The posting
Job Description
- Chalk Hill Academy
- Address: Chalk Hill, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2SF *
- Salary: £28,576 - £31,884 actual per annum, £33,674 - £37,563 per annum pro rata
- Hours: 37 hours per week, 39 weeks per year
- Contract: Permanent, required as soon as possible
- Reference: 5619
*Site relocation to Bury St Edmunds in Spring 2027.
Additional £1,500 Joining Bonus**
Chalk Hill Academy are seeking a dedicated and experienced Residential Team Leader to provide outstanding care and enrichment for students with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. This pivotal role involves leading high‑quality residential provision in line with Ofsted National Minimum Standards, working closely with the Head of Residential to ensure exemplary safeguarding, care, and emotional development for all students. You will oversee daily operations, lead shifts, and maintain consistently high standards of practice, routines, and student support.
As a Designated Safeguarding Lead, you will champion student wellbeing and respond effectively to safeguarding concerns and incidents in accordance with statutory guidance. You will supervise, mentor, and develop Residential Activities and Child Care Officers (RACCOs), ensuring care plans, risk assessments, and progress records are robust, current, and reflective of individual needs. You will also contribute to inspections and drive continuous improvement across residential provision.
This role requires strong leadership, collaboration, and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with colleagues, families, and external agencies. In return, you will join a values driven organisation committed to high‑quality outcomes for young people, professional development for staff, and flexibility to support the wider work of Eastern Education Group.
We offer a wide range of staff benefits including:
- membership into Local Government Pension Scheme
- family friendly policies and flexible working
- access to our Employee Assistance Programme
- employee wellbeing initiatives
- free parking
- company events
- access to various memberships and discount schemes
- learning and development opportunities, including staff development days
- funded subject course development for your role
- range of staff communities, including EDI and neurodiverse communities
- career progression opportunities.
Eastern Education Group is a dynamic and forward-thinking education provider committed to delivering high-quality learning experiences across multiple institutions. Our group encompasses a diverse range of educational settings, including schools, further education colleges, and specialist learning provisions, ensuring that learners of all ages and backgrounds receive the support and opportunities they need to succeed.
At the heart of our mission is a dedication to excellence, inclusivity, and innovation in education. We strive to create an environment where students can thrive academically, socially, and professionally. Through strong partnerships with local communities, businesses, and industry leaders, we ensure our curriculum remains relevant, equipping students with the skills and knowledge required for future careers.
Our group also prioritises supporting students with additional learning needs, offering specialist provisions for those with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities), SEMH (Social, Emotional, and Mental Health needs), and vocational training to empower every learner. We take a holistic approach to education, combining academic excellence with pastoral care, safeguarding, and wellbeing initiatives to foster a safe and supportive learning environment.
As a collective, Eastern Education Group is committed to continuous improvement, innovation, and maintaining high standards across all our institutions. We work closely with regulatory bodies, including Ofsted, to ensure compliance and the highest quality of teaching, learning, and student support. Our leadership team, educators, and support staff are dedicated to shaping the future of education, driving positive change, and enabling learners to realise their full potential.
As a Group, our Character Strengths and Mission Statement underpin our expectations of all our students and employees. Please familiarise yourself with these and incorporate them into your personal statement; this will be of benefit if you are invited to attend for an interview.
This is an opportunity to join a hugely supportive organisation where we value, support and facilitate your professional development, as well as offering many other benefits including an attractive pension scheme, staff wellbeing initiatives and employee assistance.
The Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
To find out more
Please read the Job Description (pdf)
For further information please email our recruitment team on [email protected]
How to apply
Completed applications should be made via the recruitment portal on our website
If you have not heard from a member of the HR Team within 14 working days of the closing date, please presume your application has not been successful on this occasion.
Closing date: 8 am, 3 November 2026.
Interview date: 10 November 2026.
We reserve the right to appoint prior to listed closing date; early applications are encouraged. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, gender, gender reassignment, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age in accordance with the requirements of the Equality Act 2010.
The Group is committed to safeguarding children and safer recruitment practices and will undertake all the required pre-employment checks on the successful candidate including an enhanced DBS Disclosure.
All data will be processed in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018. For more information about how we access and use your information please visit our website.
** This will be paid as £750 at the end of first month of employment and £750 after six months completed service. The entire sum will be repayable if you leave within the first two years of service. This only applies to direct applicants and not to those staff who come through an agency. Internal college policy applies.
IMPORTANT PLEASE READ BEFORE APPLYING
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