Team Leader (Residential Childrens Home)

Kennedy Elliott Partnership LLP; Greater London; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Professional development & funded Ofst

Enhanced holiday allowance

Mintago Employee Benefits Scheme

Job summary

Kennedy and Elliott Partnership LLP seeks an experienced Team Leader for a residential home in London. You will lead shifts, ensure safe, trauma-informed care and drive compliance with safeguarding and Ofsted standards.

You will support operations, manage staff, and foster a nurturing environment that promotes independence for young people in our care. London-based, full-time role with flexible shift patterns.

Qualifications

• Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare (or equivalent) and willing to work towards Level 5.
• Experience working in a children’s residential care setting (3 years+)
• Understanding of safeguarding, trauma-informed care and relevant legislation.
• Demonstrable Leadership experience.
• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written).

Responsibilities

• Lead shifts and manage day-to-day operations to ensure high-quality, trauma-informed care.
• Support recruitment, induction, supervision and staff development.
• Ensure compliance with Ofsted regulations and quality standards.
• Oversee medication administration and care planning.
• Maintain strong communication with families, social workers and professionals.
• Coordinate referrals, admissions and occupancy.
• Support education plans aligned to each young person’s needs.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Flexibility

Shift work

UK driving licence

Education

Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare

Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare (England)

Job description

Kennedy and Elliott Partnership LLP provides therapeutic group living settings rooted in trauma-informed care. We recognize the impact that past relationships and experiences have on children’s present lives, and we support them in overcoming challenges by fostering safe, supportive relationships within a stable and secure environment.

We are looking for a dedicated and experienced Team Leader to support operations at our residential home in London. Reporting to the Registered Manager, you will lead shifts, ensure the standards and quality of care are met, manage premises and day-to-day operations while working towards ensuring both outstanding outcomes for children and the highest compliance with Ofsted Regulations.

Core Duties

Leadership and Management

• Support the Registered Manager with daily operations
• Lead and mentor Residential Support Workers and Seniors to deliver high-quality, trauma-informed care
• Act as lead in the absence of the Registered/Deputy Manager
• Promote a positive, safe and development-focused culture
• Drive continuous improvement to maintain a Good or Outstanding Ofsted rating

Quality, Compliance & Safeguarding

• Ensure compliance with Children’s Homes Regulations 2015, Quality Standards and Ofsted frameworks
• Support inspections and audits, implementing recommendations promptly
• Maintain accurate risk assessments, care and behaviour plans
• Actively uphold safeguarding and child protection responsibilities

Care & Support Delivery

• Create a nurturing, therapeutic environment
• Ensure effective key work and person-centred support that promotes independence
• Oversee medication administration and record-keeping
• Maintain strong communication with families, social workers and professionals
• Support education plans aligned to each young person’s needs
• Support the integration of education plans in line with each young person's needs and aspirations

Staffing and Rota Coordination

• Support recruitment, induction and ongoing staff development
• Conduct supervision, appraisals and performance managementEnsure fair, effective rotas and lead team meetings

Referrals, Occupancy and Stakeholder Engagement

• Support referrals, matching and admissions processes
• Promote placement stability through consistent care and routines
• Coordinate visits and transitions, ensuring a warm welcome

Finance and Administration

• Oversee young people’s finances with transparency and accuracy
• Ensure timely completion of records, reports and logs
• Maintain confidentiality in line with GDPR and safeguarding policies

On-Call and Emergency Support

• Participate in the on-call rota and respond to emergencies
• Ensure the home is safe and secure at the end of each shift

• Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare (or equivalent) and willing to work towards Level 5
• Experience working in a children’s residential care setting (3 years+)
• Understanding of safeguarding, trauma-informed care and relevant legislation
• Demonstrable Leadership experience
• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written)
• Proven ability to develop strong, supportive relationships
• Flexible and resilient with a calm and reflective approach
• Ability to work shifts, including evenings and weekends, and provide on-call support
• Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare (England)
• Experience supporting young people with complex emotional and behavioural needs
• Experience in contributing to Ofsted inspections
• Knowledge of therapeutic approaches such as PACE, attachment theory or trauma-informed models
• UK driving licence

Why Join Us

• Competitive Compensation depending on skills, qualifications and experience
• Progression Opportunities and Professional Development through funded Ofsted-recognised qualifications and continuous training
• Enhanced holiday allowance
• Mintago Employee Benefits Scheme, including: 200+ retail discounts, Virtual GP, EAP, Financial Wellbeing Support, Gym Discounts & Elderly Care Support.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All positions are subject to rigorous safer recruitment checks; including referencing and enhanced background checks.