At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to provide high-quality care for children with emotional and mental health needs.
- Company: Join Witherslack Group, a leading provider of specialist education and residential care.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, sleep-in pay, generous holiday, and private health insurance.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Level 3 Children’s Residential Care qualification and full UK driving licence required.
- Other info: Inclusive, supportive culture with great progression opportunities and ongoing training.
The predicted salary is between 39680 - 46944 £ per year.
Salary: £39,680 – £46,944 (assuming good attendance and up to 3 sleep‑ins per month)
Base Salary: £35,400 – £42,664
Working Hours: Full‑time, flexible to meet operational needs
Service: Children’s Home – SEMH / Therapeutic Residential Care
Service Users: Children & Young People with social, emotional and mental health needs
Qualifications Required: Level 3 Children’s Residential Care qualification
Experience in Years Required: Residential childcare experience desirable
Employment Type: Permanent, Full‑time
Sponsorship is not available
Closing Date for Applications: Monday, 26th January 2026
The Home
Location: Darlington, Druham
Type of YPs: SEMH, therapeutic needs
Ofsted Rating: Good or Outstanding (home‑specific)
Ratio of Staff to Children: According to home requirements; Team Leader supervises staff
Who we are looking for… We are seeking a dedicated, proactive, and compassionate Team Leader who:
- Can manage day‑to‑day operations and deputise for Registered and Deputy Managers
- Builds strong relationships with young people and inspires the staff team
- Is emotionally resilient and able to handle challenging situations
- Holds a Level 3 Children’s Residential Care qualification
- Holds a Full UK Driving Licence
Do not apply for this role if any of the following apply to you:
- You do not hold a Full UK Driving Licence and do not have a car
- You only hold a Level 3 in Health & Social Care (not deemed equivalent)
- Candidates with only HealthCare, NHS, CQC, or Nursery Practitioner qualifications
- You require sponsorship – no sponsorship available
Individuals with only CQC experience and who have not worked in an Ofsted Registered Children’s Home will not be considered.
Who you will be working for… Witherslack Group, a leading UK provider of specialist education and residential care
- Family‑like, supportive culture with multiple homes across the UK
- Inclusive and therapeutic approach to care
- Continuous growth with progression opportunities
Why this Home & Company…
- Progression Opportunity: Most Team Leaders and Managers promoted internally; access to the ‘Aspire’ future managers programme
- Training Opportunity: Care Academy 4‑week induction plus ongoing training
- Benefits Include:
- Sleep‑in pay (£80 per night) up to 3 per month
- Attendance allowance up to £1,400 per year
- 7 weeks’ holiday
- Flexible benefits package (holiday, pension, life insurance)
- Private health insurance and medical cover
- Employee assistance and wellbeing programmes
- Meals provided while at work
- £1,000 recommend‑a‑friend scheme
Ethos & Culture: Inclusive, supportive, therapeutic, child‑centred, and nurturing
Key Responsibilities
- Lead, motivate, and support staff in delivering high‑quality care
- Manage day‑to‑day operations and maintain high standards within the home
- Deputise for Registered/Deputy Managers as required
- Support young people with SEMH needs in a safe, nurturing environment
- Ensure compliance with Ofsted, legislation, and internal policies
Safer Recruitment: Applicants will undergo enhanced DBS checks and online searches. Robust vetting ensures all staff meet the highest safeguarding standards.
How to Apply: If you are passionate about transforming the lives of children and young people, and want to join a professional, inclusive, and supportive team, we encourage you to apply today.
For more information or to book a confidential chat, please contact: job@sgscare.co.uk
Closing Date for Applications: Monday, 26th January 2026
Team Leader - Children\'s Homes employer: Sgscare
Contact Detail:
Sgscare Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Team Leader - Children\'s Homes
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the childcare sector, attend local events, and join relevant online groups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to team leadership and working with children with SEMH needs. Use real-life examples from your experience to showcase your skills and how you handle challenging situations.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for the role! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let them know why you care about transforming the lives of children and young people. Authenticity goes a long way in making a lasting impression.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our supportive and inclusive team.
We think you need these skills to ace Team Leader - Children\'s Homes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience and skills that match the role of Team Leader. We want to see how your background in residential childcare aligns with our needs!
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for working with children and young people shine through! We’re looking for someone who is dedicated and compassionate, so share any relevant experiences that showcase this.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your qualifications and experiences are easy to find and understand.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sgscare
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re familiar with the specifics of the role and the company. Research Witherslack Group, their ethos, and how they support children with SEMH needs. This will show your genuine interest and help you answer questions more confidently.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your residential childcare experience in detail. Think of specific examples where you've led a team or supported young people. Highlight any challenges you faced and how you overcame them, as this demonstrates your resilience and problem-solving skills.
✨Emphasise Emotional Resilience
As a Team Leader, you'll need to handle challenging situations. Be ready to talk about times when you’ve had to manage stress or conflict. Share strategies you use to maintain your emotional resilience, which is crucial for this role.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask at the end of your interview. This could be about the training opportunities available or how the team collaborates to support the children. It shows that you’re engaged and thinking about how you can contribute to the team.