Deputy Manager – Solo Placement Children’s Home
Location: Dagenham
Salary: £40,000 per annum
Contract: Full-time, permanent
About Us
We are opening a nurturing and supportive solo placement children’s home in Dagenham, dedicated to providing high-quality care for children and young people with autism and complex needs, including challenging behaviours. Our focus is on creating a safe, structured, and therapeutic environment where young people can thrive and reach their potential.
The Role
As Deputy Manager, you will play a key role in the day-to-day running of the home, working closely with the Registered Manager to ensure high standards of care, safeguarding, and compliance with Ofsted requirements. You will support and lead the staff team, ensuring the child’s needs are met through personalised care plans and consistent, therapeutic approaches.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist the Registered Manager in the leadership and management of the home.
• Ensure the highest standards of care, safeguarding, and welfare for the child placed in the home.
• Support, supervise, and develop a small team of residential support workers.
• Contribute to care planning and risk assessments tailored to the individual needs of the child.
• Oversee daily operations including staff rotas, record keeping, and regulatory compliance.
• Build strong, positive relationships with the child, their family, external professionals, and partner agencies.
• Promote a child-centred, therapeutic approach that enables progress, independence, and stability.
• Ensure compliance with Ofsted regulations and Children’s Homes Regulations 2015.
• Step up and take responsibility in the absence of the Registered Manager.

Requirements

• Previous experience working in a children’s residential care setting, ideally with autism and challenging behaviour.
• Minimum of Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (Children and Young People’s Workforce) or equivalent; Level 5 Leadership & Management (Residential Childcare) desirable or willingness to work towards.
• Strong leadership, supervisory, and communication skills.
• A sound understanding of safeguarding, child protection, and regulatory frameworks.
• Ability to remain calm under pressure and manage challenging behaviours with empathy and resilience.
• Full UK driving licence (preferred).

What We Offer

• Competitive salary of £40,000 per year.
• Opportunity to be part of an exciting new solo placement home with real scope for career progression.
• Support with professional development and qualifications (including Level 5).
• A supportive and collaborative working environment.
• Pension and employee benefits package.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £38,000.00-£40,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Company pension
• Flexitime
• On-site parking

Work Location: In perso

• Assist the Registered Manager in the leadership and management of the home.
• Ensure the highest standards of care, safeguarding, and welfare for the child placed in the home.
• Support, supervise, and develop a small team of residential support workers.
• Contribute to care planning and risk assessments tailored to the individual needs of the child.
• Oversee daily operations including staff rotas, record keeping, and regulatory compliance.
• Build strong, positive relationships with the child, their family, external professionals, and partner agencies.
• Promote a child-centred, therapeutic approach that enables progress, independence, and stability.
• Ensure compliance with Ofsted regulations and Children’s Homes Regulations 2015.
• Step up and take responsibility in the absence of the Registered Manager