Deputy Manager – Children’s Residential Home
Location: Kirkham, PR4| Salary: From £36,000 per annum + performance and retention bonuses | Contract: Full-time, Permanent
Creative Living Care is seeking an inspirational and compassionate Deputy Manager to lead our warm and welcoming 3-bedded children’s home in the heart of Kirkham. We are passionate about providing safe, nurturing homes where children can grow, heal, and thrive. We are now looking for an experienced and driven leader who can guide our dedicated team, embed a strength-based culture, and make a meaningful difference to young lives every single day.
Benefits
Remuneration & Leave
- Employee of the Month- Certificate + £25 voucher.
- Birthday Bonus - Paid on/near birthday + £100 voucher.
- ‘For Outstanding Practice’ Bonus - £25 voucher.
- Refer-a-Friend Bonus - £250 (if referral passes probation).
- Service Award Bonus - £250 voucher + Certificate at 5/10 years.
- Length of Service Leave Entitlements - 3 years = 1 day extra | 5 years = 1
- days extra | 7 years = 1 day extra.
Could this be you?
We’re looking for someone who is:
- Patient, positive, reliable, flexible, and naturally motivational
- A confident leader with strong emotional intelligence and a nurturing approach
- Experienced — with at least 2 years under Ofsted regulations and 3 years in a
- leadership role
- Qualified — holding the Level 5 Diploma in Leadership & Management for Residential Childcare
- Committed to trauma-informed practice and therapeutic caregiving
- A driver with a full UK driving licence
You’ll also be subject to our Safer Recruitment checks, including an enhanced DBS and full employment history.
Your role and impact
As Deputy Manager, you will:
- Support the Registered Manager in ensuring the smooth, safe, and effective running of the home.
- Respond promptly to safeguarding concerns in line with policies and legislation.
- Promote children’s rights, welfare, and development in line with Ofsted and Children’s Homes Regulations.
- Maintain accurate records of incidents, concerns, and outcomes.
- Oversee rota planning, shift cover, and ensure adequate staffing levels.
- Supervise, coach, and mentor residential support staff.
- Support with staff recruitment, induction, and ongoing professional development.
- Conduct staff supervisions, appraisals, and team meetings.
- Oversee and review children’s care plans, risk assessments, and placement plans.
- Liaise with social workers, families, education providers, and other professionals.
- Maintain accurate, up-to-date records and reports in line with regulations.
- Build and maintain effective relationships with local authorities, schools, health services, and families.
- Represent the home at meetings, reviews, and case conferences.
- Monitor standards of care through audits, observations, and feedback.
- Identify areas for improvement and contribute to the home’s development plan.
- Assist with preparation for Ofsted inspections and implement recommendations.
- Take full responsibility for the home when the Registered Manager is unavailable.
Key Skills and Attributes
- Strong leadership and decision-making skills.
- Excellent understanding of safeguarding, children’s legislation, and trauma-informed practice.
- Empathy, patience, and resilience.
- Effective communication and organisational skills.
- Ability to handle crisis situations calmly and professionally.
- Respond promptly to safeguarding concerns in line with policies and legislation.
- Promote children’s rights, welfare, and development in line with Ofsted and Children’s Homes Regulations.
- Maintain accurate records of incidents, concerns, and outcomes.
Our commitment to you
We believe that when we look after our people, they can look after our young people. As part of our Rewards Package, you’ll receive:
Competitive salary from £36,000 per annum + Bonuses including the
following:
- Performance bonuses linked to occupancy and Ofsted outcomes
- Birthday Bonus - Paid on/near birthday
- ‘For Outstanding Practice’ Bonus
- Refer-a-Friend Bonus
- Service Award Bonus
- Length of Service Leave Entitlements
- Pension scheme
- 1:1 leadership coaching with an external skilled coach
- Bi-monthly management training days and regular CPD
- Thorough induction and onboarding so you feel confident and supported from day one
- Wellbeing programme and access to Health Assured for confidential emotional and practical support
- Regular supervision and development time to support your career goals
- Casual dress policy, discounted or free meals, and team referral scheme
Above all, you’ll be joining a supportive, forward-thinking leadership team who will champion you as you build and lead your home to success.
Ready to join us?
If you’re a passionate leader who is ready to take the next step in your career — and you want to work somewhere where your impact will be felt every day — we would love to hear from you.
Apply now and help us build brighter futures, together.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: From £36,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company events
- Company pension
- Discounted or free food
- Free parking
- Health & wellbeing programme
- On-site parking
- Referral programme
Application question(s):
- Do you have at least 2 years of experience working alongside Ofsted?
- Do you hold a Level 5 qualification in Leadership for the Children and Young People's Workforce?
Experience:
- Leadership: 3 years (required)
Work Location: In person
