Full-time Permanent Entry Level
Posted 29 Aug 2026
Description
Make a real difference, every single day
Do you want a job where the work actually matters?
You'll help children in our care build the confidence, skills, and stability they need to thrive and develop towards independence with their heads held high.
We run Ofsted-regulated children's homes across North West London, supporting young people aged 10–17 with emotional and behavioural difficulties. Our approach is trauma-informed: steady relationships, clear routines, and consistent boundaries never punishment. If that sounds like the kind of care you want to deliver, we want to hear from you.
If you are motivated to support children in achieving independence and positive life outcomes, this role offers flexible working arrangements.
What you'll be doing
Supporting children to thrive
- Build trusted, meaningful relationships that help children feel safe and understood
- Deliver tailored key work sessions aligned to each child's goals
- Promote everyday independence - cooking, budgeting, safety awareness, using public transport, support with Domestic chores such as cooking, cleaning, general maintenance and promoting good hygiene within the home
- Support access to education, training, employment, and community life
- Be a steady, positive role model, even in tough moments
- Provide emotional support and guidance to children as required.
Advocating and safeguarding
- Make sure every child's voice is heard and their rights respected
- Safeguard and promote welfare in line with policy at all times
- Bring empathy, patience, and resilience to complex and challenging situations
Running a warm, well-managed home
- Keep the living environment safe, clean, and nurturing
- Plan and prepare healthy meals, involving children where appropriate
- Maintain accurate records - daily updates, safeguarding notes, health & safety checks
- Contribute to care plans, Looked After Child (LAC) reviews, and placement planning meetings
- Hand over clearly and professionally between shifts
- Work closely with colleagues, managers, and external professionals.
- Attend and contribute to staff meetings.
Administration & Reporting
- Complete accurate and timely reports, including daily, weekly and monthly reports as required.
- Support children in managing appointments and attend appointments where necessary.
What we're looking for
- A positive, proactive approach to working with young people
- Empathy, resilience, and the ability to stay calm under pressure
- Strong communication skills - you listen as much as you speak
- A team player who's just as comfortable working independently
- At least 1 year's experience in care or residential settings (Ofsted children's home experience required)
- A Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare, or willingness to complete one within 18 months - fully funded, and we'll support you every step of the way
- Applicants must be flexible and willing to work in accordance with the needs of the home, including some Bank Holidays.
- Full UK driving licence and access to a reliable vehicle.
- Strong organisational and reporting skills.
- Strong interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence.
- Commitment to safeguarding and child-centred practice.
- Clear career progression - a defined pathway from Support Worker through to Senior Support Worker and beyond, so you always know what's next
- Fixed 12-hour shift rota (08:00–20:00 or 20:00–08:00), plus waking night/sleep-in contracts available
- Fully funded qualifications - training paid for from start to finish (T&C apply)
- Pension scheme (after qualifying period)
- Authorised overtime, Employee of the Month Award, Perkbox access, Long-service Recognition Award, Continuous Professional Development & many more.
- Performance-related (KPI) incentives, with standards shared openly with every employee
- Smart-casual dress code.
- Ongoing support from management and senior staff.
Pay
- New Starter: £26,437 (£12.71/hr) rising to £27,040 (£13.00/hr) after probation
- Rates of pay will depend on the candidate's experience in Ofsted-regulated residential children's homes, relevant qualifications, and demonstrated skills and competencies.
Before you apply
- An Enhanced DBS check will be required as part of our safer recruitment process.
- Applicants must not be barred from working with children.
- All appointments are subject to satisfactory safeguarding, vetting, and safer recruitment checks.
- This is a full-time role - please be sure you can commit to full-time hours
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults, and expect every member of staff to share that commitment. A DBS check will be required. The role involves direct contact with children and, as part of our safer recruitment process, you will be required to undergo relevant vetting and safeguarding checks. This may include checks relating to criminal convictions and confirmation that you are not barred from working with children. All information you provide will be treated as confidential and managed in accordance with relevant data protection legislation and guidance. You have a legal right to access any information held about you.
Training & On-boarding
- Mandatory on-boarding and training must be successfully completed before employment is confirmed.
- Payment for mandatory on-boarding and training will only be made upon successful completion of the on-boarding process and one (1) month of successful continuous employment with the organisation.
- Training payment will be processed after the employee has successfully completed one (1) month of continuous employment with the organisation.
- The cost of the Enhanced DBS check will be deducted from the employee's pay, subject to the applicable terms and conditions. A valid DBS check is required. Applicants may be required to cover the DBS cost upfront, subject to the company’s DBS reimbursement policy.
Additional Information
- This role is subject to safer recruitment standards.
- This job description is not exhaustive and may be amended to meet the needs of the service.
Important:We do not offer visa sponsorship. Applicants must have an unrestricted right to work in the UK to be considered for this position. Applicants will be required to provide valid evidence of their right to work in the UK as part of the recruitment and on-boarding process.
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