Job Description

Senior Residential Childcare Practitioner (Team Leader)

Location: Merstham, Surrey
Contract: Full-time, Permanent

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

Are you a committed childcare professional with a passion for therapeutic care? Ready to step into a senior role where your leadership and dedication can make a meaningful, lasting impact every day?

We are looking for a

Senior Residential Childcare Practitioner

to join our compassionate, child-centred team at a well-established, Ofsted-registered home on the edge of the picturesque Surrey Hills. Here, every shift offers the chance to lead with empathy, provide stability, and help young people rebuild their lives with trust and hope.

About the Home

Our residential home provides care for up to four children aged 10-18 who are unable to live with their families. Situated in a peaceful natural setting, the home is designed to be a safe, calming, and healing environment.

Therapy animals, including our resident bunnies, play a unique role in creating a nurturing atmosphere that supports emotional development and connection. You'll be joining a values-led team guided by experienced leaders, all committed to trauma-informed, high-quality care that delivers long-term positive outcomes.

Your Role

As a Senior Residential Childcare Practitioner, you will take a leading role during shifts--guiding the team, setting high standards, and creating a stable, therapeutic environment where young people can heal, grow, and thrive.

Key Responsibilities

Deliver consistent, child-centred care tailored to each young person's needs Lead and manage shifts to ensure smooth daily operations Contribute to care planning, risk assessments, and behaviour support strategies Facilitate therapeutic and recreational activities that promote wellbeing Maintain accurate records in line with regulatory standards Mentor junior team members and foster reflective practice Take part in ongoing training and professional development

What You'll Bring

Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or equivalent) - essential Solid experience in children's residential care, ideally with senior or shift-leader responsibilities Strong knowledge of safeguarding, trauma-informed practice, and Ofsted standards Calm, confident leadership and excellent communication skills Emotional resilience and a warm, grounded approach to care Full UK driving licence - essential Flexibility to work 24.5-hour shifts (10:00am-11:00pm, sleep-in, then 7:00am-10:30am), including 2-3 sleep-ins per week

What You'll Gain

Annual package circa 32,500-36,300 (including 60 per night sleep-in payments) Long day/sleep-in shift pattern designed to support work-life balance Competitive salary with clear opportunities for career progression Comprehensive induction and ongoing professional development Specialist training in therapeutic care models A welcoming, supportive, and collaborative team culture Pension scheme and additional staff benefits A role with genuine purpose, where your work truly changes lives

Ready to Make a Lasting Difference?

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

Apply now with your CV and a brief 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