Location: Kent DA8 3NT or London SE2 0BP
Company: Bright Futures Children’s Care Ltd
Reports To: Registered Manager
Salary: £40,000 – £50,000 per year (based on a 48-hour week)
Hours: Full-time
Contract Type: Permanent, In-person

Job Summary

The Deputy Manager supports the Registered Manager in the effective running of a children’s residential home, ensuring the highest standards of care, safeguarding, and regulatory compliance. The post-holder will provide leadership, supervision, and guidance to the residential team to ensure that children and young people aged 8–18 receive consistent, trauma-informed, and child-centred support that promotes their safety, wellbeing, and personal development.

Key Responsibilities

• Deputise for the Registered Manager in their absence and support with all aspects of home management.
• Lead, supervise, and develop the residential care team to deliver reflective and effective practice.
• Ensure compliance with Ofsted, Children’s Homes Regulations 2015, and the Quality Standards.
• Promote a strong safeguarding culture, prioritising the welfare of every child and young person.
• Support the creation, implementation, and review of individual care plans and risk assessments.
• Foster a nurturing, structured, and inclusive environment that encourages positive outcomes.
• Assist with rota management, performance reviews, and staff development initiatives.
• Contribute to audits, inspections, and ongoing quality assurance processes.
• Participate in the on-call rota and respond to emergencies when required.

Qualifications and Experience

Essential:

• Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or equivalent).
• Willingness to work towards Level 5 Diploma in Leadership & Management (fully supported).
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience in a senior or supervisory role within a children’s residential home.
• Thorough understanding of Ofsted regulations and the Children’s Homes Quality Standards.
• Proven ability to lead, motivate, and support a care team.
• Strong communication, organisational, and administrative skills.
• Sound knowledge of safeguarding, child protection, and behaviour management.
• Full UK driving licence and access to transport.
• Experience using rota/scheduling software (e.g. RotaCloud) would be an advantage.

Desirable:

• Experience working within a therapeutic or trauma-informed care model (e.g. PACE, attachment-based, restorative practice).
• Experience supporting children with EBD, attachment difficulties, or complex trauma.

Skills and Attributes

• Compassionate, resilient, and emotionally intelligent.
• Committed to achieving positive outcomes for children and young people.
• Strong leadership and decision-making ability.
• Professional integrity and commitment to reflective practice.
• Ability to remain calm and solution-focused in challenging situations.

Benefits

• Competitive salary (£40,000 – £50,000 per annum).
• Comprehensive induction, training, and career development programme.
• Fully funded Level 5 Leadership & Management qualification.
• Supportive and inclusive management culture.
• Clear progression pathway to Registered Manager role.
• Company pension scheme.
• Generous annual leave entitlement and long service recognition.
• Reflective supervision and access to therapeutic consultation.
• Relocation allowance (for staff relocating more than 70 miles).
• Health & Wellbeing Programme.
• Free parking and casual dress.
• Performance bonuses and employee helpline.

Safeguarding Commitment

Bright Futures Children’s Care Ltd is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All employment is subject to an enhanced DBS check, proof of eligibility to work in the UK, and satisfactory references.

Career Development

Bright Futures Children’s Care offers a clear and rewarding career pathway, including opportunities to gain qualifications and progress to Registered Manager roles within the organisation.