Lead the Difference – Children's Residential Team Leader
Location: Rugeley, Staffordshire
Salary: £28,041.00 – £33,367.50 per annum (depending on experience)
Sleep-In Payment: £50 per sleep-in
Hours: Full Time – 37.5 hours per week
Shift Pattern: 1 day on, 2 days off
Start Date: 1st September 2026
At Bracebridge Children's Services, we believe every child deserves a safe, stable and nurturing home where they can flourish. We're looking for an experienced Children's Residential Team Leader to help lead our dedicated team in our Rugeley home, supporting children and young people aged 8–18 years.
This is more than just a leadership role: it's an opportunity to inspire others, shape young lives and be part of a service that is committed to delivering outstanding care. As a Team Leader, you'll support the Registered Manager in creating a safe, therapeutic and supportive environment where children feel valued, listened to and empowered to achieve their potential.
Is This the Opportunity You've Been Looking For?
We're looking for someone who:
- Leads with confidence, compassion and professionalism.
- Is passionate about helping children and young people achieve positive outcomes.
- Can motivate, guide and support a team to deliver exceptional care.
- Builds strong relationships with children, families and partner agencies.
- Is resilient, organised and able to remain calm under pressure.
- Wants to make a genuine difference every single day.
What You'll Be Doing
No two days are ever the same in residential childcare. As a Team Leader, you'll be responsible for leading shifts, supporting your team and ensuring children receive consistent, high-quality care.
Your role will include:
- Leading by example and promoting positive practice within the home.
- Supporting children with their emotional wellbeing, education, health, independence and daily routines.
- Creating meaningful relationships that help children feel safe and secure.
- Working alongside families and professionals to achieve the best possible outcomes.
- Supporting, mentoring and guiding Residential Care Workers throughout each shift.
- Ensuring safeguarding is always at the centre of your practice.
- Assisting the Registered Manager with the day-to-day running of the home.
A key part of this role is maintaining excellent standards of documentation. You'll be responsible for completing and overseeing:
- Risk assessments.
- Care plans and placement plan updates.
- Daily records and handovers.
- Incident reports.
- Key work sessions.
- Behaviour monitoring and progress reports.
- Reports for meetings and external professionals.
All records must be completed accurately, professionally and in line with Ofsted regulations, Quality Standards, statutory guidance and Bracebridge Children's Services policies and procedures.
Our Shift Pattern
We operate a 1 day on, 2 days off rota, providing consistency for the children in our care while offering a structured work-life balance for our team.
Each shift consists of:
- 10:30am – 11:00pm
- Sleep-in
- 7:30am – 10:30am handover before finishing
What You'll Need
To be considered for this role, you'll need:
- A Level 3 or Level 4 qualification in Children's Residential Care.
- Experience working within a children's residential setting.
- A full UK driving licence (manual or automatic).
- Strong leadership, communication and organisational skills.
- A genuine passion for improving the lives of children and young people.
- The legal right to work in the UK.
Please note:
- We do not offer sponsorship for this role. Applicants must already have the legal right to work in the UK.
- This role is subject to an Enhanced DBS check, including a Children's Barred List check, before employment can commence.
Why Join Bracebridge Children's Services?
When you join Bracebridge Children's Services, you'll become part of a team that genuinely values its people. We recognise that great care starts with great staff, which is why we invest in your development and provide the support you need to succeed.
In return, we offer:
- Competitive salary of £28,041.00 – £33,367.50 per annum.
- £50 payment for every sleep-in completed.
- Full-time permanent employment (37.5 hours per week).
- Ongoing training and professional development.
- Career progression opportunities.
- A supportive leadership team and positive working environment.
- The opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of children and young people.
Ready to Lead the Difference?
If you're ready to take the next step in your residential childcare career and want to lead a team that is passionate about changing young lives, we'd love to hear from you.
Applications are now open for a start date of 1st September 2026.
Our Commitment to Safeguarding
Bracebridge Children's Services is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect everyone who works with us to share this commitment.
Successful applicants will be subject to our safer recruitment procedures, including satisfactory references, verification of qualifications and identity, an Enhanced DBS check with Children's Barred List check, and confirmation of the right to work in the UK.
Bracebridge Children's Services is committed to creating an inclusive and supportive workplace where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and are committed to recruiting, developing and retaining talented individuals based on their skills, experience and suitability for the role.
Pay: £28,041.00-£33,367.50 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company pension
- Free parking
- Paid training
Work Location: In person
