Deputy Children's Home Manager - Chard, Somerset
Full-time, Permanent
£35,178 - £37,310 per annum
Homes2Inspire are seeking a passionate and experienced Deputy Children’s Home Manager to lead our welcoming home in Chard, an established service rated Good by Ofsted. The home provides care and accommodation for up to two young people aged 10–17, both male and female. This is a fantastic opportunity to join a nurturing, stable home with a dedicated and child-centred team who work together to ensure every young person feels safe, valued, and supported. About the home and local area Chard is a vibrant market town in South Somerset, offering a blend of countryside living and excellent local amenities. The home itself is spacious, warm, and homely, providing a calm and supportive environment where young people can thrive. Our team take pride in creating a family feel and building strong relationships with the local community, schools, and partner agencies.
This is a rare opportunity to help shape a home as part of a pioneering partnership between Homes2Inspire, Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, and Somerset Council.
As Deputy Manager, you’ll be at the heart of the home supporting the Registered Manager, leading the team, and being a consistent adult for the young people in our care. You’ll help create a space where children feel safe, respected, and empowered.
What does a Deputy Manager do?
1. Lead with purpose: You’ll support the day-to-day running of the home, ensuring it’s a safe, nurturing and well-organised environment.
2. Be a role model: You’ll work directly with children and young people, building relationships, supporting emotional wellbeing, and modelling positive behaviour.
3. Support the team: You’ll guide and mentor staff, lead shifts, and help embed love-led practice across the home.
4. Hold responsibility: You’ll deputise for the Registered Manager during absences, manage rotas, oversee safeguarding, and ensure compliance with Ofsted standards.
5. Champion the child’s voice: You’ll make sure young people are actively involved in decisions about their care, routines, and future.
What we’re looking for:
6. Minimum 2 years’ experience in residential childcare
7. Experience as a Deputy Manager or Senior Support Worker
8. QCF Level 3 in Residential Childcare (or equivalent)
9. Commitment to completing Level 5 in Leadership & Management
10. A full UK driving licence
11. Flexibility to meet the needs of the home
What we offer:
12. A comprehensive 3-week induction to help you settle in
13. Award-winning wellbeing support and high staff engagement
14. Opportunities to shadow and learn from NHS and Council colleagues
15. Professional development pathways across the partnership
16. 28 days annual leave (inclusive of bank holidays)
17. Life assurance, healthcare cash plan, and high street discounts
About the partnership:
Homes2Inspire, Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, and Somerset County Council have come together to create a new kind of care one that’s trauma-informed, therapeutic, and rooted in love-led practice. Alongside children’s homes, we’re developing high-needs foster care, and therapeutic education.
You’ll be part of a multi-disciplinary team with access to clinical supervision, training, and support from mental health and social work professionals.
We review applications regularly and may interview before the closing date.
Please note: personal information may be shared with Somerset County Council during the recruitment process. All successful candidates will undergo DBS and Right to Work checks.
Homes2Inspire is proud to be part of the Shaw Trust Group, a charity transforming lives across the UK.
For questions, contact our Careers Team on 01788 487057