Childrens Residential Team Leader

Wilderness Way; Brampton; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sleep-ins

Annual leave

Compassionate Leave

Sick Pay

Maternity Pay

Paternity Pay

Medicash benefits

Life Assurance

Fully funded Level 3 Diploma

Induction programme

Career progression

Discounts

Refer a Friend bonus

Company pension

Job summary

Wilderness Way in the United Kingdom is seeking an experienced residential childcare leader to oversee shifts, guide teams and champion high-quality care for children.

You will lead safeguarding, develop care plans, collaborate with families and professionals, and drive continuous improvement across the home. This hands-on leadership role requires a Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare and a genuine commitment to trauma-informed, child-centred practice.

Qualifications

• Hold a Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare, Children and Young People's Workforce, or an equivalent qualification.
• Have experience working in residential childcare, including supporting children with emotional, behavioural or complex needs.
• Bring leadership experience, whether that's through coaching, mentoring, shift leadership or supporting the development of colleagues.
• Be 21 or over due to requirements within children's residential care.
• Have the right to work in the UK (no sponsorship offered).
• Hold a full UK driving licence and be comfortable driving as part of your role.

Responsibilities

• Lead shifts and make decisions that ensure children receive safe, consistent and high-quality care.
• Coach, mentor and support Residential Support Workers and Senior Residential Support Workers to build confidence, consistency and best practice.
• Champion trauma-informed care and help create positive, nurturing environments for children to thrive.
• Ensure children's voices are heard and reflected in their care and support.
• Oversee care plans, risk assessments and records to maintain high standards of care and regulatory compliance.
• Lead safeguarding practice on shift and support colleagues to make safe decisions.

Skills

Leadership experience

Coaching

Trauma-informed care

Decision making

Safeguarding

Resilience

Education

Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare

Job description

Responsibilities

• Lead shifts and make decisions that ensure children receive safe, consistent and high-quality care.
• Coach, mentor and support Residential Support Workers and Senior Residential Support Workers to build confidence, consistency and best practice.
• Champion trauma-informed care and help create positive, nurturing environments where children can thrive.
• Ensure children's voices are heard and reflected in the care and support they receive.
• Promote education, achievement, wellbeing and independence through everyday opportunities.
• Oversee care plans, risk assessments and records to maintain the highest standards of care and regulatory compliance.
• Lead safeguarding practice on shift, supporting colleagues to make safe and informed decisions.
• Work closely with families, schools, therapists and other professionals to help children achieve positive outcomes.
• Support audits, inspections and continuous improvement activities that help maintain outstanding services.
• Deputise for senior leaders when required and help drive the day-to-day operation of the home.

Qualifications

• Hold a Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare, Children and Young People's Workforce, or an equivalent qualification.
• Have experience working in residential childcare, including supporting children with emotional, behavioural or complex needs.
• Bring leadership experience, whether that's through coaching, mentoring, shift leadership or supporting the development of colleagues.
• Be 21 or over (or turning 21 soon) due to requirements within children's residential care.
• Have the right to work in the UK. Unfortunately, we're unable to offer sponsorship for this position.
• Hold a full UK driving licence and be comfortable driving as part of your role, as you'll help children access the people, opportunities and experiences that matter most to them.
• Bring resilience, sound judgement and a positive approach, with the confidence to make decisions and lead others through challenges.

You’ll Thrive in This Role If You…

Believe great care starts with great relationships. See leadership as supporting and developing others. Can remain calm, resilient and compassionate when challenges arise. Are passionate about helping children achieve outcomes they never thought possible. Want to play a key role in building high-performing teams and exceptional homes.

Why Join Us?

When you spend your career changing children's lives, you deserve a company that invests in yours.

Benefits

• Set shift patterns including sleep-ins.
• Up to 7 weeks annual leave.
• Paid Compassionate Leave from day one.
• Enhanced Sick Pay, Maternity Pay and Paternity Pay.
• Medicash healthcare benefits, including dental and optical cashback plus 24/7 GP access.
• Life Assurance worth 2x your annual salary.
• Fully funded Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare.
• A dedicated induction and six-month welcome programme.
• Clear opportunities to progress your career with Wilderness Way.
• Discounts across gyms, retail, restaurants and more.
• £1,000 Refer a Friend bonus.
• Company pension scheme.

Your Day-to-Day

This is a hands‑on leadership role where you'll be making a difference both to children and the colleagues around you. You'll