Join Our Team as a Residential Childcare Practitioner in Stoke-on-Trent! Are you a dedicated and passionate professional with a strong commitment to supporting young people? Do you thrive in dynamic and nurturing environments where your efforts can truly make a difference? If so, we have an exciting opportunity that could be the perfect fit for you! At our organisation, we are deeply committed to creating a positive and empowering atmosphere where young people can grow, learn, and reach their full potential. We believe that every young person deserves the opportunity to be guided by compassionate and skilled professionals who are not only knowledgeable but also genuinely invested in their well-being. If you have a natural ability to connect with young individuals, inspire them, and help them navigate their challenges, this role might be exactly what you’ve been looking for. Whether you’re experienced in mentoring, counselling, education, or youth development, your skills and dedication will be highly valued and instrumental in shaping the future of those under your care. This position offers a unique chance to work in a setting that values innovation, collaboration, and the holistic development of young people. You’ll be part of a supportive team that shares your passion for making a meaningful impact and providing young people with the tools and encouragement they need to succeed. If you're ready to take on a rewarding role where you can make a lasting difference in the lives of young people, we invite you to explore this exciting opportunity with us. Your journey to empowering the next generation starts here! Position: Residential Childcare Practitioner Location: Werrington, Stoke-on-Trent Salary: £28,000 - £31,000 per annum (depending on experience) About Us: An established residential care provider, we are deeply committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of children and young people. Our mission goes beyond providing basic care; we strive to create a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment where every young person feels valued and empowered. We believe that every child and young person deserves a place where they can thrive, where their unique needs are understood and met, and where they are encouraged to reach their full potential. At the heart of our approach is a dedication to excellence in all aspects of care. We are not just caregivers; we are mentors, advocates, and trusted companions for the young people we support. Our team is carefully selected for their compassion, expertise, and commitment to fostering positive outcomes for every individual in our care. We understand that each young person comes to us with their own experiences, challenges, and aspirations. That’s why we take a personalised approach, tailoring our care plans to meet the specific needs and goals of each child. Whether it's through education, therapeutic support, or simply providing a safe space to grow, our focus is always on helping our young people build the skills and confidence they need to succeed in life. Our home is designed to be more than just a place to live; it’s vibrant where young people can learn, explore, and build lasting relationships. We provide a stimulating environment that encourages creativity, curiosity, and personal development, helping our residents to discover their passions and pursue their dreams. In everything we do, we are guided by a set of core values: respect, integrity, and a deep commitment to the welfare of our young people. We believe that by fostering a culture of trust, empathy, and excellence, we can create a home where every young person feels safe, supported, and inspired to achieve their best. As we embark on this journey, we remain steadfast in our mission to positively impact the lives of children and young people, ensuring that they have the opportunities, resources, and encouragement they need to flourish. Key Responsibilities : Provide High-Quality Care : At the heart of our approach is a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by the children and young people in our care. We recognise that each young person has their own unique story, needs, and aspirations, and we provide personalised support that empowers them to overcome obstacles and build a brighter future. Our team will consist of highly trained professionals passionate about fostering resilience, promoting emotional well-being, and encouraging personal growth. By working closely with families, education providers, and other stakeholders, we strive to create a nurturing environment that not only meets the immediate needs of our young people but also equips them with the skills and confidence to succeed in life. Develop Individualised Care Plans : Create and implement tailored care plans that address the unique needs of each resident, promoting their well-being and development. In addition to creating individualised care plans, it's essential to continuously monitor and adjust these plans to ensure they remain effective and responsive to the evolving needs of each young person. Regular assessments and open communication with young people, their families, and healthcare professionals allow for the timely identification of any changes in health, preferences, or circumstances. By maintaining a flexible approach and incorporating feedback, care plans can be refined to better support the young peoples' physical, emotional, and social well-being, fostering a nurturing environment where they can thrive. Promote a Positive Environment : Cultivating a warm, inclusive, and homely atmosphere is essential in nurturing young people as they embark on their journeys of personal growth. This environment promotes a sense of belonging and security, where young people feel valued and supported. It encourages them to take risks, explore new ideas, and express themselves freely, knowing they are in a space that celebrates their unique identities and contributions. By creating a community that prioritises empathy, respect, and mutual understanding, we empower young people to build their skills, confidence, and independence, preparing them to navigate the complexities of life with resilience and a positive outlook. Collaborative Teamwork : Work closely with a team of dedicated professionals to provide comprehensive support, ensuring