Job Description

Senior Childcare Practitioner - Ofsted Children's Residential Home

Location:

Merstham, Surrey

Contract:

Full-time, Permanent

Salary:

32,500 - 36,300 per year (including 60 per night sleep-in payments)

Lead with Purpose - Build Futures, Shape Change

Are you an experienced childcare professional looking to take the next step in your career?
As a

Senior Residential Childcare Practitioner

, you will take on a pivotal leadership role - guiding your team, supporting young people, and shaping brighter, safer futures in a therapeutic, child-centred environment. This is more than a job; it's an opportunity to lead with empathy, make meaningful impact, and develop your career in residential childcare.

Why You'll Love This Role

Balanced Shift Pattern:

Work a long-day/sleep-in rota (10:00 AM-11:00 PM, sleep-in, 7:00 AM-10:30 AM), typically 2-3 shifts per week, giving you valuable time to rest and recharge.

Competitive Salary:

32,500-36,300 per year (including sleep-ins), with opportunities to progress into senior management roles.

Therapeutic Environment:

Our home, on the edge of the Surrey Hills, offers calm surroundings, tranquil gardens, and therapy animals to support every young person's growth and wellbeing.

Values-Led Team:

Join a trauma-informed, collaborative team where children's safety, development, and emotional health are at the heart of everything we do.
Your Role as Senior Practitioner

In this role, you will combine

hands-on childcare with leadership responsibilities

, ensuring structured, safe, and nurturing care for every young person. Your key responsibilities include:

Leading and managing shifts to maintain routines and a safe environment. Delivering personalised care tailored to individual needs. Supporting care planning, behaviour management, and risk assessments. Organising and leading therapeutic and recreational activities. Mentoring, guiding, and developing junior practitioners. Maintaining accurate records in line with Ofsted requirements. Continuing your own professional growth through training and reflective practice.
What You'll Bring

Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or equivalent) - essential. Proven residential childcare experience, ideally with shift-lead or senior responsibilities. Strong safeguarding knowledge and trauma-informed practice. Confident leadership and excellent communication skills. Emotional resilience and a calm, grounded approach. Full UK driving licence - essential. Flexibility to work the long-day/sleep-in rota (2-3 shifts per week).
What You'll Gain

32,500-36,300 per year (including sleep-ins). Shift model designed for

work-life balance

. Comprehensive induction, specialist therapeutic training, and reflective practice. Clear

career progression routes into senior management

. Supportive, collaborative, and values-driven team culture. Pension scheme and additional staff benefits. The satisfaction of knowing your leadership, care, and empathy are transforming young lives every day.
Step Into Leadership - Apply Today

If you're ready to build on your childcare experience, lead a passionate team, and make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people,

apply today

with your CV and a short cover letter explaining why this opportunity inspires you.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 32,500.00-36,300.00 per year

Benefits:

Casual dress Company pension On-site parking Referral programme
Experience:

Residential Childcare: 2 years (preferred)
Licence/Certification:

UK Driving Licence (required) NVQ Level 3 in Residential Childcare (preferred)
Work Location: In person