Residential Childcare Practitioner

Location: Newbury Area

Salary: Up to £36,270 per annum 
Plus: Circa £4200 per annum Sleep-in payments and an excellent benefits package.

BridgeLink Recruitment is proud to be partnering with a highly reputable and values-led children’s residential care provider to recruit Residential Childcare Practitioners for their therapeutic EBD Children’s Home in the Newbury area.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a growing organisation that is passionate about providing exceptional, trauma-informed care to children and young people who have experienced adversity. Whether you’re already experienced in residential childcare or looking to begin a rewarding career supporting vulnerable young people, this is your chance to make a genuine difference every day.

You’ll become part of a supportive and dedicated team committed to creating a safe, nurturing environment where children can heal, grow in confidence and achieve their full potential.

The Role

As a Residential Childcare Practitioner, you will provide high-quality care and emotional support to children and young people with Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties (EBD), helping them develop life skills, build positive relationships and enjoy the childhood experiences they deserve.

Working as part of a close-knit team, you’ll help create a warm, stable and therapeutic home where every child feels safe, valued and encouraged to succeed.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality, child-centred care that promotes positive outcomes.
• Build positive, trusting and nurturing relationships with children and young people.
• Support children with their daily routines, personal care, education and healthcare appointments.
• Plan, prepare and participate in fun, engaging activities that promote confidence, wellbeing and independence.
• Support children during challenging situations using trauma-informed and therapeutic approaches.
• Encourage the development of life skills including cooking, budgeting, shopping and independent living.
• Assist with family contact sessions and transport young people to school, appointments and activities.
• Carry out key work sessions and contribute to care planning.
• Maintain accurate daily records and reports in line with safeguarding and regulatory requirements.
• Help maintain a safe, welcoming and homely environment.
• Work closely with colleagues and external professionals to achieve the very best outcomes for every child.

Requirements

• A genuine passion for supporting children and young people to reach their full potential.
• Experience working with children, young people or vulnerable adults is desirable but not essential.
• Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or equivalent) is desirable, although full training will be provided for the right candidate.
• Commitment to completing the Level 3 Diploma if not already qualified.
• Good communication, teamwork and organisational skills.
• A caring, resilient and positive approach, with the ability to remain calm under pressure.
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
• Flexibility to work shifts, evenings, weekends, bank holidays and sleep-ins.
• Full UK Driving Licence is desirable.

What’s on Offer

• Salary of up to £36,270 per annum.
• £50 per sleep-in, typically averaging two sleep-ins per week.
• Progressive pay structure with opportunities for career progression.
• Fully funded training, including the Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare where required.
• Ongoing professional development and excellent promotion opportunities.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Employee Loyalty Programme.
• Staff incentives and achievement awards.
• Specsavers Corporate Voucher.
• Access to hundreds of high-street and online discounts.
• Supportive leadership team with a genuine commitment to staff wellbeing.
• The opportunity to build a rewarding career while making a lasting difference to the lives of vulnerable children and young people.

If you’re compassionate, resilient and passionate about helping children overcome adversity, we’d love to hear from you. Whether you’re an experienced Residential Childcare Practitioner or looking for an opportunity to start a fulfilling new career in children’s residential care, this could be the perfect role for you.

Apply today or contact BridgeLink Recruitment for a confidential discussion about this rewarding opportunity.