a holistic approach to each young person’s care. This collaborative effort allows for the pooling of diverse expertise, where each team member contributes their unique skills and insights to create a well-rounded care plan. Through regular communication and shared goals, the team can address the complex and evolving needs of the young people more effectively, promoting an environment where everyone is committed to the young people’s well-being. This collective approach not only enhances the quality of care but also promotes a sense of community and mutual respect among staff and young people. Maintain Accurate Records : Maintaining accurate records is not only a legal requirement but also a critical component of quality care. By documenting every aspect of care delivery, including young people’s interactions and outcomes, relevant professionals can ensure continuity of care, facilitate communication among team members, and provide a reliable basis for evaluating young people’s progress. Furthermore, well-maintained records support compliance with audits and reviews, enabling the organisation to demonstrate adherence to best practices and regulatory standards. Transportation Support : Safely transport young people to appointments, activities, and outings, always ensuring their safety and well-being. Whether it's a medical appointment or a social outing, staff ensure that young people feel comfortable and secure, making travel a positive and stress-free experience. By being attentive to each young person's specific needs and preferences, staff help to maintain a sense of independence and dignity. Requirements: Qualification: NVQ Level 3 or 4 in Children and Young People or an equivalent qualification desirable but not essential. However, you should be willing to work toward the qualification at the end of your probation period. Experience: Minimum of 6 months experience working with children and young people in a residential care setting. Candidates can also possess transferable skills. Driving Licence: A full UK driving licence is essential or be willing to get one within a year of employment. Skills: Strong understanding of child development and the needs of vulnerable children. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to work as part of a team and independently, using initiative and problem-solving skills. Benefits: Competitive Salary: Earn between £28,000 to £31,000 per year, based on your experience and qualifications. There will be additional pay for overtime hours worked. Professional Development: Take advantage of opportunities for professional growth and career progression within our organisation. Supportive Work Environment: Join a collaborative and supportive team that values your contributions and provides comprehensive training and ongoing support. Perks: Enjoy benefits such as casual dress code, company pension, free on-site parking, and more. Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Permanent, Zero Hours Contract Work Schedule: Flexibility to work shifts, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. (shift pattern will be discussed at interview stage) Work Authorisation: Must be authorised to work in the United Kingdom. Location: Work Location: In person United Children is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from all sectors of the community. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff to share this commitment. All successful applicants will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check and provide satisfactory references. Training Information: Over the course of 15 – 18 months (dependent upon the level of course an apprentice is being enrolled onto), you will study things such as the principles of healthcare and safeguarding, person-centred care & support, physiological measurements, basic life support, dementia, cognitive & mental health support, moving, handling and infection control, supporting daily living, lifespan development and healthcare needs, duty of care and legislation. Higher level courses go into more depth within different pathways such as dementia, learning disabilities and Autism, children & adolescent mental health, combined therapies, complex care, maternity, mental health, rehabilitation, substance misuse and acquired brain injury (these topics may differ). Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship programme, you will achieve a Level 2 or 3 qualification and a TQUK Diploma in Care. We and our employer partners are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, so a DBS check will be required for this role. To make you aware, this position is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore all convictions, cautions and bind-overs, including those regarded as ‘spent’ must be declared, and you will be asked about these during the recruitment process. If you do not hold GCSE Maths & English (or equivalent), these will be delivered alongside the apprenticeship programme. Our delivery of training is through blended learning. Supported by one of our sector specialist tutors, they will deliver teaching sessions using various methods including face to face teaching, Skype, Facetime, telephone and peer virtual classroom whilst using our interactive multi-sensory teaching resources. Teaching sessions are normally bi-weekly or monthly, depending on the learner’s preferred learning style. Additionally, the tutor will provide the support required to ensure the learner enjoys and ultimately successfully achieves their goals and completes their training. We want learners to feel that our team are approachable at any stage of their learning journey. You will initially take an online assessment that will help us to understand your learning style and needs, then we will tailor your learning experience accordingly. We ensure that you stay on track to complete your programme on time by managing your expectations through our state-of-the-art e-portfolio system. At the end of your programme, your learnt knowledge, skills and behaviours will be assessed by an independent assessor in your end point assessment (EPA). As part of the apprenticeship, alongside your job role, 20% of your time in work must be dedicated to developing new skills. This can be any time devoted to learning and improving new skills without interruption.