Job Description

About Yaffle Care

Yaffle Care is a growing and ambitious provider of therapeutic residential care for children with complex emotional, behavioural, and developmental needs. Rooted in the principles of therapeutic parenting and a trauma-informed approach, we are committed to offering safe, nurturing, and structured environments that enable children to heal, grow, and thrive.

As we expand across the Hampshire area, we are looking for passionate, talented individuals who want to be part of a forward-thinking organisation and grow with us.

Role Overview

The Deputy Manager plays a pivotal role in ensuring the highest standards of care, safeguarding, and regulatory compliance within our residential home. You will support the Registered Manager in day-to-day operations, deputising in their absence, and leading the team to deliver outstanding therapeutic care.

Key ResponsibilitiesLeadership & Operational Management

Support the Registered Manager to ensure compliance with the Children's Homes (England) Regulations 2015, Ofsted requirements, and internal policies.

Lead by example, promoting Yaffle Care's values of empathy, respect, structure, and therapeutic care.

Deputise for the Registered Manager during periods of absence, ensuring continuity of leadership, incident management, and decision-making.

Contribute to the development and delivery of high-quality, child-focused residential services.

Maintain open communication with the wider management and operations team.

Child-Centred Practice

Ensure each child receives an individualised, therapeutic experience tailored to their needs and life story.

Foster a nurturing, structured environment where children feel safe, heard, and empowered.

Collaborate with education, health, and social care professionals to deliver coordinated, effective support.

Promote reflective practice within the team to continually improve outcomes for children.

Staff Development & Supervision

Supervise, mentor, and develop the team, ensuring high standards of professionalism, therapeutic care, and safeguarding.

Assist with recruitment, induction, training, and performance management of staff.

Oversee rota planning to optimise staffing and ensure adequate cover at all times.

Ensure team members are trained and competent to meet the needs of the children, including refresher training.

Promote continuous professional development and maintain a positive, learning-focused team culture.

Compliance, Safeguarding & Quality Assurance

Ensure robust safeguarding practices are embedded within the home.

Support audits, Ofsted inspections, and internal quality monitoring, contributing to improvement plans.

Maintain accurate records, reports, and risk assessments to the highest standards.

Oversee medication administration processes, including weekly audits and incident reporting.

Support the upkeep and maintenance of the home, ensuring Health & Safety standards are met.

Financial & Administrative Responsibilities

Support in managing the home's budget in line with company financial regulations.

Maintain comprehensive record-keeping, ensuring documentation is available for authorised inspections.

Uphold statutory requirements, including accident reporting and Health & Safety logs.

Additional Requirements

Participate in the on-call rota, providing managerial support outside standard hours.

Engage in personal and professional development, including mandatory training.

Fulfil health and safety responsibilities as outlined in organisational policies.

RequirementsEssential

NVQ Level 3 in Residential Childcare (or equivalent); willingness to work towards Level 5 in Leadership & Management for Residential Childcare.

Minimum 2 years' experience in a children's residential care setting, including at least 1 year in a senior or supervisory role.

Sound knowledge of relevant legislation, safeguarding requirements, and therapeutic or trauma-informed care practices.

Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.

Commitment to ongoing personal and professional development.

Flexibility to work varied hours, including weekends, evenings, and on-call responsibilities.

Full UK driving licence and use of own vehicle.

Desirable

Experience working within a therapeutic care model.

Experience supporting children with emotional and behavioural difficulties (EBD), CSE/CCE, autism, or other complex needs.

Experience managing or contributing to team development, reflective practice, and quality improvement.

Why Join Yaffle Care?

Be part of an exciting period of growth, contributing to the development of new homes across Hampshire.
Work within a team that genuinely cares -- for our children, our staff, and doing things the right way.
Receive regular reflective supervision, robust training, and clear progression opportunities.
Play a key role in shaping positive outcomes for vulnerable children within a supportive, therapeutic environment.

Safeguarding Commitment

Yaffle Care is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All applicants will be subject to:
- Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks.
- Proof of eligibility to work in the UK.
- A complete employment history with references covering the last 5 years.
- Consideration of reasonable adjustments for applicants with disabilities or medical conditions.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: 29,000.00-35,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Cycle to work scheme
Schedule:

Day shift Weekend availability
Work Location: In person

Reference ID: Deputy Manager - Children's Residential Care
Expected start date: 06/07/2025