Deputy Manager - Ofsted Children's Home

Experienced Deputy Manager – Children's Residential Home (‘GOOD’ rated)

Dagenham (RM10), Essex

Salary: £36,000–£40,000 per annum (depending on experience, qualifications and skillset)

Ready for your next career move?

We are currently looking for an experienced, ambitious and passionate Deputy Manager to join our established Ofsted-registered residential children's home in Dagenham.

This is an excellent opportunity for an individual who is already working at Deputy Manager level and is looking for a fresh challenge, further professional development and the opportunity to progress their career within an expanding organisation.

Our home is registered for three children, at full occupancy, and has maintained a 'Good' Ofsted rating. You will work alongside an experienced Registered Manager with a proven track record of Ofsted performance and a commitment to maintaining high standards of care.

Importantly, we have plans to expand and open an additional children's home next year, creating an exciting opportunity for the successful candidate to develop towards a Registered Manager position as the organisation grows.

Why Join Us?

• Competitive salary of £36,000–£40,000.

• Established three-bed children's home in Dagenham (RM10).

• Current 'Good' Ofsted rating and full occupancy.

• Support from an experienced Registered Manager with a strong Ofsted track record.

• Genuine opportunities for career development and progression.

• Potential pathway to Registered Manager as part of our planned expansion next year.

• Ongoing training, supervision and professional development.

• The opportunity to influence the continued success and growth of the organisation.

The Role

Working closely with the Registered Manager, you will support the effective day-to-day running of the home, ensuring high standards of care, safeguarding, leadership and regulatory compliance.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Supporting the Registered Manager with the overall management of the home.

• Leading, motivating and developing the residential childcare team.

• Ensuring children receive safe, consistent and individualised care.

• Overseeing care plans, risk assessments and behaviour support plans.

• Maintaining accurate records and ensuring regulatory compliance.

• Using the ClearCare system to monitor daily logs, incidents, medication records, care plans and other documentation.

• Monitoring staff performance, recording standards and quality of care.

• Supporting staff supervision, training and development.

• Ensuring safeguarding procedures are followed and concerns appropriately managed.

• Working effectively with social workers, families and external professionals.

• Supporting Ofsted inspections and continuous improvement.

• Taking responsibility for the home in the Registered Manager's absence.

About You / Essential Requirements

We are specifically looking for an established Deputy Manager, rather than someone looking to take their first step into management.

You must:

• Have at least one year's recent experience working as a Deputy Manager within an Ofsted-registered children's home.

• Hold a Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare or equivalent.

• Hold or be working towards a Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare.

• Have hands-on experience using the ClearCare system within a residential childcare setting.

• Have a strong understanding of safeguarding, the Children's Homes Regulations 2015 and Ofsted requirements.

• Have proven experience leading and supporting a residential childcare team.

• Be confident managing compliance, documentation and operational responsibilities.

• Demonstrate strong leadership, communication and organisational skills.

• Be passionate about achieving positive outcomes for children and young people.

Your Future with Us

We are looking for someone who wants to grow with the organisation, not simply move into another Deputy Manager position.

With plans to open an additional children's home next year, we are keen to appoint someone with the ambition and potential to progress into a Registered Manager role when ready.

This is an opportunity to join an organisation with an established foundation, ambitious growth plans and a genuine commitment to developing its people.

If you are an experienced Deputy Manager looking for a new opportunity where your contribution will be valued and your career ambitions supported, we would love to hear from you.

Salary: £36,000–£40,000 per annum.

Location: Dagenham, Essex.

Apply today and take the next step towards becoming a Registered Manager!

Safer Recruitment

This role is subject to an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references, right-to-work checks, employment history checks and other relevant safer recruitment procedures.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and all staff are expected to share this commitment