Team Leader (Children’s Home)

Team Leader – Children’s Home

Location: East London
Pay: £13.95 – £14.95 per hour
Responsible To: Registered Manager, Deputy Manager
Liaison With: Management and all residential staff

Please do not apply if:

• You do not have past experience working in a childcare setting.
• You do not have, or are not willing to work towards, a Level 4 Children, Young People and Families Practitioner qualification (or equivalent).
• You do not have experience of working within an Ofsted-regulated residential children’s home.

Role Purpose

To assist the Registered Manager and Deputy Manager in leading the home, ensuring high standards of care and compliance with Ofsted and Children’s Homes Regulations 2015. To act as shift leader when required, providing role modelling, guidance, and supervision to staff, while ensuring children’s safety, emotional security, and personal growth.

Key Responsibilities

1. Leadership & Management

• Supervise and guide staff in line with the Children’s Homes Regulations 2015 and company policies.
• Act as shift leader, delegating tasks, providing role modelling, and ensuring effective teamwork.
• Support the Registered Manager/Deputy with admin, audits, and quality assurance (including Reg 44/45 processes).
• Contribute to staff recruitment, induction, training, and professional development.

2. Children’s Care

• Build positive relationships with children based on trust, respect, and consistency.
• Support staff to manage behaviour effectively using positive behaviour strategies.
• Ensure children’s casework, care plans, and reports are accurate and up to date.
• Promote children’s participation in decisions and seek their views in reviews and planning.

3. Safeguarding & Compliance

• Promote and safeguard the welfare of children in line with company safeguarding policy.
• Respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns, reporting to the Designated Safeguarding Lead.
• Ensure all care and practice meets Ofsted standards and CHR 2015 requirements.

4. Organisation & Administration

• Maintain effective shift handovers, staff meetings, and team communication.
• Support staff to compile reports, attend case conferences and care reviews.
• Manage resources efficiently and ensure living areas remain safe and orderly.

5. General Duties

• Carry out delegated tasks from the Registered Manager/Deputy.
• Escort/transport children to school, appointments, and activities.
• Work flexibly, including sleep-ins, evenings, weekends, and holidays as required.

Requirements

• At least 1 year’s experience as a Senior Support Worker or Team Leader in a children’s home.
• Familiarity with Ofsted inspections and Children’s Homes Regulations 2015.
• NVQ Level 3 in Residential Childcare (minimum); willingness to complete Level 4 required.
• Strong safeguarding knowledge and ability to lead on child protection matters.
• Confident in supervising staff, running shifts, and managing challenging behaviour.
• Full UK driving licence (preferred).

Safeguarding

This role is subject to an Enhanced DBS check. All staff share responsibility for safeguarding children and young people in our care.