Deputy Manager – Children's Residential Care Location: Leatherhead Salary: £40,000–£45,000 per annum Hours: 40 hours per week, typically Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm, with on-call duties Contract: Full-time, permanent About the Role We are seeking an experienced Deputy Manager for an Ofsted-regulated children's residential home supporting children and young people with complex needs, trauma, emotional difficulties and challenging behaviour. Working alongside the Registered Manager, you will lead staff, maintain safeguarding standards and promote high-quality, therapeutic, child-centred care in line with the Children's Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and Quality Standards. This role offers a 50/50 split between management responsibilities and direct childcare, combining leadership with hands-on support. Key Responsibilities * Deputise for the Registered Manager and oversee the children's home in their absence. * Lead, supervise and develop residential childcare staff, including appraisals, training and performance management. * Manage staff rotas, staffing levels, sickness and annual leave. * Maintain accurate care plans, risk assessments, incident reports and safeguarding records. * Support Ofsted compliance, internal audits, inspections and Regulation 44 visits. * Promote safeguarding, child protection, risk management and safe working practices. * Implement trauma-informed and PACE-informed care (Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity and Empathy). * Coordinate with social workers, therapists, schools, local authorities and healthcare professionals. * Undertake direct care shifts, supporting children's emotional wellbeing, education, health and development. * Participate in the management on-call rota and respond to emergencies. Essential Experience and Skills * Minimum three years' senior or supervisory experience in children's residential care. * Experience as a Deputy Manager, Senior Residential Support Worker, Team Leader or Senior Residential Childcare Worker. * Experience supporting children with complex needs, trauma, emotional difficulties and challenging behaviour. * Strong knowledge of safeguarding, child protection, care planning and Ofsted-regulated services. * Proven staff leadership, supervision and team development skills. * Excellent communication, organisation and decision-making abilities. * A resilient, compassionate and child-centred approach. Qualifications * NVQ Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare or equivalent – Essential. * Full UK driving licence – Essential. * Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare – Desirable, or willingness to work towards it. How to Apply Please submit an up-to-date CV. Applicants must already have the right to work in the UK; sponsorship is unavailable. Appointment is subject to safer recruitment checks, including Enhanced DBS, references, employment history, qualification and identity checks. Know someone suitable? YourRecruit offers a paid referral scheme. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. If you have not heard within seven days, please assume you have not been shortlisted. YourRecruit Ltd is an equal opportunities employer. For job-search safety advice, visit JobsAware