Deputy Manager

Help shape a new home where children feel safe, valued and supported.

Premier Children’s Care is seeking an experienced and passionate Deputy Manager for our new three-bed children’s home in the Watford/Radlett area.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a new organisation and help shape the home from the outset. Working alongside the Registered Manager, you will support preparations for opening, help develop the staff team and establish a warm, nurturing environment where children can develop trusting relationships and thrive.

You will also benefit from the support of an experienced Responsible Individual who previously led an Outstanding-rated home as a Registered Manager.

We are looking for someone who combines strong leadership and safeguarding knowledge with a compassionate, child-centred approach.

Your role

As Deputy Manager, you will:

• Support the Registered Manager with the preparation, registration and opening of the home.
• Help develop and support a skilled staff team through supervision, coaching and reflective practice.
• Support the day-to-day running of the home, including rotas, care planning, risk management and quality assurance.
• Lead shifts and provide clear guidance to staff, deputising for the Registered Manager in their absence.
• Ensure children’s views, wishes and individual needs inform their care and the running of the home.
• Model consistent, trauma-informed care and build positive, trusting relationships with children.
• Promote strong safeguarding practice, ensuring concerns are recognised, recorded and responded to promptly.
• Work collaboratively with families, placing authorities, education providers and other professionals.
• Maintain accurate records and support compliance with the Children’s Homes Regulations and Quality Standards.
• Contribute to referral assessments and placement matching, helping ensure the home can meet each child’s needs.
• Support staff development, team meetings and improvements arising from feedback, audits and incidents.

About you

We are looking for someone with:

• Experience in children’s residential care, including leading shifts and supervising or supporting staff.
• A strong understanding of safeguarding, the Children’s Homes Regulations, Quality Standards and Ofsted expectations.
• A Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare or a relevant equivalent qualification.
• A relevant Level 5 qualification in leadership and management for residential childcare, or a willingness to work towards it as part of your development.
• The ability to lead with warmth, confidence and clear professional boundaries.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to turn plans into consistent, effective practice.
• A commitment to listening to children and creating a home where they feel a sense of belonging.
• Flexibility to work shifts and participate in agreed on-call arrangements.

We welcome applications from experienced Deputy Managers and strong Team Leaders or Senior Residential Care Workers who can demonstrate their readiness to take the next step.

What we offer

• The opportunity to help shape a new three-bed home and build its culture from the beginning.
• Support from the Registered Manager, Responsible Individual and directors.
• The opportunity to contribute to staff development, care practice and service improvement.
• [Insert confirmed salary, benefits, annual leave entitlement and development opportunities.]

How to apply

Please apply through Indeed with your CV and a brief covering statement outlining your experience and why you would like to help lead our new home, or email [email protected].

Appointment will be subject to satisfactory safer recruitment checks, including an enhanced DBS check, references and verification of employment history, qualifications and right to work.

Pay: From £38,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Free parking
• On-site parking

Experience:

• relevant residential child care: 2 years (required)

Work Location: In person