Working in Residential Childcare at Wakefield Council
More than just a job
Working in one of Wakefield Council’s children’s homes is a chance to change lives and transform your own future. Every child deserves a safe, loving home and positive experiences that set them up for life. That’s why residential childcare is so important, and why we’re looking for people who care.
Who we're looking for
You don’t need a degree or formal qualifications to start. We welcome people from all walks of life who are:
1. Warm, nurturing, and emotionally intelligent
2. Great at building trusting relationships
3. Resilient and committed to making a difference
4. Equipped with transferable skills from other careers or life experiences
We are looking to appoint a dedicated and skilled individual to join our team, supporting children and young people in a residential setting at York Villas, Normanton.
All staff receive thorough induction, effective supervision, and access to high-quality training. The role involves working a variety of shifts, which may include weekends, waking nights, sleep-ins, on-call duties, and Bank Holidays.
We are seeking someone who is passionate about making a positive difference in the lives of the children and young people in our care.
York Villas provides full-time residential care for children and young people up to the age of 18 who have learning disabilities.
Applicants should hold a Level 3 Diploma in Children and Young People’s Workforce or be willing to work towards achieving this qualification upon appointment.
An enhanced DBS check and two references will be required.
For more information, please contact Nickie Haigh, Julie Hutchfield, or Bev Pitman on .
Pay and benefits
We know that attracting and keeping great people means offering more than just job satisfaction. That’s why we provide competitive rates of pay and a benefits package designed to support your wellbeing, career, and lifestyle.
5. Competitive salaries aligned with your role and experience
6. Essential car user allowance (where applicable)
7. Blue Light Card for discounts across retail, leisure, and travel
8. Generous pension scheme with employer contributions
9. Excellent commuter links across Yorkshire
We’re committed to making Wakefield not just a great place to work—but a great place to thrive.
Why Wakefield?
Wakefield Council is setting the standard for residential childcare. With nearly half of our children’s homes rated Outstanding and the rest Good, we’re proud to be recognised nationally for our commitment to quality, innovation, and staff wellbeing. Our integrated model is a national exemplar, and our partnerships in SEND have earned top marks from both Ofsted and the CQC.
We don’t just support children—we support the people who care for them. From monthly wellbeing consultations to a hybrid Learning Academy and clear career progression routes, we’re building a workforce that’s skilled, supported, and inspired.
Training and development
Our people are our greatest strength. We believe that when you grow, so does the impact you make—and that’s why we’re committed to investing in your development from day one. Whether you're just starting out or looking to take the next step, we offer structured, supported pathways to help you build a rewarding career in residential childcare.
10. Level 3 Diploma / Level 4 Apprenticeship in Residential Childcare
11. Mandatory and specialist training tailored to your role
12. Access to fully funded Social Worker Apprenticeships for internal candidates
About our Children and Young People’s Service
Wakefield’s Children’s Services are Ofsted-rated ‘Good’ with ‘Outstanding’ in children’s social care, and we’re proud of our transformation journey. We’ve created a culture where good practice is celebrated, and staff are supported to grow and thrive.
13. Small, stable teams with manageable caseloads
14. Strong multi-agency partnerships and co-located teams
15. Dedicated Learning Academy and bespoke training
16. Clear progression pathways and leadership development
17. Emotional Wellbeing Team
We’re committed to ensuring every child and young person in Wakefield is happy, healthy, and safe, and we’re looking for passionate individuals to help us achieve that vision.
About Wakefield Council
Wakefield Council is a stable, ambitious, and well-run authority with a strong reputation for delivering excellent services. We’re proud to be part of a district of over, people, with a diverse mix of city, urban, and rural communities.
18. We’re one of five metropolitan councils in West Yorkshire and part of the thriving Leeds City Region.
19. Our £8 billion economy is driven by strengths in health and care, manufacturing, logistics, and the arts.
20. We’re home to 10, local businesses, two Super League rugby teams, and nationally recognised cultural attractions like the Hepworth Gallery and Yorkshire Sculpture Park.
21. With 70% greenbelt land and 16 nature reserves, Wakefield is a fantastic place to live and work.
Our workforce of over 5, people is supported by an open and inclusive culture, where challenge is welcomed and creativity is encouraged. We’re a council that gets things done, and we’re looking for people who want to make a lasting impact.
Whether you’re starting out or looking to build on existing experience, our residential roles offer a chance to make a real difference in children’s lives, while building a fulfilling career in a supportive and forward-thinking environment.
Safeguarding
Wakefield Council is wholly committed to ensuring children and vulnerable adults are fully supported and safe. We are dedicated to the safeguarding of all children and vulnerable adults whilst promoting their welfare. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this responsibility.
DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service)
The successful applicant will be required to complete a Disclosure Application Form and to provide criminal conviction information.
Probation
In accordance with the Council Probation Procedure, this post is subject to a 6-month Probationary Period.
Fluency Duty
To comply with Part 7 of the Immigration Act (Fluency Duty), public facing roles will be subject to the Fluency Duty.
Diversity
Having a diverse workforce that is reflective of the communities we serve helps us to achieve the best outcomes for all. We encourage applications from everyone and actively seek to ensure that everyone feels included in the workplace so that we can make the most of our differences.
Why Wakefield
To find out more about the benefits of working at Wakefield Council, click .