Location: Merstham, Surrey
Contract: Full-time, Permanent
Salary: £32,500 – £36,300 per year (including £60 per night sleep-in payments)
Lead With Purpose – Build Futures, Shape Change
Are you an experienced childcare professional ready to take the next step in your career? As a Senior Residential Childcare Practitioner, you'll step into a key leadership role where every decision you make helps to build brighter, safer futures for young people.
This is not just a job—it's an opportunity to lead with empathy, grow your career, and make a lasting difference in a therapeutic, child-centred environment.
Why This Role Stands Out
* Balanced Shift Pattern: Work a long-day/sleep-in rota (10:00am–11:00pm, sleep-in, 7:00am–10:30am), typically 2–3 times per week—giving you extended periods of rest and personal time between shifts.
* Competitive Salary: Earn £32,500–£36,300 annually (including sleep-ins), with clear routes for progression into more senior leadership.
* Therapeutic Environment: Our home is set on the edge of the Surrey Hills, with tranquil gardens and therapy animals to support young people's healing.
* A Values-Led Team: Guided by experienced leaders, we are committed to trauma-informed practice and a culture where children always come first.
Your Role as Senior Practitioner
As a Senior Practitioner, you'll combine hands-on childcare with leadership responsibilities, helping to set the tone for safe, nurturing care while guiding your team to deliver the highest standards.
You'll:
* Lead and manage shifts, ensuring structured, safe daily routines
* Provide consistent, child-focused residential care tailored to individual needs
* Support care planning, behaviour management, and risk assessments
* Organise and deliver therapeutic and recreational activities
* Mentor, guide, and develop junior practitioners
* Maintain accurate records in line with Ofsted requirements
* Continue your own professional development with specialist training
What You'll Bring
* Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or equivalent) – essential
* Solid experience in residential childcare, ideally with shift-lead or senior responsibilities
* Strong safeguarding knowledge and trauma-informed practice
* Confident leadership with excellent communication skills
* Emotional resilience and a calm, grounded approach
* Full UK driving licence – essential
* Flexibility for the long-day/sleep-in shift model (2–3 per week)
What You'll Gain
* £32,500–£36,300 per year (including sleep-ins)
* A shift model designed with work–life balance in mind
* Full induction plus continuous therapeutic training and reflective practice
* Career progression opportunities into senior leadership
* A supportive, collaborative team culture where your contribution is valued
* Pension scheme and additional staff benefits
* Above all: the chance to make a genuine difference, every single day
Step Into Leadership – Apply Today
If you're ready to build on your childcare experience, lead a dedicated team, and play a vital role in helping young people thrive, we'd love to hear from you. Apply now with your CV and a short 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