Job Description

Senior Residential Childcare Practitioner - Therapeutic Children's Home

Location:

Merstham, Surrey

Contract:

Full-time, Permanent

Salary:

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

Lead. Support. Transform.

This is a unique opportunity for an experienced Residential Childcare Practitioner to progress into a senior role and make a real difference every day.

We are recruiting a Senior Residential Childcare Practitioner to join our therapeutic children's home in Merstham. You will take an active leadership role, support children and young people through key moments of development, and ensure the highest standards of residential childcare practice are delivered throughout the home.

This role offers more than a career move. It provides the chance to shape futures and contribute to a purpose-led, trauma-informed environment where children feel safe, valued and empowered.

Why Work With Us

Strong Work-Life Balance

Regular long-day and sleep-in pattern (10:00am-11:00pm, sleep-in, 7:00am-10:30am), typically 2-3 shifts per week with meaningful downtime between shifts.

Competitive Pay and Career Growth

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

Therapeutic Environment

A warm and nurturing home setting near the Surrey Hills, complete with gardens and therapy animals designed to support children's emotional wellbeing.

Team Culture That Puts Young People First

Work within a supportive, trauma-informed team that values professional excellence, reflective practice and collaborative leadership.

Key Responsibilities of the Senior Residential Childcare Practitioner

Lead shifts to ensure a safe, structured and supportive residential environment Deliver high-quality, child-centred care tailored to individual needs Contribute to care plans, behaviour support strategies and risk assessments Coordinate therapeutic, educational and recreational activities Mentor and develop Residential Childcare Practitioners to build knowledge and confidence Maintain accurate, compliant records aligned with Ofsted requirements Participate in ongoing training, reflective practice and professional development

What We Are Looking For

Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or equivalent) - essential Strong experience working in a children's residential care setting Experience leading shifts or supervising others in practice Sound safeguarding knowledge and trauma-informed care approach Confident decision-making and clear communication skills Emotional resilience and the ability to support young people during challenging moments Full UK driving licence - essential Ability to work a long-day and sleep-in shift pattern (2-3 shifts per week)

What You Will Receive

32,500-36,300 per year including sleep-ins A rota designed to promote work-life balance Extensive induction and ongoing therapeutic training Career development pathways into senior management Supportive team environment and quality supervision Pension and additional employee benefits The fulfilment that comes with helping young people achieve brighter futures

Apply Today

If you are passionate about residential childcare, ready to take the next step in your career and committed to delivering excellent outcomes for young people, we would like to hear from you.

Please submit your CV and a short cover letter outlining why you are the ideal candidate for this Senior Residential Childcare Practitioner role.

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