Job Description

Location:

Merstham, Surrey

Contract:

Full-time, Permanent

Make a Meaningful Impact - One Child, One Breakthrough, One Future at a Time

Are you an experienced childcare professional with a passion for therapeutic care? Are you ready to step into a senior position where your leadership and compassion can truly make a difference every day?

We're looking for a

Senior Residential Childcare Practitioner

to join our dedicated, child-focused team in a well-established, Ofsted-registered home on the edge of the picturesque Surrey Hills. In this role, you'll provide stability, guidance, and hope to children who need it most--every shift offers the opportunity to make a lasting impact.

About the Home

Our residential service supports up to four children aged 10-18 who are unable to live with their families. The home is set in a spacious, tranquil environment surrounded by nature and designed to offer a safe, therapeutic space where children can feel secure and supported.

With therapy animals--such as our resident bunnies--helping to create a warm and homely atmosphere, we foster emotional growth and meaningful connection. Our leadership team is experienced and values-led, focused on delivering trauma-informed care that creates real and lasting change.

The Role

As a Senior Residential Childcare Practitioner, you'll lead shifts and guide your team in creating a stable, nurturing environment where young people can heal, develop, and thrive.

Key Responsibilities Include:

Providing consistent, individualised care that supports emotional and developmental needs Leading shifts and overseeing smooth day-to-day operations Contributing to care plans, risk assessments, and behaviour management strategies Organising therapeutic and recreational activities to support wellbeing Maintaining high-quality records in accordance with regulatory requirements Mentoring junior team members and encouraging reflective practice Participating in ongoing training and professional development

What We're Looking For:

Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or equivalent)

- essential Proven experience in children's residential care, ideally in a leadership or shift lead capacity A strong understanding of safeguarding, trauma-informed approaches, and Ofsted requirements Confident leadership with excellent communication skills Emotional resilience and a compassionate, calm presence

Full UK driving licence

- essential Flexibility to work 24.5-hour shifts (10:00am-11:00pm, followed by a sleep-in and 7:00am-10:30am), including 2-3 sleep-ins per week

What We Offer:

Annual salary package between 32,500 and 36,300 (inclusive of 60 per night sleep-in payments) Long day/sleep-in shift pattern for improved work-life balance Competitive base salary with clear pathways for progression Comprehensive induction and ongoing CPD Specialist training in therapeutic care models A supportive and inclusive team culture Pension scheme and additional staff benefits A rewarding role with genuine purpose and the opportunity to change lives

Ready to Take the Next Step?

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

Please apply with your CV and a short cover letter telling us why this role is right for 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

Reference ID: SNR RCCP