Team Leader - Children's Homes

Sgscare; Tees Valley; On-site; GBP 39,000 - GBP 47,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading care agency in Tees Valley is seeking a dedicated Team Leader for children's homes. The role includes managing day-to-day operations, supporting a dedicated staff team, and ensuring a high-quality care environment for young people with emotional needs. Ideal candidates will hold a Level 3 Children’s Residential Care qualification and a Full UK Driving Licence. Benefits include generous holidays, training opportunities, and a comprehensive flexible benefits package.

Benefits

Sleep-in pay (£80 per night) up to 3 per month

Attendance allowance up to £1,400 per year

7 weeks’ holiday

Flexible benefits package

Private health insurance and medical cover

Employee assistance and wellbeing programmes

Meals provided while at work

£1,000 recommend-a-friend scheme

Qualifications

• Experience in residential childcare is desirable.
• Able to manage day-to-day operations and deputize for managers.
• Strong relationship-building skills with children and staff.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support staff in delivering high-quality care.
• Manage operations and maintain compliance with regulations.
• Ensure a safe nurturing environment for children with SEMH needs.

Skills

Compassionate leadership

Emotional resilience

Relationship building

Education

Level 3 Children’s Residential Care qualification

Tools

Full UK Driving Licence

Job description

🏠 The Role

Team Leader – Children’s Homes | Salary £39,680 - £46,944 (assuming good attendance and up to 3 sleep-ins per month) | Base Salary £35,400 - £42,664 | Working Hours: Full-time, flexible to meet operational needs

Service: Children’s Home – SEMH / Therapeutic Residential Care

Service Users: Children & Young People with social, emotional and mental health needs

Qualifications Required: Level 3 Children’s Residential Care qualification

Experience in Years Required: Residential childcare experience desirable

Employment Type: Permanent, Full-time

Sponsorship: Sponsorship is not available

Closing Date for Applications: Monday, 26th January 2026

The Home

• Location: Darlington, Durham
• Type of YPs: SEMH, therapeutic needs
• Ofsted Rating: Good or Outstanding (home-specific)
• Ratio of Staff to Children: According to home requirements; Team Leader supervises staff

Who we are looking for…

We are seeking a dedicated, proactive, and compassionate Team Leader who:

• Can manage day-to-day operations and deputise for Registered and Deputy Managers
• Builds strong relationships with young people and inspires the staff team
• Is emotionally resilient and able to handle challenging situations
• Holds a Level 3 Children’s Residential Care qualification
• Holds a Full UK Driving Licence

Do not apply for this role if any of the following apply to you:

• You do not hold a Full UK Driving Licence and do not have a car
• You only hold a Level 3 in Health & Social Care (not deemed equivalent)
• Candidates with only HealthCare, NHS, CQC, or Nursery Practitioner qualifications
• You require sponsorship – no sponsorship available

Individuals with only CQC experience and who have not worked in an Ofsted Registered Children’s Home will not be considered.

Who you will be working for…

• Witherslack Group, a leading UK provider of specialist education and residential care
• Family-like, supportive culture with multiple homes across the UK
• Inclusive and therapeutic approach to care
• Continuous growth with progression opportunities

Why this Home & Company…

• Progression Opportunity: Most Team Leaders and Managers promoted internally; access to the ‘Aspire’ future managers programme
• Training Opportunity: Care Academy 4-week induction plus ongoing training
• Benefits Include:
• Sleep-in pay (£80 per night) up to 3 per month
• Attendance allowance up to £1,400 per year
• 7 weeks’ holiday
• Flexible benefits package (holiday, pension, life insurance)
• Private health insurance and medical cover
• Employee assistance and wellbeing programmes
• Meals provided while at work
• £1,000 recommend-a-friend scheme

Ethos & Culture: Inclusive, supportive, therapeutic, child-centred, and nurturing

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate, and support staff in delivering high-quality care
• Manage day-to-day operations and maintain high standards within the home
• Deputise for Registered/Deputy Managers as required
• Support young people with SEMH needs in a safe, nurturing environment
• Ensure compliance with Ofsted, legislation, and internal policies

Safer Recruitment

Applicants will undergo enhanced DBS checks and online searches. Robust vetting ensures all staff meet the highest safeguarding standards.

How to Apply

If you are passionate about transforming the lives of children and young people, and want to join a professional, inclusive, and supportive team, we encourage you to apply today

Click the apply button or contact us for more information.

Email: [e-mail]

Closing Date for Applications: Monday, 26th January 2026