Frequently Asked Questions

Full-time (37 hours per week)

A full-time position consists of 160 hours per month, equivalent to 37 hours worked weekly. Typically, you can expect to work four or five shifts per week on average, with weekends alternated.

Throughout the week, you'll experience a range of shifts including early shifts (7am - 3pm) and late shifts (2pm - 10.30pm). These shifts may also include a midweek shift lasting either 5.5 or 12 hours.

After a successful probationary period, sleep-in shifts will be required and will be paid an additional flat rate.

We hire for potential, so no formal qualifications or previous experience is needed, you can get this while working with us (we will fund your Level 4 Diploma, Residential Practitioner). However you will need to be emotionally resilient and passionate to achieve outstanding outcomes for our children. 

The following is a must, is this you?

• Master of Communication: Your words are your power. You'll be engaging with young individuals who need your support, as well as collaborating with your team. Remember, respectful and clear communication is key!
• Patience Personified: Got patience? You're going to need a lot of it! But trust us, it's worth it.
• Empathy Enthusiast: Can you walk in someone else's shoes? Your ability to understand and share the feelings of people from all walks of life is crucial.
• Office Oracle: From drafting detailed reports to updating digital records, your basic IT skills will shine here. It's time to put those office skills to work!
• Reliability Rockstar: You're not just a team member, you're a caregiver for vulnerable children in their home. They're counting on you to be there for them, bringing your A-game every day.
• Resilience Ranger: Tough situation? No problem! You've got the ability to stay composed and rebound from any challenging circumstances that come your way.

Every day is a new adventure, brimming with its own unique highs and lows. Here's what you can generally anticipate:

• Helping with Homework: Providing assistance and guidance to young people in their academic pursuits, ensuring they have the support they need to succeed.
• Completing Paperwork: Maintaining accurate and up-to-date records to ensure proper documentation and compliance with regulations.
• Planning Activities: Organising engaging and stimulating activities that promote social interaction, creativity, and personal development.
• Ensuring School Readiness: Be there from the moment our children wake up, helping them get dressed, and preparing meals.
• Creating a Safe and Fun Environment: Fostering a nurturing and inclusive atmosphere where young people feel safe, supported, and encouraged to grow.

We need to chauffeur our little ones to school (even though they might protest!), whisk them off to exciting social activities, holidays, explore on thrilling outings, support them on contact meetings with relatives or just make a quick trip to the shops.

Driving is an integral part of the role, therefore you will be expected to drive on all types of roads including motorways and feel confident driving with young children in the car.

Working in residential childcare means your days are filled with different tasks that need varied clothing. Most of the time, you're wearing simple clothes like jeans and t-shirts to feel comfortable while taking care of children. This helps you connect with them easily.

However, there are times when you need to dress formally, like when you go to a child's review or a school meeting. In these times, having formal clothes ready is very helpful.

But no matter what you wear, safety is always important. You should be careful about things like jewelry that might cause problems if you need to physically intervene with a child.

In short, in residential childcare, every day is different, and as a staff member, you need to dress accordingly.