Most senior roles in children's homes feel like you're just managing problems and keeping heads above water. But what if you could actually lead a small, tight-knit team where your decisions shape how young people transform, where staff listen to your ideas, and where you're backed by proper training, psychology support and real progression? This is that role
You'll work in a small children's home where outcomes matter more than box-ticking. Every shift, you're not just firefighting - you're implementing behaviour plans, guiding young people through their week with purpose, and coaching your team to do the same. When incidents happen, you lead the response; when things go right, you see the real progress in the young people you're supporting
Your team will actually want to work with you because you lead by example. You'll have the backing of a manager you can trust, monthly support from a clinical psychologist, and access to free specialised training whenever you need it. The culture here is that everyone's views count - including yours
You'll earn £36,040 to £37,600 base, plus £60 per sleeping shift. But the money isn't the hook: it's the loyalty bonuses stacked across five years (£250 in year one, rising to £600 in year five), the 4% annual pay rise after 12 months, the enhanced pay rates for nights and bank holidays, and the fact that you can actually see yourself progressing into management because the provider genuinely supports it. Free meals on shift, gym access, company pension, and paid-for team activities and holidays complete the picture
What you will be doing
- Assist the manager in running a high-quality children's home, taking full accountability for safety and wellbeing whilst on duty
- Lead by example: model the professional practices and values you want to see from your team every single shift
- Ensure every young person has their plan, risk assessment, behaviour management plan and supporting documents in place, and guide staff to implement them correctly
- Lead shift and weekly planning sessions, coaching your team through the detail and stepping in when incidents occur to manage the response and the learning
- Take responsibility for the physical and emotional safety of the young people in your care, knowing exactly who they are, what they need, and how to respond
Why you will love working here
- Base salary of £36,040 to £37,600, plus £60 per sleeping shift, with overtime paid at 1.25x (or 1.5x for waking nights between 11 pm and 7 am)
- A loyalty bonus scheme that rewards long service: £250 in year one (plus an extra day's leave), rising to £1,250 in year ten, proving the provider wants you to stay and build something real here
- Company-funded training including NVQ levels 4, 5 and 7, plus free specialised training to deepen your expertise - and monthly clinical psychology support to help you lead better
- Real progression: this home invests in staff who show they can lead, and there's genuine room to move up within the service
- A small team culture where your voice matters, free meals on shift, gym access, company pension, and paid-for team activities and holidays - all adding up to a workplace that actually cares for its staff
Is this you?
- Is this you: you've got at least two years working with children and young people, and at least one year at senior level in a children's home?
- You have the NVQ Level 4 in Children, Young People and Families Practitioner, or an equivalent qualification?
- You've managed a staff team and you know what it takes to get the best out of people - you listen, you lead, you hold them accountable?
- You have real experience working with young people whose behaviour is challenging, and you see it as a problem to solve, not a barrier to care?
- You communicate clearly, write well, and you can build genuine relationships with team members, other professionals and the young people you support?
Applications close on 12 October 2026. Great roles like this are filled quickly, so the sooner you apply the better.
Safeguarding: We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All roles are subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.