Deputy Manager - Children’s Residential Home (EBD)
Location: Stoke-on-Trent (ST1)
Pay: Up to £16.35 per hour (DOE)
Sleep-ins: £65 each
Hours: 38 per week, 1 on 2 off shift pattern

You’ll be joining a registered 4-bed children’s home for young people with emotional and behavioural needs. The home is already registered and supporting two young people. Your job is to support the Registered Manager, holding the standard on shift and looking after the team so they can look after the children.

You won’t be left to figure it out alone. The Registered Manager is experienced and genuinely interested in developing people. The first month is set up as Monday to Friday so you can learn the home, the paperwork, the young people and the way they work, before you move onto a 1 on 2 off shift pattern. It’s organised on purpose so you’re not thrown in at the deep end.

What you’ll be doing

• Sharing day-to-day leadership of a 4-bed EBD home

• Leading shifts, handovers and debriefs so everyone knows what they’re doing and why

• Acting as a point of support for staff when things are busy or emotionally charged

• Picking up some DSL responsibilities and supporting safeguarding practice

• Keeping placement plans, risk assessments and behaviour support plans live and practical

• Helping shape routines and expectations that give young people structure and genuine care

• Building links with schools, social workers, families and other professionals

• Stepping up when the Registered Manager is off-site or on leave

What you’ll bring

• At least 2 years’ experience in a residential children’s home (EBD / SEMH / LD or secure)

• Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or equivalent)

• Confident shift leadership and a fair, clear way of working with staff

• Strong safeguarding knowledge and good understanding of Children’s Homes Regulations and Quality Standards

• Solid recording, report writing and ability to keep on top of the detail

• Full UK manual driving licence

Pay, rota and benefits

• Up to £16.35 per hour depending on experience

• Sleep-ins paid at £65 each

• 40 hours per week

• Structured induction with Monday–Friday pattern at the start, then move onto the home’s rota

• Fully funded Level 5 Leadership & Management qualification

• Regular, in-person training and reflective supervision

• One-to-one mentoring from the Registered Manager with a clear view to future progression

• Pension, on-site parking and straightforward, relaxed dress code

Why this role is worth a look

This is a home where leadership actually shows up. You’ll have a Registered Manager who wants a Deputy they can trust, involve in decisions and grow into a future RM. The home is resourced properly, there’s head office support in the background, and they’re serious about doing EBD work in a thoughtful way rather than just getting through the rota.

If you’re a Senior or existing Deputy looking for a step where you can shape a home, be developed for registration and still stay close to the work with children, this is a strong next move.

Apply with your CV. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted quickly for an initial, confidential chat.

(All offers are subject to safer recruitment checks including Enhanced DBS, references and right-to-work verification.)