Children's Residential Keyworker (Fixed Term, Maternity Cover) at Valence School

Valence School; Westerham; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully funded training

Pension & life cover

Wellbeing sessions

Retail discounts

Free on-site parking

Accommodation for late shifts

Job summary

Valence School in Westerham, United Kingdom, is seeking a reliable Keyworker to join our Residential team on a fixed-term maternity cover. You will support day-to-day care, wellbeing and development of residents, creating a safe, nurturing environment.

As the named keyworker for a small group of students, you will build strong relationships, lead personalised programmes to support personal, social, emotional and educational growth, assist with personal care and coordinate with staff and external

Qualifications

• Experience in care or educational settings is helpful, training provided.
• Knowledge of safeguarding and Keeping Children Safe in Education.
• Physically able to provide personal care and support mobility.
• Desirable: SEND support, behavioural management knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Build strong relationships with key students and lead personalised programmes to support their development.
• Support learning in class and residential routines to develop independence and life skills.
• Plan activities, run group sessions and liaise with staff, parents and external agencies.
• Assist with personal care, moving and handling and health tasks as part of a safe residential environment.

Skills

Compassionate

Reliable

Enthusiastic

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Calm under pressure

Flexible shifts

Job description

About this Role

FIXED TERM (MATERNITY COVER)

We are seeking a reliable and enthusiastic Keyworker to join our Residential team on a fixed-term basis, covering a period of maternity leave. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced residential environment and is committed to providing high-quality, person-centred care. Working alongside the Residential Manager and wider team, you will support the day-to-day care, wellbeing, and development of residents, helping to create a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment.

Are you passionate about making a real difference in the lives of young people? We need caring, committed residential keyworkers to join our experienced team to support and guide students in both their learning and residential life. This is a hands‑on, rewarding role where you will help students grow, develop life skills and reach their full potential both in the classroom and our home living environment.

What you will do:

As the named keyworker for a small group of students, you will build strong, positive relationships with your key students, leading personalised programmes to support their personal, social, emotional and educational development. From supporting access to learning in class and residential routines you will help develop their independence, communication and life skills, in our all‑round curriculum. You will also help plan activities, run group sessions and work with multi‑disciplinary staff, parents and external agencies to ensure each student thrives. You will also assist with personal care, moving and handling and specialist health tasks to contribute to a safe, nurturing and inclusive residential environment.

What we are looking for:

• Someone who is compassionate, reliable and enthusiastic, with a genuine commitment to improving outcomes for young poeple.


• Experience in care or educational settings is helpful, however full training will be given.


• Knowledge of safeguarding, child protection and Keeping Children Safe in Education.


• Excellent communication, organisational skills and the ability to stay calm under pressure.


• Physically fit and confident to provide personal care and support students' mobility needs.


• Flexible and able to work early morning and late shifts during the week.


• Desirable: Experience supporting SEND students, behavioural management knowledge and minibus driving.

What we offer:

• A role with real purpose and daily impact


• Fully funded qualifications and training


• Generous pension scheme & life cover


• Staff wellbeing sessions and support


• Retail discounts and subsidised meals


• Free on-site parking

On-site overnight staff accommodation is available for those working a 10pm late shift followed by a 7am early shift.

Become part of a team where your passion and dedication will be truly valued and where you can help shape brighter futures every day.

Valence School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of every student and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Valence School is committed to valuing diversity and promoting equality for all. For shortlisted candidates references will be taken up before interview and online checks undertaken. The successful applicant will require an enhanced DBS check (this post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act).