Team Leader - Children's Residential - Milton Keynes

Portman Recruitment; Milton Keynes; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 24,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hourly rate up to £15

Medicash Plan

Opportunities across LD and EBD homes

Job summary

Portman Recruitment Limited seeks a Team Leader for children's residential homes in Milton Keynes to supervise Residential Support Workers, ensure safeguarding, and deliver care aligned with each young person’s needs.

The role offers leadership development and opportunities across LD and EBD settings, with requirements including a Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare and an enhanced DBS.

Qualifications

• A Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare or equivalent.
• An enhanced DBS check suitable for working with children.
• Ability to lead, support and motivate a team.
• Knowledge of safeguarding and child protection procedures.
• Understanding of the needs of vulnerable children and young people.
• Strong communication, emotional resilience and composure.
• Flexibility to work shifts, weekends and sleep-ins where required.
• Commitment to learning and improving outcomes for children.
• Experience supervising or mentoring staff.
• Experience in regulated residential care with complex needs.
• Level 5 leadership qualification.
• Full UK driving licence.

Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate and support Residential Support Workers, modelling positive and professional practice.
• Conduct staff supervisions and performance reviews, supporting learning and development.
• Assist with recruitment, induction, training and rota planning.
• Support children with daily routines, education, activities and life skills.
• Build positive relationships with young people, recognising their achievements and encouraging independence.
• Promote robust safeguarding practice and maintain professional boundaries.
• Ensure care plans, risk assessments and behaviour support strategies are followed consistently.
• Support staff with de-escalation and responding calmly to challenging situations.
• Maintain accurate records and contribute to care planning and reviews.
• Work collaboratively with families, social workers and other professionals.

Skills

Team leadership

Safeguarding knowledge

Communication skills

Emotional resilience

Flexibility

Shift work

Professional development

Education

Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare

Enhanced DBS check

Level 5 leadership qualification in residential childcare

Job description

Team Leader – Children's Residential Care

Locations: Milton Keynes
Pay: Up to £15 per hour, plus a Medicash Plan

Ready to take the next step in children's residential care?

Portman Recruitment is recruiting a Team Leader on behalf of our client, who operates children's residential homes supporting young people with learning disabilities (LD) and emotional and behavioural difficulties (EBD) across the South Midlands.

Whether you're an experienced Team Leader seeking a fresh challenge or a qualified residential care practitioner ready to step into leadership, we'd love to hear from you.

About Our Client

Our client is committed to providing safe, nurturing homes where children feel respected, listened to and supported to achieve their potential.

Their approach centres on building trusting relationships, developing resilience and celebrating each child's progress. They value approachable leaders who support their colleagues, communicate openly and keep children's well-being at the heart of everyday practice.

With opportunities across both LD and EBD homes, there is scope to explore a setting that suits your experience and interests.

Your Role

Working alongside the Deputy and Registered Manager, you will lead and support Residential Support Workers while remaining actively involved in children's day-to-day care.

You will help create a consistent, welcoming home environment and guide your team to deliver care that reflects each young person's individual needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate and support Residential Support Workers, modelling positive and professional practice.
• Conduct staff supervisions and performance reviews, supporting learning and development.
• Assist with recruitment, induction, training and rota planning.
• Support children with daily routines, education, activities and life skills.
• Build positive relationships with young people, recognising their achievements and encouraging independence.
• Promote robust safeguarding practice and maintain professional boundaries.
• Ensure care plans, risk assessments and behaviour support strategies are followed consistently.
• Support staff with de-escalation and responding calmly to challenging situations.
• Maintain accurate records and contribute to care planning and reviews.
• Work collaboratively with families, social workers and other professionals.

What You'll Bring

Essential:

• A Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare or an equivalent qualification.
• An enhanced DBS check suitable for working with children and young people.
• The ability to lead, support and motivate a team.
• Knowledge of safeguarding and child protection procedures.
• An understanding of the needs of vulnerable children and young people.
• Strong communication skills, emotional resilience and a calm approach under pressure.
• Flexibility to work shifts, weekends and sleep-ins where required.
• A commitment to learning, professional development and improving outcomes for children.

Desirable:

• Experience supervising or mentoring staff.
• Experience in regulated residential care, including supporting children with complex needs or challenging behaviour.
• A Level 5 leadership or management qualification in residential childcare.
• A full UK driving licence.

What's on Offer?

• Up to £15 per hour.
• Medicash Plan.
• Opportunities across LD and EBD children's homes.
• Applications welcomed from experienced Team Leaders and practitioners ready to progress.
• A role where your leadership can make a meaningful difference to children and colleagues.