Team Leader Residential Children's Home
Location: Winchester, Hampshire
Salary: £30,000 – £35,000 (depending on experience and qualifications)
Plus Sleep-ins paid at £50 per night
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
At Sagewood House, we're creating a warm, stable home for up to 4 children with emotional and behavioural needs. We are building a dedicated team who share our values and commitment to providing our children with the best possible care.
We're seeking a Team Leader to provide outstanding care and support and supervision within our team. This is a key role for someone with the experience, confidence, and compassion to support children while guiding and motivating others
Working Pattern
This is a full-time role based on a flexible rota, including:
* Day and evening shifts
* Weekends and bank holidays
* Sleep-ins (paid at £50 per night)
Flexibility is essential. Rotas are planned in advance, and additional shifts may be available.
What You'll Be Doing
* Lead and support a team of Support Workers, modelling high standards of care and professionalism
* Complete daily staffing allocations and ensure effective shift cover
* Provide senior cover on shift, including evenings, weekends, and sleep-ins
* Respond to incidents and crises with calm, confident decision-making
* Build positive, trusting relationships with children using trauma-informed approaches (PACE)
* Lead key-working responsibilities and contribute to personalised care planning
* Mentor junior staff, supporting their development and supervision
* Support the Registered Manager in the day-to-day running of the home
* Maintain accurate records and ensure compliance with safeguarding, health & safety, and Ofsted regulations
* Promote the values and ethos of Sagewood House
* Attend team meetings and supervisions; communicate any changes to practice or policy
* Liaise with parents/carers, professionals, and external agencies
Who We're Looking For
We're seeking experienced, reflective practitioners who bring empathy, stability, and strong professional values to their work. If you're committed to providing outstanding care, supporting the development of others, and helping children thrive in a trauma-informed environment, we'd love to hear from you.
Essential:
* Must hold a Level 3 or Level 4 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or equivalent qualification recognised under Ofsted regulations)
* At least 2 years' experience in a residential childcare setting
* Ability to work in a way that promotes the safety and wellbeing of and children young people
* Full, valid UK driving licence and willingness to drive for work purposes
* Confident in supporting children with complex emotional and behavioural needs
* Able to lead shifts and make sound decisions relating to the safety and welfare of children and staff
* Flexible to work a residential rota, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and sleep-ins
* Compassionate, resilient, and committed to being a consistent, positive role model
Desirable:
* Previous experience in a Senior or Shift Leader role
* Working toward or willing to complete the Level 5 Diploma in Leadership & Management (Residential Childcare)
* Familiarity with PACE, attachment theory, and trauma-informed care
* Good understanding of Ofsted's Quality Standards, safeguarding procedures, and residential care regulations
What We Offer
* 28 days' annual leave, plus a paid day off for your birthday
* Regular reflective supervision and wellbeing support
* Fully funded training, including PACE and Level 5 Diploma opportunities
* Career progression routes
* Supportive, trauma-informed environment with strong leadership
* Recommend a friend bonus scheme
* Recognition awards and long service bonuses
* Free on-site parking
* Blue Light Card eligibility
* Beautifully refurbished, comfortable workplace
* A unique opportunity to be part of our initial core team
* Supportive working environment with a small-scale provider dedicated to high-quality care and staff well-being
* Positive, values-led management team
Our Approach
At Sagewood House, we are grounded in the principles of trauma-informed care, creating consistency, emotional safety, and trust for children who have experienced early adversity. Our practice is underpinned by the PACE model – Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity, and Empathy – and we invest in developing our team to provide exceptional care.
We know that supporting children with complex needs takes resilience, skill, and teamwork. That's why we offer a strong induction, high-quality training, and a reflective, collaborative work environment. We strive to ensure our staff feel confident, supported, and equipped, so they can provide the best possible care for the children at Sagewood House.
Safeguarding Statement
Sagewood House is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All successful applicants will be subject to safer recruitment checks, including enhanced DBS check, identity verification, and references (including from your most recent employer).
We are an equal opportunities employer and are committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from all backgrounds.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £30,000.00-£35,000.00 per year
Benefits:
* Company events
* Free parking
* On-site parking
Work Location: In person