Deputy Manager

Appletreetreatmentcentre; Kendal; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A therapeutic care organization is seeking a Deputy Manager to oversee a residential home for children aged 6-12. This role includes supporting the Registered Manager, ensuring the safety and well-being of children, and leading a dedicated team. Ideal candidates will have relevant childcare qualifications, strong leadership skills, and knowledge of legislation and regulations guiding children’s homes. Salary ranges from £38,000 to £45,000 with benefits. Applications close on January 9, 2026.

Benefits

Exceptional support and training

Open culture valuing staff input

Innovative working environment

Qualifications

• Must possess a strong understanding of managing children's residential care.
• A thorough knowledge of Ofsted’s policies and procedures is essential.
• Experience leading a team providing high quality care.

Responsibilities

• Support the Registered Manager in all aspects of the home.
• Responsible for safe management in absence of the Registered Manager.
• Deliver and manage the home’s Statement of Purpose.

Skills

Leadership

Child safety and well-being

Crisis management

Safeguarding knowledge

Equality and diversity promotion

Education

Relevant qualifications (NVQ Level 3 or 4 in childcare)

Job description

Deputy Manager - £38,000 - £45,000 plus benefits

We are seeking an experienced Deputy Manager to join our dedicated and successful team in our therapeutic home for up to 5 children age 6-12 yrs in LA9

Why work with us

As a truly independent organisation we prioritise the health and wellbeing of the staff. You will be part of a team that receive exceptional support and training from all aspects of the organisation. ATC has an open culture where ideas are welcomed, and staff are listened to. We are innovative and always want to improve our way of working to benefit our children and adults. The ethos and culture is driven to ensure children can return to a family setting and lead fulfilling lives. You will be joining an organisation that values its staff and really cares about its children.

About Appletree Treatment Centre

Appletree Treatment Centre opened in 1995, we remain small, family run and dedicated to helping young children 6 to 12 years old who have experienced significant trauma. Our home and school teams provide truly nurturing care and education.

Our therapeutic approach has been successful for many years. Our teams are dedicated to helping our children: feel safe and loved, learn and grow, understand and manage their feelings. They help our children make sense of their journey, building their resilience so they are ready to cope with their next step when they move on from us.

We are well known for our focus on transitions back to a family setting before our children reach their teenage years. Our success with primary age children is exceptional, confirming our status as a leading provider of therapeutic care and education for young children.

About our Children

Our children have experienced significant trauma in their lives, this has often been compounded by multiple breakdowns with family and foster care placements. When they come to us, they are a bubbling pot of feelings and emotions, we understand that behaviour is communication. We help our children understand that they are not bad, but bad things may have happened to them. We help them to understand and name their feelings, helping them to develop strategies to allow them to be successful in all aspects of their lives. By the time they are ready to leave us our children have the ability and resilience to cope with their next step.

Main Purpose of Post

• To support the Registered Manager in all aspects of the home.
• In the absence of the Registered Manager, to be responsible for the safe and effective management of the home.
• To be responsible for shaping and delivering the residential home’s Statement of Purpose and managing a team to achieve the same.
• To maintain the culture and implement the ethos of ATC.
• To distinguish effectively between decisions which need immediate attention and those that can be deferred.

The expectation of the Deputy Manager

• You must ensure the children’s and adult’s safety and well-being is appropriately protected at all times.
• You are able to inspire, lead and manage a team of staff to deliver high quality care, which will meet the specific needs of each individual child placed in the home.
• Your leadership and management will result in positive experiences and progress for children and adults.
• You will actively promote equality and diversity, and challenge any discriminatory behaviours.
• You have a good understanding of all aspects of practice that relate to managing a children’s home.
• You have a thorough knowledge of the legislation and guidance that applies to children’s homes.
• You have a thorough knowledge of Ofsted’s policies and procedures, including guidance on the children’s homes inspection framework.

Level of Post

The Deputy Manager is a vitally important role within Appletree Treatment Centre. You will be accountable to the Registered Manager, who in turn reports to the Principal/Responsible Individual.

If you're interested and want to know more call Rowan Knapton on 015395 60253 for an informal chat

Deadlines

Application - 9 January 2026

Interviews - week beginning 19 January 2026

email completed forms to [e-mail]

Return printed forms to Appletree Treatment Centre, Natland, Kendal. Cumbria LA9 7QS

E everyone within Appletree Treatment Centre has a responsibility for, and is committed to, safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and for ensuring that they are protected from harm. We carry out the appropriate vetting and verifications including online social media checks on all staff and this post is subject to an enhanced DBS check. As this position is not exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020, no convictions or cautions are protected and will not be filtered from an enhanced DBS Certificate. It is an offence to apply for this role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.