Job Description

Location:

Merstham, Surrey

Contract:

Full-time, Permanent

Salary:

32,500 - 36,300 per annum (inclusive of 60 per night sleep-in payments)

Empowering Young Lives - One Moment, One Breakthrough, One Future

Are you an experienced residential childcare professional ready to step into leadership? This role is more than just a job--it is an opportunity to help shape brighter futures for young people.

As a Senior Residential Childcare Practitioner (Children's Home Team Leader), you will lead and inspire a dedicated team, provide high-quality therapeutic care, and create a safe, stable environment where every child can thrive.

About the Children's Home

Our Ofsted-registered residential children's home, set in the Surrey Hills, provides a therapeutic and nurturing environment for up to four young people aged 10-18 who are unable to live with their families.

The home is built on stability, trust, and recovery. Our therapeutic approach includes the use of therapy animals--such as our well-loved rabbits--that bring comfort and connection. Guided by trauma-informed practice, every decision we make is based on one principle: what is best for the child?

Your Role as Team Leader

As a Senior Practitioner, you will take on a key leadership role, balancing hands-on childcare with team management. You will:

Lead shifts confidently, supporting both staff and young people Provide consistent, nurturing support through challenges and achievements Mentor and guide junior Residential Childcare Practitioners, encouraging reflective and therapeutic practice Support young people in rebuilding trust, developing coping skills, and moving towards positive futures
This role suits someone with strong childcare experience who is ready to step into leadership within a residential setting.

Key Responsibilities

Deliver personalised, high-quality residential childcare Lead shifts and maintain a safe, structured home environment Contribute to care plans, risk assessments, and behaviour support strategies Organise therapeutic and recreational activities for young people Maintain accurate records in line with Ofsted requirements Mentor and develop junior childcare staff Take part in ongoing training and reflective practice sessions
What You'll Bring

Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or equivalent) - essential Significant experience in residential childcare, ideally with leadership experience Excellent safeguarding knowledge and understanding of trauma-informed care Calm, confident leadership with strong communication skills Empathy, resilience, and the ability to remain steady under pressure Full UK driving licence - essential Flexibility to work 24.5-hour shifts (10:00am-11:00pm, sleep-in, then 7:00am-10:30am), including 2-3 sleep-ins per week
What We Offer

Competitive salary of 32,500-36,300 (including sleep-ins) Long day/sleep-in shift model designed to support work-life balance Clear career progression pathways into senior leadership roles Comprehensive induction and ongoing specialist therapeutic training Expert training in trauma-informed childcare and safeguarding Supportive, collaborative team culture with strong values Pension scheme and staff benefits package Most importantly: a role where your work genuinely changes lives
Join Us and Make a Difference

This is not just another residential childcare role--it is the chance to help create a safe and supportive home where young people feel valued, respected, and able to thrive.

If you are ready to step into leadership and make a lasting difference in children's lives, we would love to hear from you.

Apply today with your CV and a short cover letter explaining why this opportunity inspires you.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 32,500.00-36,300.00 per year

Benefits:

Casual dress Company pension On-site parking Referral programme
Experience:

Residential Childcare: 2 years (preferred)
Licence/Certification:

UK Driving Licence (required) NVQ Level 3 in Residential Childcare (preferred)
Work Location: In person