Team Leader Childrens Homes
Salary: 39680 - 46944 (assuming good attendance and up to 3 sleep-ins per month)
Base Salary: 35400 - 42664
Working Hours: Full-time flexible to meet operational needs
Service: Childrens Home SEMH / Therapeutic Residential Care
Service Users: Children & Young People with social emotional and mental health needs
Qualifications Required: Level 3 Childrens 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
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
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 Childrens 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 Childrens Home will not be considered.
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
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 1400 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
1000 recommend-a-friend scheme
Ethos & Culture: Inclusive supportive therapeutic child-centred and nurturing
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
Applicants will undergo enhanced DBS checks and online searches. Robust vetting ensures all staff meet the highest safeguarding standards.
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
Click the apply button or contact us for more information.
For more information or to book a confidential chat please contact:
Closing Date for Applications: Monday 26th January 2026