Deputy Manager Children’s Services
Package Description
Deputy Manager – Children’s Home (Activity & Intervention New Centre)
Position Based: Maerview Lodge, Maer, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire, ST5
Salary: £17.57 - £18.30 per hour - £35,631.96 - £37,112.40 per annum
Assigned shift structure: Full-time with 39 hours | Monday–Friday | 9:00am – 5:00pm
Important Requirements – Please Read Before Applying
✅ A full, valid UK driver’s licence is required
✅ You must be at least 21 years of age to apply
✅NVQ/QCF Level 3 or higher in Child Care (Please clearly state this on your CV)
⚠️ Applications that do not meet these criteria will not be considered.
Are you ready for a role that’s more than just a job?
Do you have a passion for outdoor adventure and want to help transform young lives?
This is a unique opportunity to lead and inspire as a Deputy Manager in a stunning activity-based residential setting, supporting children and young people to overcome challenges and build a brighter future.
What makes this role special?
Based at the beautiful Maerview Lodge are brand new centre to Keys group in the heart of Staffordshire, you'll lead a dedicated team supporting children (aged 8–18) who need a break from their current circumstances.
Through a 12-week intervention programme packed with outdoor adventure—like rock climbing, kayaking, paddle boarding, and hill walking—you’ll help young people rebuild confidence, develop trust, and discover their potential.
✅ What we’re looking for:
- A certificate in childcare – A minimum of NVQ/QCF Level 3 in Residential Childcare (or an equivalent or higher qualification specifically in Residential Childcare) is essential. Please note we cannot accept Level 3 Health and Social Care qualifications
- Experienced leader – ideally previous Deputy Manager experience, must have 1 year in a residential childcare setting
- An outdoor enthusiast – who thrives in physical, active environments
- Resilient, caring, and confident – a true role model for young people
- UK work eligibility and a full UK driving licence
Why join Keys Group?
We’re a leading care provider with heart. At Keys, we empower children and staff to thrive—backed by real training, career progression, and genuine support.
Here’s what we offer:
✅ Real Living Wage employer
✅ Fully funded qualifications & training
✅ Enhanced pay for qualifications and experience
✅ Life assurance, pension, and 28 days annual leave
✅ Free meals on shift & great employee benefits
✅ Enhanced DBS paid by us
✅ Maternity & paternity pay
✅ A meaningful career with a growing, supportive organisation
What you'll do:
- Help lead and manage a vibrant, therapeutic activity service
- Provide consistent, structured care and be a positive role model
- Support young people through physical and emotional challenges
- Work closely with the Registered Manager and wider professional teams
- Deliver life-changing experiences through outdoor interventions
Keys Group are very proud to have signed the Armed Forces Covenant that means we have made a commitment to welcoming service personnel, veterans and military families into the group. We are delighted to have veteran friendly policies, offer a Veterans Peer Support Network within our teams and can offer Military Awareness and support to our colleagues.
As part of our commitment, we will offer a guaranteed interview to current and former service personnel providing that they meet the criteria of the role that they are applying for. If you feel that you meet the criteria for this, please ensure that you have your military experience detailed on your CV for one of our resourcing team to get in touch.
⏳ Ready to make a difference?
If you're a passionate childcare professional with leadership potential, outdoor energy, and a drive to help young people grow, we want to hear from you.
Apply now and start your journey with Keys Group.
Make every day an adventure – and a chance to change a life.
To discuss this role in more detail you are welcome to email me directly at lewis.windsor-gault@keys-group.co.uk