Colchester, Essex, United Kingdom
£30,000 - £40,000
Permanent
Deputy Children's Home Manager
Location: Colchester, Essex, United Kingdom
Salary: From £30,000 per annum Contract: Permanent, Full-time
Job Overview
We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced leader to join a new Ofsted-registered Children’s Residential Home in Colchester. This specialist service supports children with learning disabilities, providing a safe, nurturing, and structured environment where young people can develop independence and thrive.
As Deputy Manager, you will provide consistency, care, and stability to children who may have experienced trauma, neglect, or abuse. You will play a pivotal role in supporting the Registered Manager with the day-to-day operations, leading a dedicated staff team, and ensuring the highest standards of trauma-informed care.
Key Responsibilities and Duties
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Operational Support: Assist the Registered Manager in running the home in line with the Children’s Homes Regulations 2015 and Ofsted Quality Standards.
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Leadership & Staffing: Lead on staff rotas, recruitment, inductions, and appraisals. Provide regular supervision to ensure the ongoing development of the team.
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Person-Centred Care: Ensure children receive high-quality support that meets their health, emotional, cultural, and educational needs.
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Safeguarding: Promote safeguarding best practices and ensure strict adherence to company and local authority procedures.
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Quality Assurance: Assist with Regulation 44 actions, care planning, risk assessments, and follow-ups from Ofsted inspections.
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Stakeholder Collaboration: Work with external professionals and internal teams, ensuring all significant events are reported within required timescales.
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On-Call Duties: Participate in the management on-call rota outside of designated working hours.
Essential Requirements
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Experience: At least 2 years in Residential Childcare and 1 year in a supervisory role (required).
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Leadership: Proven experience managing staff rotas and deputising for a Registered Manager.
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Regulatory Knowledge: Strong working knowledge of Ofsted regulations, Quality Standards, and the SCCIF.
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Skills: Proficient in Microsoft Office with excellent organizational and multi-agency communication skills.
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Qualifications (Required): Level 4 qualification in Working with Young People (or equivalent).
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Growth Mindset: Willingness to work towards a Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management within agreed timescales.
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Licence: A valid Driving Licence is preferred.
Benefits and Culture
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Professional Growth: Ongoing training, development, and clear progression opportunities.
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Supportive Environment: A values-driven culture where your contribution genuinely changes lives.
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Financial Perks: Company pension scheme and a competitive starting salary.
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Lifestyle: Casual dress code, company events, and free on-site parking.
Compliance & Recruitment
This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references, employment background checks, and verification of the right to work in the UK. We follow a full safer recruitment process to protect the children in our care.
