Deputy Manager – Cherry Tree House (EBD)
Opening 2026 – 3-Bed Children’s Home (Ages 8–17)
Model: PACE (Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity & Empathy) and DDP (Dyadic Developmental Practice)
The post holder will report to the Registered Manager and, alongside them, will support the leadership and development of the Senior and Residential Support Team. Working in partnership with the Manager, the Deputy Manager will assist in ensuring that Cherry Tree House provides a safe, nurturing and therapeutically informed environment for young people with emotional and behavioural difficulties (EBD).
The Deputy Manager will support the Registered Manager in fulfilling responsibilities under the Care Standards Act 2000, the Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015, and the Quality Standards, ensuring practice is consistent with PACE, DDP and trauma-informed approaches.
Main Duties & Responsibilities
Therapeutic Leadership
- Maintain and promote high standards of child-centred, trauma-informed care in accordance with Oakridge Haven policies and procedures.
- Embed PACE and DDP principles across the home, modelling emotionally regulated, connected and curiosity-led approaches.
- Act as a positive, relational role model—using attuned communication, co-regulation and developmentally appropriate expectations.
- Support staff to understand trauma, attachment needs, sensory regulation and emotional safety.
Regulatory & Compliance
- Monitor and maintain good practice in line with the Children’s Homes Regulations 2015, Children Act 1989 and all other relevant legislation.
- Support the Registered Manager in preparing and maintaining documentation required under regulation and the Statement of Purpose.
- Facilitate Ofsted inspections in a professional, confident manner and ensure evidence of positive outcomes for young people is available and robust.
- Contribute to Regulation 45 internal monitoring reports and support the process for Regulation 44 visitor reports.
Staff Leadership & Development
- Provide regular, reflective supervision for identified staff, ensuring supervision integrates therapeutic reflection, development planning, and professional accountability.
- Offer constructive feedback and contribute to staff appraisal processes.
- Participate in recruitment, including shortlisting and interview panels.
- Lead the team in partnership with the Registered Manager to create a nurturing, relational, predictable environment.
- Promote a culture where staff feel safe, respected and supported, using DDP-informed team dynamics.
Operational Responsibilities
- Support the Manager with oversight of the home’s budget and resources.
- Assist in planning staffing and holiday rotas to ensure safe and stable staffing levels.
- Ensure adequate emergency back-up resources are available and participate in the on-call rota.
- Manage the home in the Registered Manager’s absence.
Young People – Care & Planning
- Ensure young people’s voices, wishes and feelings are central to all decision-making.
- Complete, review and monitor Care Plans, Placement Plans and Risk Assessments using trauma-informed practice.
- Promote partnership working with families, professionals, education settings and external agencies.
- Create opportunities for young people to engage in community life, positive activities, education and skill-building.
- Ensure young people understand how to access the complaints process and feel safe to express concerns.
- Support high-quality contributions to LAC Reviews, professionals’ meetings and multi-agency plans.
Quality & Continuous Improvement
- Support the Registered Manager to review policies and procedures to ensure they reflect the therapeutic ethos of Cherry Tree House.
- Promote reflective learning, professional development and the sharing of best practice.
- Monitor and support staff training, including trauma, attachment, safeguarding, and PACE/DDP competency.
Household & Daily Living Responsibilities
- Ensure the home is safe, welcoming and physically well maintained.
- Oversee and support the completion of daily health and safety checks.
- Ensure hygiene and food safety standards are adhered to.
- Support the upkeep of the building, furnishings and equipment.
- Report any health, safety or safeguarding concerns immediately.
Other Responsibilities
- Seek advice from peers or managers when required and provide supportive guidance to colleagues.
- Demonstrate confident and professional decision-making with young people’s needs at the centre.
- Challenge poor practice respectfully and promptly, ensuring young people’s emotional safety is never compromised.
- Develop knowledge of benefits and entitlements relevant to young people.
- Attend all required training, reflective sessions, and supervision as scheduled.
- Maintain confidentiality and abide by data protection requirements at all times.
Person Specification – Deputy Manager
Qualifications & Experience
- At least 2 years’ experience in the last 5 years working in a residential setting for children and young people.
- At least 1 year’s experience supervising or managing staff in a care environment.
- Level 5 Leadership & Management in Residential Childcare (preferred or willingness to work towards).
- Must have Level 3 Residential Childcare.
Skills & Attributes
- Strong understanding of PACE, DDP, trauma and attachment.
- Ability to lead with empathy, curiosity and emotional regulation.
- Warm, professional communication skills.
- Commitment to safeguarding and promoting welfare.
- Good physical and mental health.
- Smart, professional presentation.
Rota
The Deputy Manager will participate in the rolling rota, on-call system, and required sleep-ins.
Special Conditions
- Six-month probation period.
- Must maintain confidentiality and follow GDPR policies.
Equal Opportunities
The post holder must support and promote the organisation’s commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
Recruitment & Vetting
Applicants are subject to robust safeguarding checks, including references and an Enhanced DBS.
Job Details
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
Hours: 40 hours per week
This includes a combination of shift work and participation in the on-call rota to support the needs of the home.
Starting Pay: £45,000 (Depending on experience)
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company pension
- On-site parking
Experience Required:
- Managerial: 2 years
- Experience working in an Ofsted-regulated environment: 2 years
Work Authorisation: United Kingdom
Location: In person – Cherry Tree House
Apply now or contact [email protected] for an informal chat.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: From £45,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company pension
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
