Deputy Manager - Children's Residential Home (Severe Learning Disabilities)
Central Eastbourne | Ofsted Rated Good
We are seeking a Deputy Manager to join our children's residential home in Eastbourne, supporting young people with severe learning disabilities and complex needs.
Our home specialises in care for children with epilepsy, global developmental delay, non-verbal communication, speech and language challenges, high-energy behaviours, and the use of Makaton/alternative communication methods.
As Deputy Manager, you will play a key leadership role, supporting the Registered Manager (RM) and reporting directly to both the RM and Responsible Individual (RI). You will ensure the home continues to provide outstanding care, safeguard children, and maintain our Ofsted "Good" rating.
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Key Responsibilities
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Leadership & Staff Management
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Supervise, mentor, and develop the staff team to deliver excellent, child-centred care.
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Support with recruitment, rotas, inductions, appraisals, and ongoing training.
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Model best practice in supporting children with severe learning disabilities.
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Safeguarding & Compliance
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Act as Designated Safeguarding Lead when required, ensuring children are always protected.
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Maintain compliance with Ofsted, Children's Homes Regulations, and Quality Standards.
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Assist with audits, inspections, and action plans, ensuring continuous improvement.
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Specialist Care & Practice
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Oversee care plans for children with epilepsy and ensure staff are trained and confident in emergency protocols.
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Champion communication approaches (e.g. Makaton, PECS, visual aids) for non-verbal young people.
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Support the development of children with global developmental delay and speech & language difficulties, working with external professionals.
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Lead by example in managing high-energy behaviours with patience, consistency, and structured support.
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Operational Excellence
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Deputise for the Registered Manager in their absence, ensuring the smooth running of the home.
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Promote a positive, nurturing environment that balances safeguarding with fun, active, and engaging experiences.
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Foster strong relationships with families, schools, health professionals, and the wider community. -----------------------------------
About You
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Experienced in children's residential care, ideally at Team Leader, Senior, or Deputy Manager level.
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Knowledge of severe learning disabilities and complex needs (epilepsy, non-verbal communication, Makaton, GDD).
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Confident in leading and motivating teams while upholding high safeguarding standards.
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Able to balance administrative duties (care planning, compliance, Ofsted readiness) with hands-on support.
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A natural leader who is resilient, compassionate, and committed to improving outcomes for children.
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Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or equivalent) essential; working towards Level 5 Leadership & Management desirable.
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What We Offer
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Competitive salary with enhancements for sleep-ins.
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Full training, including epilepsy awareness and Makaton.
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Career development, including support towards Level 5 Leadership & Management.
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A supportive senior team (RM & RI) that values your expertise and contributions.
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The chance to help lead a Good-rated home towards "Outstanding."
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? As Deputy Manager, you'll not only care for children with severe learning disabilities - you'll help shape the culture, guide the team, and ensure our home is a safe, fun, and thriving environment for young people to grow.
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