About A & R Care Limited
A & R Care Limited is a long-established provider with an excellent local reputation. We operate two highly regarded homes: Beechwood House (residential care) and Barrington Lodge Nursing Home. Both hold CQC "Good" ratings across all domains, reflecting our commitment to safe, compassionate, person-centred care.
* CQC Report (Good):
* Profile:
We are now seeking a creative, organised Activities Co-ordinator to lead meaningful engagement for residents living with dementia at Beechwood House.
The RoleAs Activities Co-ordinator, you will design and deliver a varied, person-centred activity programme that supports wellbeing, independence, connection and joy. You'll use life stories, resident preferences and best-practice dementia approaches to create group sessions and 1-to-1 moments that truly matter.
Hours: 15 hours per week (pattern to be agreed; some afternoons/weekends for events).
Reports to: Registered Manager. Works closely with Nurses/Senior Carers and the wider team.
What You'll Do
* Plan & deliver a monthly activity calendar including group sessions and 1-to-1s (for room-based or quieter residents).
* Use life story work, reminiscence, music & movement, sensory and creative activities (e.g., art, gardening, baking, poetry, chair-based exercise).
* Apply dementia-friendly methods (e.g., Montessori-inspired, Namaste-style, orientation cues) to maximise engagement and reduce distress.
* Facilitate family and community links (faith groups, schools, volunteers, entertainers) and support video calls/digital inclusion.
* Coordinate outings (where appropriate), observing risk assessments and consent.
* Provide 1-to-1 wellbeing rounds for residents who may be withdrawn, at risk of isolation or living with advanced dementia.
* Work with care staff to embed activity into daily care (hydration prompts, mealtime engagement, small moments that matter).
* Document participation and outcomes on residents' records; track engagement and wellbeing indicators.
* Complete risk assessments, equipment checks and activity evaluations; maintain safe environments.
* Contribute to care reviews with activity insights and support CQC evidence (Caring/Responsive/Well-Led).
* Promote equality, diversity & inclusion in all activities and interactions.
What We're Looking For
You don't need to have worked as an Activities Co-ordinator before, but you should bring creativity, warmth and strong organisation. Experience supporting older adults, especially those living with dementia, is highly desirable.
Essential
* Genuine passion for improving life for older people; calm, patient, respectful communication.
* Ability to plan, organise and deliver engaging sessions for mixed abilities.
* Confidence leading small groups and providing sensitive 1-to-1 interactions.
* Good record-keeping and basic IT skills (activity logs, calendars, photo consent).
* Understanding of dementia-friendly practice, dignity, choice and mental capacity/consent.
* Willingness to work occasional weekends/early evenings for special events.
Desirable
* Experience in care settings or community activity roles.
* Training/awareness in dementia care, reminiscence, music therapy approaches, or chair-based exercise.
* Relevant qualifications (e.g., NCFE/CACHE Level 2/3 in Activity Provision, or L2/3 Health & Social Care).
* First Aid, Moving & Handling awareness (training can be provided).
Why Join A & R Care?
* CQC Good homes with strong values and supportive leadership.
* Warm, collaborative team culture; your ideas will shape the programme.
* Training & development (including dementia-specific CPD).
* Employee wellbeing focus and regular staff events.
* A role where you see your impact every single day.
Additional Information
* Contract: Part-time, 15 hours/week (permanent).
* Pre-employment: Enhanced DBS, two references, right to work in the UK (we cannot offer sponsorship).
* Uniform & training provided; probationary period applies.
* Location: Beechwood House, 40 Beechwood Road, South Croydon CR2 0AA.
Key Responsibilities:
* Provide personal care and support with everyday living needs.
* Encourage independence and personal choice wherever possible.
* Support residents with meals, social activities, and emotional wellbeing.
* Work as part of a supportive team, building strong relationships with residents, families, and colleagues.
* Contribute to care planning, ensuring residents' needs and preferences are always respected.
What We're Looking For
Experience working in social care isn't essential to join us as a Care Assistant - you might be a school or college leaver looking to take your first step in a career in social care, considering a career change, or returning to work after a break. What's more important to us is that you have the right values, skills and motivations to provide high quality care.
* Passion and dedication: A genuine desire to help others and make a positive and lasting difference to their lives.
* Empathy and compassion: Understand and share the feelings of others to build trust and provide emotional support.
* Respect and patience: Treat residents with dignity and adapt to their individual needs.
* Attentiveness: Strong observational skills to closely monitor mental and physical health and the ability to respond quickly and appropriately to verbal and non-verbal signs.
* Communication skills: Clear and effective communication with residents, families, and colleagues.
* Problem-solving skills: Handle unexpected situations calmly and effectively.
Why Join A & R Care?
* Reputation you can trust: Part of a long-established group with a strong local presence and a Good CQC rating.
* Supportive team culture: You'll be joining a warm, collaborative team that values your contribution.
* Training & development: We invest in our people and will support you with ongoing training and nationally recognised qualifications.
* Employee wellbeing: We recognise that caring for others starts with caring for our staff. We offer supportive management, open communication, and regular staff events.
* Career growth: Opportunities to progress into senior care or management roles as we continue to grow.
* Rewarding work: Above all, you'll experience the daily satisfaction of improving the quality of life for others.
Additional Information
* Shift patterns: Day and night shifts available (including weekends on rota).
* Right to work: Applicants must already have the legal right to work in the UK. We are currently unable to offer sponsorship.
* Job types: Full-time and part-time roles available.
How to Apply
If you're creative, organised and passionate about making life brighter for people living with dementia, we'd love to hear from you.
Click "Apply Now" and upload your CV. A short covering note about your favourite activity ideas is welcome.
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time
Pay: £15.00-£18.00 per hour
Work authorisation:
* United Kingdom (required)
Location:
* South Croydon, CR2 0AA (preferred)