Job Overview
We are seeking an experienced and confident Team Leader to join our Ofsted-regulated children’s residential home. Our service provides therapeutic, trauma-informed care for children and young people with emotional and behavioural difficulties and complex needs.
This is a key leadership role, responsible for leading shifts, supporting staff practice, safeguarding children, and ensuring the home consistently meets the Children’s Homes Regulations 2015 and Ofsted Quality Standards.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage shifts ensuring safe staffing and effective care delivery
- Safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people at all times
- Ensure practice meets Ofsted Quality Standards (Care, Safeguarding, Leadership & Management)
- Support staff with behaviour management and decision-making
- Respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns in line with legislation and organisational policy
- Maintain accurate and compliant records including daily logs, incidents, and risk assessments
- Oversee medication administration in line with policy and regulation
- Maintain a safe, nurturing, and well-managed home environment
- Work collaboratively with external agencies, families, and professionals
- Support management with audits, monitoring, and continuous improvement
Experience & Knowledge
- Minimum of 2 years’ experience working in an Ofsted-regulated children’s residential setting OR at least 1 year’s experience as a Senior Residential Support Worker
- Proven EBD experience and leading and managing shifts within a children’s residential setting
- Working knowledge and application of the Children’s Homes Regulations 2015
- Knowledge and understanding of Ofsted frameworks, Quality Standards, and inspection processes
- Experience supporting children affected by trauma, emotional and behavioural difficulties, criminal exploitation, County Lines, and/or CSE would be an advantage
- Ability to support staff practice within a therapeutic, trauma-informed framework
Leadership & Therapeutic Approach
Outdoor or activity-based experience (e.g. outdoor education, sports, or therapeutic activities) would be an advantage, as our care model is activity-based and relational.
Team Leaders are expected to:
- Lead by example and model high-quality, child-centred practice
- Support, mentor, and guide staff on shift
- Promote consistency, structure, and emotional safety for children
Qualifications
- NVQ Level 3/4 in Children and Young People (or equivalent) OR Evidence of working towards Level 3 or a willingness to enrol and complete within agreed timescales in line with Ofsted requirements
Skills & Qualities
- Ability to lead, motivate, and manage a shift effectively
- Calm, resilient, and confident decision-maker
- Strong communication and report-writing skills
- Organised, proactive, and reflective practitioner
- Commitment to equality, diversity, safeguarding, and children’s rights
Other Requirements
- Enhanced DBS check
- Right to work in the UK
- Ability to work flexible shifts including sleep-ins
- Good written and verbal English communication skills
- Commitment to professional development
- Full UK driving licence would be an advantage
Shift Pattern
- 2 days on / 4 days off (Sleep-ins included - £60 per Sleep-in)
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £16.00-£17.50 per hour
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company pension
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Wellingborough NN8: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Experience:
- Ofsted Regulated Home: 2 years (preferred)
- Senior Residential Support Worker: 1 year (preferred)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
