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YOURRECRUIT LIMITED · 07364602; Borough of Spelthorne; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

YourRecruit Ltd in Ashford, Surrey (TW15) is recruiting an experienced Children’s Home Team Leader / Senior Residential Support Worker. You will lead shifts, support the Registered Manager, safeguard children and ensure high standards of care and recording.

A hands-on senior role requires leading staff, supervising performance, and liaising with families and professionals. The role emphasizes staff mentorship, supervision, ongoing development, and adherence to Ofsted Quality Standards.

Qualifications

• At least 1 year’s experience in residential childcare.
• Experience supporting children and young people.
• Experience as Senior Residential Support Worker or Team Leader.
• Knowledge of Ofsted, Children’s Homes Regulations and Quality Standards.
• Ability to complete care plans and risk assessments.
• Good communication and record-keeping skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support residential childcare staff during shifts.
• Support the Registered Manager and Deputy Manager with running the home.
• Promote safeguarding, welfare and development of children and young people.
• Ensure high standards of care in line with regulations and standards.
• Liaise with families, social workers and external professionals.
• Coordinate daily routines and delegate tasks to the team.
• Lead key-work sessions and maintain accurate records.
• Coach and mentor team members; support staff development.

Skills

Senior childcare leadership

Risk assessment

Safeguarding

Staff coaching

Record-keeping

Education

Residential childcare Level 3

Residential childcare Level 5

Job description

Location: Ashford, Surrey (TW15)

Shift pattern: Days are 7am – 7pm, Waking Nights are 7pm – 7am

We are recruiting an experienced Children’s Home Team Leader / Senior Residential Support Worker to join a residential children’s home in the Ashford area.

This is a hands‑on senior position for someone who enjoys working directly with children and young people while also taking responsibility for leading shifts, supporting staff, safeguarding and maintaining high standards of residential childcare.

You will work closely with the Registered Manager and Deputy Manager, supporting the day‑to‑day running of the home and deputising when required.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and support residential childcare staff during shifts
• Support the Registered Manager and Deputy Manager with the effective running of the home
• Promote the safeguarding, welfare and development of children and young people
• Ensure high standards of care in line with Children’s Homes Regulations and Ofsted Quality Standards
• Support children with their education, behaviour, emotional wellbeing and personal development
• Prepare and review placement plans, safety plans and risk assessments
• Lead key-work sessions and ensure records are accurate and up to date
• Supervise, coach and mentor members of the residential care team
• Support staff development, training and performance
• Liaise professionally with families, social workers and other external professionals
• Participate in reviews, meetings and multi‑agency working
• Maintain excellent professional boundaries and safeguarding practice
• Support health and safety compliance within the home
• Coordinate daily routines and delegate responsibilities to the residential care team

The original specification places particular emphasis on leading staff, mentoring, supervision, staff development and demonstrating evidence against Ofsted’s Quality Standards.

About you

• At least 1 year’s experience working in residential childcare / a children’s home
• Experience supporting children and young people
• Previous experience as a Senior Residential Support Worker, Senior Support Worker, Team Leader or Senior Keyworker
• Experience leading, coaching, mentoring or supervising staff
• Knowledge of Ofsted, the Children’s Homes Regulations and Quality Standards
• Confidence completing care plans, risk assessments and professional reports
• Good communication, literacy, IT and record‑keeping skills
• A child‑centred approach and the ability to promote children’s voices and choices
• Ability to work flexibly, including evenings, weekends, bank holidays, waking nights and on‑call when required

The client specification asks for at least one year's relevant residential childcare experience and highlights leadership, Ofsted knowledge and the ability to undertake appropriate residential childcare qualifications such as Level 3 and Level 5.

Due to the regulated nature of Children's Residential Care, successful candidates will be required to complete all relevant safer recruitment and pre‑employment checks before starting work.

Right to Work: Please only apply if you already have the right to work in the UK for this position. Unfortunately, sponsorship is not available for this vacancy.

Safer Recruitment & Safeguarding: YourRecruit is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Appointments to roles within children's residential services will be subject to appropriate safer recruitment checks, which may include an Enhanced DBS check, verification of employment history, satisfactory references, qualification checks, identity and Right to Work checks, and exploration of any gaps in employment, in line with the requirements of the role and provider.

Due to the volume of applications we receive, we may not be able to respond individually to every applicant. If you have not heard from us within 7 days, unfortunately you have not been shortlisted for this particular vacancy. We would, however, be pleased to consider you for other suitable opportunities.

YourRecruit Ltd is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and does not discriminate unlawfully on the grounds of any protected characteristic.