At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the daily running of a new children's home and provide care to young residents.
- Company: Join Homes2Inspire, a leading provider of children's homes in partnership with Somerset County Council.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days annual leave, employee wellbeing support, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of an innovative team shaping the future of children's care in Somerset.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while growing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Minimum 2 years' experience in residential childcare and QCF Level 3 qualification required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Deputy Children’s Home Manager – Ilminster, Somerset
Full‑time, Permanent
£35,419 – £37,566 per annum
This is a rare opportunity to help shape a home as part of a pioneering partnership between Homes2Inspire, Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, and Somerset Council.
As Deputy Manager, you’ll be at the heart of the home supporting the Registered Manager, leading the team, and being a consistent adult for the young people in our care. You’ll help create a space where children feel safe, respected, and empowered.
What does a Deputy Manager do?
- Lead with purpose: support the day‑to‑day running of the home, ensuring it’s a safe, nurturing and well‑organised environment.
- Be a role model: work directly with children, building relationships, supporting emotional wellbeing, and modelling positive behaviour.
- Support the team: guide and mentor staff, lead shifts and embed love‑led practice across the home.
- Hold responsibility: deputise for the Registered Manager during absences, manage rotas, oversee safeguarding and ensure compliance with Ofsted standards.
- Champion the child’s voice: ensure young people are actively involved in decisions about their care, routines and future.
What We’re Looking For
- Minimum 2 years’ experience in residential childcare.
- Experience as a Deputy Manager or Senior Support Worker.
- QCF Level 3 in Residential Childcare (or equivalent).
- Commitment to completing Level 5 in Leadership & Management.
- A full UK driving licence.
- Flexibility to meet the needs of the home.
What We Offer
- A comprehensive 3‑week induction to help you settle in.
- Award‑winning wellbeing support and high staff engagement.
- Opportunities to shadow and learn from NHS and Council colleagues.
- Professional development pathways across the partnership.
- 28 days annual leave (inclusive of bank holidays).
- Life assurance, healthcare cash plan, and high street discounts.
About The Partnership
Homes2Inspire, Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, and Somerset County Council have come together to create a new kind of care that’s trauma‑informed, therapeutic, and rooted in love‑led practice. Alongside children’s homes, we’re developing high‑needs foster care and therapeutic education.
You’ll be part of a multi‑disciplinary team with access to clinical supervision, training, and support from mental health and social work professionals.
Application Process
We review applications regularly and may interview before the closing date. Personal information may be shared with Somerset County Council during the recruitment process. All successful candidates will undergo DBS and Right to Work checks.
Homes2Inspire is proud to be part of the Shaw Trust Group, a charity transforming lives across the UK.
For questions, contact our Careers Team on 01788 487057.
Deputy Children's Home Manager - Alham House in Ilminster employer: Shaw Trust
At Homes2Inspire, we are dedicated to creating a nurturing environment for children and young people, making us an exceptional employer in Ilminster. Our innovative work culture prioritises employee wellbeing with an award-winning support package, extensive professional development opportunities, and a collaborative atmosphere that encourages growth and progression within our expanding network of children's homes. Join us to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a fulfilling career in a supportive and dynamic setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Children's Home Manager - Alham House in Ilminster
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the values and mission of Homes2Inspire and Shaw Trust. Understanding their approach to care and support for children will help you align your responses during interviews and demonstrate your commitment to their ethos.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field of children's care, especially those who have experience with Homes2Inspire or similar organisations. Engaging with them can provide insights into the role and may even lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples from your past experiences that showcase your ability to manage and support children in a residential setting. Highlighting your hands-on experience will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on current trends and best practices in child care and safeguarding. Being knowledgeable about recent developments in the sector will show your dedication to professional growth and your readiness for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Children's Home Manager - Alham House in Ilminster
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience working with children and young people in a residential setting. Emphasise any leadership roles or responsibilities you've had, especially if you have experience as a Deputy Manager or Senior Support Worker.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for working with children and your commitment to their care and development. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to be an inspirational role model and how you align with the values of Homes2inspire.
Highlight Qualifications:Clearly list your qualifications, particularly your QCF Level 3 in Residential Childcare and any progress towards QCF Level 5. This will show that you meet the essential criteria for the role and are committed to professional development.
Showcase Flexibility and Teamwork:In your application, mention your flexibility in covering shifts and your ability to work collaboratively within a multi-disciplinary team. This is crucial for the role, so provide examples of how you've successfully worked in teams in the past.
How to prepare for a job interview at Shaw Trust
✨Show Your Passion for Child Welfare
Make sure to express your genuine passion for working with children and young people. Share specific examples from your past experiences that highlight your commitment to their welfare and development.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Deputy Manager, you'll need to show that you can lead and inspire others. Prepare to discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you've successfully managed teams or supported colleagues in a residential setting.
✨Familiarise Yourself with the Organisation
Research Homes2inspire and its partnership with Somerset NHS Foundation Trust and Somerset County Council. Understanding their values and mission will help you align your answers with what they are looking for in a candidate.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle challenging situations. Think about past experiences where you had to make tough decisions and be ready to discuss them in detail.
