Senior Team Leader

New Forest Care Ltd; Eastleigh; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A local childcare organization seeks a dedicated Team Leader to guide and support staff in providing a nurturing environment for children. The role demands at least 1 year of residential childcare experience and a Level 3 Diploma. You will lead a team, ensure high care standards, and develop staff through mentoring. This position involves working a residential rota, including evenings and weekends. A competitive salary and various benefits, including professional training, are offered.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Comprehensive induction training

Regular in-house training

Funded professional qualifications

Workplace Pension Scheme

5.6 weeks annual leave

Meals provided when on shift

On-site parking

Qualifications

• At least 1 year’s experience in a residential childcare setting.
• Flexible to work a residential care rota (including evenings, weekends, holidays, sleep-ins).
• Full valid UK driving licence.

Responsibilities

• Lead and motivate Support Workers, ensuring high standards of care.
• Complete daily staffing allocations and ensure effective shift cover.
• Build strong, trusting relationships with children.

Skills

Leadership

Managing challenging behaviours

Relationship building

Mentoring

Compassion

Education

Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare

Job description

Job Description – Team Leader (Residential Childcare)

Reports to: Registered Manager / Responsible Individual

Hours: 51 per week (including evenings, weekends, Bank Holidays and sleep‑ins)

The company is unable to sponsor employment of international workers in this role. You will be required to provide evidence of your right to work in the UK.

Job Purpose

We are looking for a dedicated and dynamic leader who can motivate and support adults in their role, while ensuring children receive the highest quality care. You will lead a team of Support Workers to provide a safe, nurturing and supportive environment for children and young people, acting as a consistent and positive role model in their lives.

Children in our care may present with challenging behaviours linked to early life trauma, ADHD, autism and emotional/behavioural difficulties. Using a therapeutic approach (DDP & PACE), you will ensure care plans are followed, safeguarding requirements are met, and positive outcomes are achieved.

This is a supernumerary role where you will lead, guide and develop staff teams; however, you may also be required to cover direct shift duties when necessary to support the needs of the home and children.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and motivate Support Workers, ensuring high standards of care and professional practice.
• Complete daily staffing allocations and ensure effective shift cover.
• Provide senior cover, including evenings, weekends and sleep‑ins, responding to crises as needed.
• Mentor and develop staff, supporting their training and performance.
• Promote the ethos and values of New Forest Care (Children First, Dignity, Teamwork, Fairness, Excellence, Sustainability).
• Support the Registered Manager in the day‑to‑day running of the home.
• Maintain accurate records and ensure compliance with safeguarding, health & safety and Ofsted requirements.
• Build strong, trusting relationships with children, supporting their behaviour, wellbeing and independence.

Person Specification

Essential

• At least 1 year’s experience in a residential childcare setting.
• Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare (or equivalent).
• Confident in managing challenging behaviours.
• Flexible to work a residential care rota (including evenings, weekends, holidays, sleep‑ins).
• Full valid UK driving licence.
• Compassionate, resilient and committed to being a positive role model.

What We Can Offer

• Competitive salary
• High staff‑to‑child ratios and no agency staff
• Comprehensive induction training
• Regular in‑house training for all staff
• Funded professional qualifications (Residential Childcare L3)
• Recommend‑a‑friend scheme
• Discretionary rewards (Amazon vouchers, peer/manager recognition)
• Company Sick Pay Scheme
• Workplace Pension Scheme
• Rewards Gateway benefit scheme
• 5.6 weeks annual leave (including bank holidays), increasing with service
• Blue Light Card eligibility
• All meals provided when on shift
• On‑site parking
• Enhanced DBS covered

Safeguarding & Right to Work

New Forest Care is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening, including references and DBS checks.

The company is unable to sponsor employment of international workers in this role. Evidence of right to work in the UK will be required.