Job Description

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

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

Are you a dedicated childcare professional with a passion for therapeutic care? Are you ready to take the next step into a senior role where you can make a real, lasting impact every single day?

Join our compassionate, child-centred team as a Senior Residential Childcare Practitioner at a well-established, Ofsted-registered home nestled on the edge of the beautiful Surrey Hills. Here, every shift is an opportunity to lead with empathy, provide emotional stability, and help children rebuild their lives with trust and hope.

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 spacious, peaceful environment surrounded by nature, it is intentionally designed to offer a safe, calming, and healing space.

Therapy animals, including resident bunnies, help create a homely and nurturing atmosphere that supports emotional development and connection. You'll be joining a values-led home with an experienced leadership team committed to trauma-informed, high-quality care and long-term positive outcomes.

Your Role

As Senior Residential Childcare Practitioner, you'll take a lead role on shift--guiding your 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 individual needs Lead and manage shifts, ensuring smooth and effective daily operation 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 expectations Mentor junior team members and promote reflective team practice Engage in training and ongoing professional development

What You'll Bring

Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or equivalent) - essential Solid experience in children's residential care, ideally in a senior or shift-leader role Strong knowledge of safeguarding, trauma-informed practice, and Ofsted standards Calm, confident leadership and effective communication skills Emotional resilience and a warm, grounded approach to care Full UK driving licence Flexibility to work long day shifts with regular sleep-ins (2-3 per week)

What You'll Gain

Competitive salary with clear progression opportunities Long day/sleep-in shift pattern to support work-life balance Full induction and ongoing CPD Specialist training in therapeutic care models A welcoming, supportive, and collaborative team culture Pension scheme and additional staff benefits A role filled with purpose, meaning, and the chance to change lives

Ready to Make a Lasting Difference?

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

Apply now with your CV and a short cover letter explaining 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