Job Description
WE DO NOT OFFER ANY FORM OF SPONSORSHIP FOR THIS ROLE. ALL APPLICANTS MUST HAVE THEIR RIGHT TO WORK IN THE UK.
About the Home
We are opening a new home
Kestrel House is a specialist children’s home providing care for young people aged 5–17 with mild to moderate learning disabilities.
The home delivers structured, nurturing and low-arousal care, supporting children with Learning disability, Autism, ADHD, non-verbal communication needs and associated conditions. Care is based on Positive Behaviour Support (PBS), relational practice and consistent routines to promote emotional safety and development. we hope to be open the home at the end of the year.
Purpose of the Role
We are seeking a compassionate and dedicated Team Leader to join our team.
As a Team Leader, you will play a key role in helping young people with learning disabilities to lead fulfilling and independent lives by assisting them in their day-to-day activities, personal care, and emotional development.
You will lead shifts, support staff, and ensure high-quality care is delivered in line with Children’s Homes Regulations 2015 and the home’s Statement of Purpose.
What We Offer
- Meals provided while you’re at work
- Ongoing training and development opportunities
- Career progression within a growing organisation
- Supportive and inclusive team environment
- Opportunity to be part of a new service
· Inductions, Regular 1:1 supervision and a strong team-based approach.
In addition, we offer regular supervision and mentoring to support your professional growth, access to recognised qualifications in residential childcare, and opportunities to specialise in areas such as Autism and Positive Behaviour Support. You will be part of a service that values staff wellbeing, promotes a healthy work-life balance, and recognises and rewards commitment, dedication and high-quality care practice.
Key Responsibilities
Care & Support
- Provide direct care and support to children with learning disabilities, ensuring their safety, dignity, and wellbeing at all times
- Assist with personal care tasks including hygiene, dressing and feeding where required
- Support children in daily routines, independence skills and emotional development
- Implement individual care plans tailored to each child’s needs
Leadership & Shift Management
- Lead shifts and ensure safe staffing and effective team performance
- Oversee and support staff in managing behaviours and promoting positive outcomes
- Enable young people to move from external control towards self-regulation
- Ensure effective handovers and delegation of tasks, including appointments
Safeguarding & Behaviour Support
- Safeguard all children and young people in line with company policies and procedures
- Recognise signs of abuse or neglect and follow safeguarding and whistleblowing procedures
- Support children in managing behaviours using de-escalation and positive reinforcement strategies
- Promote a low-arousal and PBS approach in line with the home’s ethos
Staff Supervision & Development
- Support and mentor team members to enhance their practice
- Ensure staff receive regular supervision and guidance
- Promote a positive team culture focused on continuous improvement
- Work collaboratively to develop staff skills and knowledge
Care Planning & Compliance
- Assist the Registered Manager in completing daily and weekly tasks
- Support the development and review of care plans, risk assessments and Behaviour Support Plans
- Ensure documentation is accurate, up to date and compliant, including:
- Statement of Purpose
- Regulation 44 and 45 reports
- Location Risk Assessments
- Monitor and record children’s progress, behaviours and outcomes
Multi-Agency Working
- Work collaboratively with colleagues, families and external professionals (social workers, therapists, education providers)
- Build positive relationships with relatives and facilitate/supervise family visits
- Ensure referrals are appropriately matched and information is shared effectively
Activities & Development
- Support children in educational, recreational and community activities
- Promote social inclusion, confidence and independence
- Encourage participation in meaningful activities aligned with individual needs
Environment & Health & Safety
- Maintain a clean, safe and nurturing home environment
- Exercise vigilance in respect of Health and Safety and report hazards immediately
- Ensure the home operates in line with policies and procedures
Regulatory Responsibilities (Children’s Homes Regulations 2015)
Regulation 31 – Notifications
- Report serious incidents promptly to the Registered Manager
- Ensure accurate recording of safeguarding concerns, injuries or significant events
Regulation 32 – Records
- Maintain clear, accurate and up-to-date records
- Ensure records reflect children’s views, wishes and feelings
Regulation 33 – Staff Practice
- Work within competence and training
- Participate in supervision, training and professional development
- Promote safe and consistent practice across the team
Qualifications & Skills
Essential
- Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or equivalent)
- Experience working with children with learning disabilities or additional needs
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to manage challenging behaviours in a calm and professional manner
- A caring, patient and empathetic approach
- Full UK driving licence with business insurance
- Proven ability to lead shifts and support a staff team effectively
- Experience of working within Children’s Homes Regulations 2015 and Quality Standards.
- Ability to complete and oversee accurate record keeping and documentation.
- Experience in safeguarding children and managing safeguarding concerns appropriately.
- Ability to supervise, mentor and develop staff members
- Strong understanding of Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) and de-escalation techniques.
- Ability to work in partnership with external professionals (social workers, education, health).
- Experience of risk assessments and care planning processes.
- Ability to remain calm under pressure and make decisions in challenging situations.
- Commitment to continuous professional development and maintaining up-to-date knowledge of legislation and best practice.
Desirable
- Supervisory or leadership experience
- Knowledge of Autism, ADHD and non-verbal communication
- Experience with Makaton or PECS
- Understanding of Positive Behaviour Support and low-arousal approaches
- Experience of working within a children’s residential home setting.
- Previous involvement in Ofsted inspection.
- Knowledge of care planning systems and electronic recording systems
- Experience of leading or coordinating shifts within a care environment
- Understanding of trauma-informed care and attachment theory
- Experience in supporting children with sensory processing needs
- Knowledge of safeguarding procedures including CSE, CCE and missing from home protocols.
- Experience of working with families and facilitating contact visits.
- Ability to contribute to staff rotas and workforce planning.
- Awareness of equality, diversity and inclusion in residential childcare settings.
Additional Requirements
- Flexibility to work shifts, including evenings, nights, weekends, bank holidays
- Required to undertake sleep-in and waking night duties
- Commitment to ongoing professional development
- Keep up to date with legislation, policies and best practice
DBS Requirement
An enhanced DBS check is required.
Please note: the cost of the DBS will not be covered by the company.
Closing Statement
At Children’s Sanctuary, we are committed to providing safe, nurturing and structured environments where children with learning disabilities can thrive. Our approach is rooted in relationships, consistency and understanding behaviour as communication.
If you are passionate about making a difference and supporting young people to achieve positive outcomes, we would love to hear from you.
Pay: £13.60-£14.10 per hour
Licence/Certification:
- Driving Licence (required)
Work Location: In person
