From Prison Officer to Deputy Manager: Ian Levy’s Journey into Care

I never originally imagined starting a career in childcare. It began almost by accident. At the time, I was working as a Senior Prison Officer at HMP Peterborough when I was asked to support a school project. This involved visiting schools and speaking with young people who were either known to the police or considered at risk of entering a pathway into criminality.

I can still remember delivering sessions about what prison life is really like, challenging the distorted version often seen on social media. It was important to give the young people a realistic understanding of consequences and choices. One moment that stood out to me was receiving a letter from a parent afterwards, thanking myself and the team. They explained that the project had a positive impact on their child, who had begun to make more positive life choices and had started to return to the young person they once knew and loved. That message stayed with me and sparked a genuine curiosity about working more directly with children and young people in a care setting.

When COVID-19 began, I took the opportunity to reflect and explore a career change. This was the point at which I actively began looking into roles within children’s residential care. I eventually made the transition from prison officer to working in a children’s home in Peterborough.

Since then, I have progressed to the role of Deputy Manager, a role I have thoroughly enjoyed. No two days are ever the same; while the work can be challenging at times, the positive outcomes and meaningful relationships make it extremely rewarding.

One of my most memorable experiences was supporting a young person on a six-day trip to Italy with a colleague. We were able to visit key sights and create lasting memories. The young person still speaks about that experience three years later, which for me highlights the lasting impact that positive experiences and relationship-based care can have.

Looking back, I can confidently say that transitioning from a Prison Officer to a Deputy Manager in children’s residential care has been one of the most rewarding decisions I have ever made.

Ian Levy – Deputy Manager (Children’s Residential) – April 2026

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