Job Description

Senior Residential Childcare Practitioner - Ofsted-Regulated Children's Home

Location:

Merstham, Surrey

Contract Type:

Full-time, Permanent

Empower Young Lives - One Moment, One Breakthrough, One Future at a Time

Are you an experienced childcare professional with a passion for therapeutic care and a drive to make lasting change? This is your opportunity to take on a meaningful senior role where every day is a chance to lead with compassion, provide stability, and help children rebuild their futures.

We are seeking a

Senior Residential Childcare Practitioner

to join our dedicated team at a well-established, Ofsted-registered children's home on the edge of the Surrey Hills. This role offers not just responsibility, but real purpose--within a supportive, values-led environment that prioritises quality care and emotional connection.

About the Home

Our residential home supports up to four children aged 10-18 who are unable to live with their families. Set in a peaceful, spacious house with a large garden and surrounded by nature, the environment is purposefully designed to feel safe, calm, and healing.

Therapy animals, including resident bunnies, help create a nurturing atmosphere that encourages emotional development and a sense of belonging. We are led by an experienced and values-driven leadership team committed to achieving long-term, positive outcomes for every child in our care.

Your Role

As Senior Residential Childcare Practitioner, you'll take a key leadership role within the home, guiding and supporting the team during shifts and setting the standard for therapeutic, relationship-based care. Your work will be central to creating everyday moments that promote healing, resilience, and growth.

Key Responsibilities

Deliver consistent, child-centred care tailored to individual needs Lead and manage shifts, ensuring smooth day-to-day operation of the home Support care planning, risk assessments, and behavioural strategies Facilitate therapeutic and recreational activities Maintain high-quality records in line with regulatory expectations Mentor junior staff and foster a reflective, supportive culture Participate in training and team development activities

What You'll Bring

Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or equivalent) - essential Significant experience in children's residential care, ideally in a senior capacity Strong knowledge of safeguarding, trauma-informed practice, and Ofsted standards Excellent communication, leadership, and mentoring abilities Emotional resilience and a calm, grounded approach Full UK driving licence Availability to work long day shifts with regular sleep-ins (2-3 per week)

What You'll Gain

Competitive salary with progression opportunities Long day/sleep-in shift model to support work-life balance Comprehensive induction and ongoing CPD Specialist training in therapeutic approaches A supportive, team-focused workplace Pension scheme and additional staff benefits A role with deep personal and professional fulfilment

Ready to Make a Lasting Difference?

If you're a resilient and compassionate practitioner who believes in the power of relationship-based care, we would love to hear from you.

Apply now with your CV and a short cover letter explaining why you're the right fit for this rewarding role.

Join us--where care is more than a job. It's a calling.

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

Reference ID: SNR RCCP