Job Description

KEYWORKER (Children's Residential Educational Provision)

Permanent - Full Time - School Term Time Only

Salary: 14.50 per hour - 26,344 actual gross p.a.

40 hours per week

39 working weeks per year and 6.4 weeks paid holiday

Set pattern of shifts, worked between 7am-10pm, Monday to Friday

Due to continued growth and development, we are seeking to recruit residential Keyworkers to join our staff team in the picturesque setting of Valence School, located in Westerham, Kent. Valence School is a Kent County Council Foundation residential and day Special School for students from age 4 to 19 with physical disabilities, complex medical needs and associated learning difficulties. We are part of the Kent Special Educational Needs Trust (KsENT) and we have a large, dedicated staff team of over 200 people providing specialist teaching, therapies, nursing and social care to an exceptionally high standard.

About the job:

As a Keyworker, your role is important in helping students with complex health needs to develop and achieve. Working across the school and home living area, you will be working in an environment where your efforts and commitment can have life-changing results. Your ambition for the young people will help them to take the next steps in fulfilling their potential. Supporting key students in the education provision in lesson Working within a multidisciplinary team to promote the safety and welfare of all students. Participating in a wide range of innovative and exciting social, recreational and educational activities after school, onsite or within the wider community. Assisting with practical matters relating to care and promoting independence (e.g. cooking, cleaning, and helping to maintain the home environment). Creating positive relationships with the young people based on a mutual understanding of dignity and respect. Meeting the physical, emotional, behavioural and cultural needs of the young people. Continually maintaining accurate and clear record keeping. Ensuring that the needs of the young person are being met and reviewing and recording changes to those needs. Working effectively with the student, their parents and other professionals to provide consistent support. Actively contributing to the development of the team and demonstrating both resilience and a can-do approach to tasks and activities.

What experience or qualifications would I need?

Previous experience of caring and supporting individuals to achieve their potential. A strong team player. Good general education (GCSE (or equivalent) Grade 4/C or above in English and/or Maths Resilience to keep going at difficult times and to ask for support if needed. Excellent written and oral communication skills. Basic computer skills Knowledge of safeguarding and child protection including Keeping Children Safe in Education (Statutory Guidance) A Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare or a willingness to complete this qualification within a fixed timeframe (fully funded and supported by the school).

About our boarding facilities:

The Residential Educational Provision at Valence offers a unique 24hour curriculum to enhance and support independence through additional learning activities. We support up to 48 boarding students within eight purpose built residential bungalows within our grounds.

Our aim is to support students to:

Participate in educational learning activities. Develop independence through informed choices and practical life skills. Achieve autonomy, resilience and well-being. Develop friendship opportunities in a safe environment. Access a range of social/leisure activities that promote and support interests and creative abilities. Interact with peers faced with similar challenges in order to develop social skills and learn appropriate behaviour. Prepare for their place in society through a broad educational programme.

C.V.'s alone will not be accepted. Applications must be made on the school's recruitment portal.

For details please visit

www.valenceschool.com > work for us

or

visit our recruitment portal on My New Term (https://mynewterm.com/school/Valence-School/119032)

to complete an application form

(we are unable to accept CV's)

or contact the HR team on 01959 567841.

It is important for the online application form to be completed in full, including complete employment history from leaving full-time education (age 16 or 18) and any gaps must be accounted for. If this is not fully completed your application will not be progressed.

Please also submit a suitable statement describing how you meet the criteria of the person specification and outline your reasons for application.

Please note, we can only consider applicants who have the right to work in the U.K. We are not able to offer visa sponsorship and we are not a sponsorship organisation. For details, please read information for applicants.

As we are recruiting on a rolling basis you are encouraged to submit your application as soon as possible.

All applications will be reviewed upon our return in September 2025, after the Summer break.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy, interview and appoint earlier if we receive sufficient applications for this role

Valence School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of every student and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We value diversity and promote equality for all.

References will be taken up before interview and online checks undertaken for shortlisted candidates. The successful applicant will require an enhanced DBS check (this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act).

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 14.50 per hour

Benefits:

Casual dress Company events Company pension Discounted or free food Employee discount Free flu jabs Free parking Health & wellbeing programme On-site parking Referral programme Sick pay Store discount
Schedule:

Monday to Friday No weekends
Work Location: In person