarding and high-quality care. Share specific examples from your experience that demonstrate your ability to inspire and support a team, as this aligns with their mission.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about how you would handle specific situations, like managing staff performance or dealing with safeguarding concerns. Think through your responses ahead of time, using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few questions ready that show your interest in the role and the organisation. You might ask about their approach to team development or how they support staff wellbeing, which reflects your ambition to grow into a Registered Manager role.