Job: Residential Key Workers & Team Leaders - Little Rayes Childcare
Job Reference: RKWTL0326
Location: BR1
Salary: £13.00-£15.00 per hour dependent on experience
Expected hours: 37.5 per week full time, 24 per week part time
Schedule: Monday-Sunday, Weekends, 8-hour shift,12-hour shift, Day shift, Night shift, sleep-ins
Expected start date: May 2026/July 2026 (Subject to satisfactory references and completion of safer recruitment checks)
Reports to: Team Leaders/Registered Manager
About Us
Little Rayes Childcare is a nurturing, trauma‑informed residential service providing high‑quality care for children and young people aged 8–17 with social, emotional, and behavioural needs. Situated in a vibrant, multicultural community, our home is built on warmth, stability, and respect.
We create an environment where every child feels safe, valued, and truly at home. Our team works collaboratively with families, social care professionals, and local services to ensure exceptional outcomes.
Our Vision, Mission & Values
Vision
"Taking steps together for brighter tomorrows."
Mission
Our mission is to provide a safe, nurturing, and empowering home where children and young people can grow, heal, and thrive. Through trauma‑informed, solution‑focused practice, we walk alongside every child, helping them navigate challenges with compassion and resilience.
Values
We live our values every day:
* Aspire – Encouraging imagination, ambition, and hope.
* Teamwork – Building trust, unity, and collaboration with children, families, and professionals.
* Respect – Honouring each child's individuality, dignity, and voice.
* Empower – Equipping young people with tools for confidence, growth, and independence.
* Development – Supporting continuous learning and progress for children and staff.
* Resilience – Nurturing strength, determination, and emotional growth.
If these reflect who you are, we'd love to hear from you.
The Role: Residential Key Worker / Team Leader
We are seeking passionate, child‑centred individuals to join our growing team. As a Support Worker or Team Leader, you will play a vital role in shaping the daily experiences, emotional wellbeing, and long‑term outcomes of the children and young people in our care.
Child and Young Person Care and Support
· Providing Personal Care: Assist children/young people with daily personal care tasks such as dressing, grooming, and maintaining hygiene, while respecting their dignity and independence.
· Emotional and Psychological Support: Provide emotional support to children/young people, offering reassurance and comfort, especially when they feel anxious, upset, or in crisis.
· Building Positive Relationships: Establish and maintain positive, trusting relationships with children/young people, helping them feel safe, valued, and respected.
· Supporting Development: Encourage and support children/young people's development, including educational, social, and life skills development, by engaging them in activities and offering guidance.
· Promoting Independence: Help children/young people build skills that promote their independence and self-confidence, while ensuring they have the necessary support to succeed.
Behavioural Support and Management
· Managing Behaviour: Assist in managing and de-escalating challenging behaviours using approved techniques, offering support to children/young people who struggle with emotional regulation.
· Implementing Care Plans: Follow individual care plans and behaviour management strategies to ensure each child/young person receives personalised care based on their specific needs and challenges.
· Setting Boundaries: Help children/young people understand and respect boundaries and rules within the home and wider community to encourage positive behaviour.
Health and Well-being
· Monitoring Health: Observe and report any changes in a child/young person's physical or mental health, and ensure they receive any necessary medical care, including administering medications if required.
· Promoting Healthy Lifestyles: Encourage and support healthy lifestyle choices, including healthy eating, exercise, and maintaining good mental health.
· Supporting Special Needs: Provide care for children/young people with physical, emotional, or developmental disabilities, ensuring that their specific health needs are met.
Engaging in Activities
· Organising and Participating in Activities: Plan and participate in a variety of age-appropriate activities, including recreational, educational, and creative pursuits, to promote social interaction, skill development, and well-being.
· Supporting Education: Support children and young people with their educational needs, such as assisting with homework, encouraging school attendance, and liaising with schools and educators to ensure the child/young person's progress.
Safeguarding and Protection
· Ensuring Child/Young Persons Safety: Always ensure the safety and welfare of children/young people by adhering to safeguarding policies and reporting any concerns regarding abuse or neglect to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and/or the authorities.
· Recognising Signs of Abuse: Be vigilant and recognise the signs of abuse or neglect and take immediate action in accordance with safeguarding protocols.
· Following Policies and Procedures: Ensure that all actions taken are following relevant child protection laws, safeguarding protocols, and the children's home's policies.
Documentation and Record Keeping
· Maintaining Records: Accurately document children/young person's progress, incidents, and any changes in behaviour or health. This can include writing reports, filling out daily logs, and maintaining other required records.
