Senior Residential Childcare Practitioner – Ofsted-Regulated Children’s Home
Location: Merstham, Surrey
Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent
Empower Young Lives – One Moment, One Breakthrough, One Future at a Time
Are you an experienced childcare professional with a passion for therapeutic care and a drive to make lasting change? This is your opportunity to take on a meaningful senior role where every day is a chance to lead with compassion, provide stability, and help children rebuild their futures.
We are seeking a Senior Residential Childcare Practitioner to join our dedicated team at a well-established, Ofsted-registered children’s home on the edge of the Surrey Hills. This role offers not just responsibility, but real purpose—within a supportive, values-led environment that prioritises quality care and emotional connection.
About the Home
Our residential home supports up to four children aged 10–18 who are unable to live with their families. Set in a peaceful, spacious house with a large garden and surrounded by nature, the environment is purposefully designed to feel safe, calm, and healing.
Therapy animals, including resident bunnies, help create a nurturing atmosphere that encourages emotional development and a sense of belonging. We are led by an experienced and values-driven leadership team committed to achieving long-term, positive outcomes for every child in our care.
Your Role
As Senior Residential Childcare Practitioner, you’ll take a key leadership role within the home, guiding and supporting the team during shifts and setting the standard for therapeutic, relationship-based care. Your work will be central to creating everyday moments that promote healing, resilience, and growth.
Key Responsibilities
- Deliver consistent, child-centred care tailored to individual needs
- Lead and manage shifts, ensuring smooth day-to-day operation of the home
- Support care planning, risk assessments, and behavioural strategies
- Facilitate therapeutic and recreational activities
- Maintain high-quality records in line with regulatory expectations
- Mentor junior staff and foster a reflective, supportive culture
- Participate in training and team development activities
What You’ll Bring
- Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or equivalent) – essential
- Significant experience in children’s residential care, ideally in a senior capacity
- Strong knowledge of safeguarding, trauma-informed practice, and Ofsted standards
- Excellent communication, leadership, and mentoring abilities
- Emotional resilience and a calm, grounded approach
- Full UK driving licence
- Availability to work long day shifts with regular sleep-ins (2–3 per week)
What You’ll Gain
- Competitive salary with progression opportunities
- Long day/sleep-in shift model to support work-life balance
- Comprehensive induction and ongoing CPD
- Specialist training in therapeutic approaches
- A supportive, team-focused workplace
- Pension scheme and additional staff benefits
- A role with deep personal and professional fulfilment
Ready to Make a Lasting Difference?
If you're a resilient and compassionate practitioner who believes in the power of relationship-based care, we would love to hear from you.
Apply now with your CV and a short cover letter explaining why you’re the right fit for this rewarding role.
Join us—where care is more than a job. It's a calling.
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
Reference ID: SNR RCCP
