Children's Support Worker

Looking for a role that’s actually rewarding, fun and meaningful – not just “another job in care”? Do you want to spend your working day helping children feel safer, happier and more confident in themselves? If you’re nodding along to those questions, you’ll probably want to hear more about our Children’s Residential Support Worker roles across Burton and Swadlincote. Children’s Residential Support Workers Burton, Swadlincote and surrounding areas We’re working with several children’s residential services across Burton and Swadlincote who need support workers to look after children and young people who live on site all year round. Some roles are bank and flexible, some are full-time and permanent. All of them are hands-on, emotionally demanding and properly rewarding. What the homes are actually like These aren’t grey, institutional homes where children are just “managed”. Think: Homes with on-site farms and goats Big outdoor spaces, trampolines and proper play equipment Talent shows, themed days, trips out and mobile fish-and-chip vans turning up on site The whole point is to create a place where children feel safe, have fun and have a real chance to grow socially, emotionally and academically – not just get through the day. What you’ll actually do You’ll be one of the adults a child sees most days, so you become part of their “home team”. That means you will: Support children with SEND and complex needs with everyday routines – getting up, meals, personal care, school runs and bedtime Help them regulate when they’re anxious, upset or angry, using agreed behaviour support strategies Take part in activities – farms, games, trips, talent competitions – and help them build confidence and social skills Work closely with the team and follow each child’s care plan and EHCP, so everyone is on the same page Keep clear, accurate records – because safeguarding and consistency aren’t optional in this job If you do this well, you become one of the reasons they feel safe enough to try new things and trust adults again. That’s the real job title. Who this would suit You don’t need to have “seen it all”, but you do need: Experience in care, education, youth work, residential, or something genuinely similar A calm, consistent way with children – especially when they’re not on their best behaviour Willingness to work shifts, including some evenings and weekends The maturity to follow safeguarding processes properly, every single time You don’t need to have decades of experience to be considered. We’re open to people with a range of backgrounds – from seasoned residential workers and TAs to people with solid experience in care, youth work or support roles who are ready to step into a children’s residential setting for the first time. If your main interest is an easy life, this won’t be for you. If you like the idea of tough days that actually matter, it might be. Roles available Full-Time Residential Support Worker – 3 on / 3 off – £31,000 starting salary If you prefer longer shifts and more days off in a row: * 3 days on, 3 days off repeating pattern * Typical shift: 07:15–21:45 * You’ll support children with SEND and complex needs across all aspects of daily life This pattern suits people who like clear structure and blocks of genuine time off. Full-Time Residential Support Worker – 5 days per week – £24,000 starting salary If you prefer a more “traditional” working week: * Mixture of 5 x 8-hour shifts * Early: 07:15–15:15 * Late: 14:45–22:00 Bank Children’s Support Worker – £13.68 per hour Ideal if you need flexibility, are studying, or want part-time hours you can control. * You choose the days you’re available * Two main shift patterns: * Early: 07:15–15:15 * Late: 14:45–22:00 You’ll do the same work as the permanent team, just on shifts that fit around the rest of your life. You’ll be part of the core team, building long-term relationships with the children and the staff. Training and induction If you join in a permanent role, you’re not thrown straight in. You’ll get a structured induction over 1–2 weeks (depending on the site), covering: * Policies, safeguarding and how the home runs day-to-day * How to read and work with EHCPs and individual care plans * Behaviour support and de-escalation techniques * Ongoing CPD to help you grow into a confident, skilled practitioner If you don’t already hold a Level 3 Diploma in Children’s Residential Care, you’ll be supported to complete it as part of your role. How the recruitment process works Whether you’re applying for bank or permanent work, the process is the same: * Initial interview with one of our recruitment consultants at Classroom Recruiters * If you’re shortlisted, a final interview/visit with a senior leader at the home * If successful, you’ll usually receive a verbal offer within 24 hours, followed by a conditional offer in writing Who this would suit You don’t need to have “seen it all”, but you do need to care about doing the right thing for children, even on the hard days. We’re open to people from a range of backgrounds, including: * Children’s homes or residential childcare * Adult care homes and supported living * Palliative care and end-of-life services * Healthcare assistants in hospitals or the community * Domiciliary/community carers * Teaching assistants, learning mentors or SEND school staff * Youth work, support work or similar people-focused roles If you’re used to supporting vulnerable people, following care plans and staying calm when things get challenging, you’ll recognise a lot of what happens in these homes. If your main interest is an easy life, this won’t be for you. If you like the idea of tough days that actually matter, it might be. Because these are children’s residential settings, offers are always subject to: * Enhanced DBS and full safeguarding checks * References and all compliance being in place before you start If that feels “over the top”, this probably isn’t the right environment for you. If it reassures you, you’re exactly the sort of person we want. Interested? If you’d like to know more about the bank or permanent roles across our Burton and Swadlincote sites get in touch today. Job Types: Full-time, Permanent