· Reporting Incidents: Record and report any significant incidents, such as injuries, behavioural incidents, or concerns regarding the children/young people's well-being, in a clear and timely manner.
· Confidentiality: Ensure that all information regarding children/young people is kept confidential and shared only with relevant parties in line with privacy policies.
Liaising with Families and External Agencies
· Communicating with Families: Keep in regular contact with children/young people's families or guardians (if appropriate), providing updates on the child/young person's progress, behaviour, and any concerns or achievements.
· Collaborating with Professionals: Work closely with other professionals involved in the child/young person's care, including social workers, therapists, teachers, and healthcare providers, to ensure the child/young person's needs are met.
Support During Transitions
· Supporting Transitions: Provide emotional and practical support for children/young people who are transitioning, whether it's moving into the home, transitioning to another placement, or preparing to leave care.
· Preparation for Independence: Assist older children and young adults in developing the life skills necessary for independent living, such as budgeting, cooking, job searching, and managing their own health and well-being.
Team Collaboration
· Working with the Team: Collaborate with other support workers, team leaders, and management to ensure consistency in care and support for children/young people. Participate in team meetings and contribute ideas for improving care practices.
· Following Guidance: Take direction from senior staff, including team leaders and managers, and follow any instructions or care plans that are put in place for the children/young people.
Cultural and Social Awareness
· Respecting Diversity: Ensure that children/young people are treated with respect, regardless of their background, culture, ethnicity, or religion, and foster an inclusive environment where diversity is celebrated.
· Promoting Social Skills: Encourage positive social interactions among children/young people, teaching them essential skills for building relationships and resolving conflicts.
About you:
* You understand the value of excellent communication
* You have patience and a sense of humour
* You are reliable
* you are respectful
* You know when to step up and when to step back
Essential Requirements:
* Eligibility to work in the UK (we do not offer visa sponsorship)
* Enhanced DBS check registered on the .GOV Update Service
* Educated to GCSE standard or equivalent
* Have or be willing to work towards (after successful probationary period) Level 3 Residential Childcare qualification
* Minimum of 2 years' experience in working in a child/young person setting
* Experience and knowledge of dealing with safeguarding issues and procedures
* Knowledge of The Children's Homes (England) Regulations 2015
* Knowledge of OFSTED's current Social Care Common Inspection Framework
* Experienced in managing challenging behaviours
* Experience of assessments & support planning
* Good knowledge and use of IT applications
* Able to work the listed shift schedule
What We Offer:
* A supportive, values‑driven team environment
* Competitive salary and progression opportunities
* Extensive training and CPD
* Access to The Training Hub for professional development
* Regular supervision and reflective practice
* Opportunities to shape an innovative, growing service
Benefits:
* 28 days holidays (pro rata)
* Pension
* Access to therapeutic support
* Discounts and offers for entertainment, shopping and dining
STAGE ONE
If you meet the essential requirements and are interested in applying for the role, please contact Suzette Young via email with a statement of interest outlining your suitability for the role in line with the listed essential requirements, and your most recent CV.
STAGE TWO
You will be invited to attend an interview where you will sit a safeguarding scenario-based test, an IT test and a panel interview. All interviews will be held in person at the Children's Home. It will be for approximately 2 Hours.
STAGE THREE
If you are successful, you will be sent an offer letter and a recruitment pack to complete. On successful completion of satisfactory references, safer recruitment checks and your new Little Rayes Childcare DBS certificate a start date will be confirmed.
If you are unsuccessful, we will inform you.
Thank you for your interest in joining Little Rayes Childcare.
Our Commitment to Safeguarding
Little Rayes Childcare is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Safeguarding is embedded in everything we do.
* All staff receive comprehensive training in safeguarding, child protection, and specialist areas including CSE, FGM, county lines, radicalisation, and online safety.
* All applicants will undergo Enhanced DBS checks and reference verification.
* We follow clear policies aligned with the Children's Homes Regulations (2015), KCSIE, and local authority safeguarding procedures.
Your role in safeguarding is essential, and full training is provided.
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Statement
At Little Rayes Childcare, we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for children, young people, staff, and visitors.
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and ensure fair and equal treatment regardless of age, race, culture, gender, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or any other aspect of identity.
We believe everyone deserves to feel safe, respected, and valued.
Our commitment to equality is reflected throughout our practice, training, recruitment, and culture.
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time
Pay: £13.00-£15.00 per hour
Benefits:
* Discounted or free food
* Employee discount
* Free parking
* Health & wellbeing programme
* Referral programme
Work Location: In person