Nanny jobs in Milton Keynes

The Brook is a new therapeutic children's home opening in Milton Keynes, designed to provide a nurturing, structured and supportive environment for young people aged 8–17 who have experienced challenges linked to social, emotional and behavioural difficulties (SEMH).

As a new service, we are building our leadership team from the ground up and are looking for a Deputy Manager who wants to play a key role in shaping the culture, practice and future success of the home.

This is a rare opportunity to join at the very beginning of our journey and help create a home where children feel safe, valued and able to thrive.

The role would suit an experienced Senior Residential Childcare Worker looking to take their first step into management, or an existing Deputy Manager seeking the opportunity to help establish and shape a new therapeutic children's home from its very beginning.

Our Therapeutic Approach

Our approach is guided by our SHIELD model, which underpins everything we do:

Safety

Creating a predictable and secure environment.

Healing Relationships

Building trust and repairing relational experiences.

Individuality

Recognising and valuing each young person's identity.

Empathy

Responding with understanding and emotional attunement.

Love in Action

Showing care through consistent, meaningful support.

Development

Supporting growth, independence and life skills.

We believe positive relationships are the foundation of change and are looking for leaders who share this vision.

Why Join The Brook?

As Deputy Manager, you will work alongside the Registered Manager to help establish and develop a high-quality therapeutic home from day one.

You will have the opportunity to:

• Help shape the culture and identity of a brand-new children's home
• Influence systems, processes and practice standards from the outset
• Develop and mentor a new staff team
• Gain valuable leadership experience within a growing organisation
• Progress towards Registered Manager opportunities in the future
• Be part of a service that prioritises relationships over routines and therapeutic care over containment
• Help create a home that children genuinely want to live in

The Role

As Deputy Manager, you will support the Registered Manager in the day-to-day running of the home and help ensure children receive high-quality care that is safe, nurturing and child-centred.

You will provide leadership, guidance and support to the staff team while promoting therapeutic, trauma-informed and relationship-based practice throughout the home.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading shifts and providing effective operational oversight
• Supporting the Registered Manager in maintaining compliance with Children's Homes Regulations and Quality Standards
• Promoting safeguarding and positive risk management
• Supporting staff development through coaching, mentoring and supervision
• Monitoring care planning, recording and reporting systems
• Building positive relationships with young people, families and professionals
• Supporting recruitment, induction and workforce development
• Contributing to audits, quality assurance activities and service improvement
• Supporting the home's readiness for Ofsted inspection and ongoing regulatory requirements
• Deputising for the Registered Manager in their absence
• Supporting young people directly and modelling excellent childcare practice

Working Pattern

This role offers a flexible working arrangement designed to provide effective leadership and support to both young people and staff.

The Deputy Manager will typically work Monday to Friday, with core hours broadly aligned to a 9am–5pm working pattern. However, flexibility is essential within residential childcare and the successful candidate will be expected to work in line with the needs of the home.

This may include:

• Participation in the management on-call rota
• Occasional sleep-in duties
• Some evening and weekend working
• Working alongside the care team during key periods to provide leadership, coaching and support
• Supporting the Registered Manager with emergency cover where required

Our Residential Childcare Workers and Senior Residential Childcare Workers will operate a 3-on, 3-off shift pattern. The Deputy Manager will work flexibly around this rota to ensure visibility, consistency and effective leadership across the service.

We recognise the importance of work-life balance and aim to provide flexibility wherever possible whilst ensuring the needs of children remain at the centre of our practice.

Who We're Looking For

We are looking for someone who is:

• Passionate about improving outcomes for children
• A confident and supportive leader
• Emotionally resilient and able to remain calm under pressure
• Organised and able to balance care practice with operational responsibilities
• Committed to therapeutic and trauma-informed approaches
• Able to motivate, develop and inspire others
• Driven to create a positive culture for both children and staff

Essential Requirements

• Experience working within a children's residential care setting
• Experience leading shifts and supporting staff teams
• Good understanding of safeguarding and children's legislation
• Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or equivalent)
• Full UK Driving Licence

Desirable Requirements

• Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare, or willingness to work towards
• Previous experience as a Senior Residential Childcare Worker, Team Manager or Deputy Manager
• Knowledge of Children's Homes Regulations and Quality Standards
• Experience supporting children with social, emotional and behavioural needs
• Experience of supervision, mentoring or developing staff

What We Offer

• Salary of £38,000 - £42,000 per annum, dependent on experience and qualifications
• Additional payments for sleep-ins and on-call duties where applicable
• Opportunities for career progression within a growing organisation
• Support to complete Level 5 Leadership and Management qualifications
• Ongoing training and professional development
• Reflective practice and professional support
• A supportive leadership team
• The opportunity to help shape a new therapeutic children's home from the ground up

Career Progression

At The Brook we are committed to developing talented people and supporting long-term careers within residential childcare.

Potential progression opportunities include:

Senior Residential Childcare Worker
⬇
Deputy Manager
⬇
Registered Manager
⬇
Responsible Individual / Senior Leadership Opportunities

We actively support professional development and recognised qualifications to help staff achieve their career goals.

Our Culture

At The Brook we are committed to creating a positive and supportive culture where:

• Relationships come first
• Reflection and learning are encouraged
• Staff feel valued, trusted and supported
• Children's voices are heard and respected
• Professional development is actively promoted
• Teamwork and collaboration are prioritised

We believe that when staff feel supported, children receive better care.

Safeguarding

The Brook is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

All roles are subject to:

• Enhanced DBS checks
• Satisfactory references
• Employment history verification
• Safer recruitment procedures

Apply Now

If you are an experienced residential childcare professional looking for an opportunity to help build and shape a new therapeutic home, we would love to hear from you.

Join us and help create something special at The Brook.

We particularly welcome applications from experienced Senior Residential Childcare Workers, Team Managers and Deputy Managers who are looking to work within a smaller, relationship-focused service where they can genuinely influence practice and outcomes for children.

Pay: £38,000.00-£42,000.00 per year

Application question(s):

• Do you hold a minimum of QCF level 3 in Residential Childcare / Young People

Experience:

• Working with children in a residential setting: 2 years (required)

Work Location: In person