Children's Residential Support Worker - Orchard House

Shaw Trust; Upper Gravenhurst; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sleep-in allowance

Ofsted Bonus Scheme

Career development

Generous annual leave

EAP & wellbeing support

Cycle to Work

Job summary

Homes2Inspire in Gravenhurst, Bedfordshire, is seeking a Residential Support Worker to join our 40-hour-per-week, full-time team. You will support children and young people in a residential setting, ensuring safety, daily routines, and engagement in activities.

The role offers full training, progression to QCF Level 3, and a comprehensive benefits package. Sleep-ins are required, and a full UK driving license is essential.

Qualifications

• Compassion, patience, and a genuine desire to make a difference.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to remain calm in challenging situations.
• Willingness to work towards QCF Level 3 in Residential Childcare (fully funded).
• Honesty, empathy, and a commitment to being a positive role model.

Responsibilities

• Safeguard and promote the wellbeing of young people in our care.
• Provide daily care and support, including cooking, cleaning, and encouraging independence.
• Encourage participation in community activities and hobbies.
• Maintain a safe environment, following procedures and Ofsted regulations, reporting incidents as required.
• Build positive relationships and act as a role model for managing behaviours.
• Transport young people to school, appointments, and activities; support with family visits.

Skills

Compassion

Patience

Communication

Calm under pressure

Willingness to learn

Education

QCF Level 3 in Residential Childcare

Job description

Chidrens Residential Support Worker

Employer: Homes2Inspire (part of Shaw Trust Group)

Contract: Full-time, Permanent, 40 hours per week

Salary: £29,767 - £31,579 per annum (£14.31 - £15.18 per hour) sleep-in allowance (£50.00 per sleep)

Location: Gravenhurst, Bedfordshire - MK45

Ofsted: Good

Have you ever thought about a career in children’s residential care but don’t have the experience? Homes2inspire offer full training and industry qualifications to support you in your career to work with children and young people.

We are looking for people who genuinely want to make a difference to the lives of children and young people who live in residential care, who have the right values, attitude and willingness to learn.

If you are emotionally resilient, able to stay calm under pressure, and confident supporting young people who may display behaviours that challenge then we want to hear from you!

About Homes2Inspire

Homes2inspire, are part of Shaw Trust Group, a charity dedicated to transforming lives across the UK.

Since opening our first home in 2007, Homes2Inspire has grown to become the UK's largest charity-owned provider of residential children's homes. We support over 150 children across 54 homes and 2 semi-independent leaving care facilities and high-needs foster care provision.

With ambitious growth plans for 2026 / 2027, we are looking for expectational team members to be part of our exiting journey.

About The Home

Orchard House is a 2 bedded children’s residential home in Gravenhurst, Bedfordshire – MK45.

Supporting children and young people up to the age of 18 with emotional and behavioural needs – the home provides a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment by offering emotional and practical support to help children develop life skills and build confidence.

The Role

As a Residential Support Worker, you will be responsible for the safety of our children and young people who live within our home, supporting with their daily routines, getting up in the morning, getting ready for school, school runs, supporting with daily activities in the home or out and in the community, attending medical appointments, supporting with family visits, meal preparation and more!

• Safeguard and promote the wellbeing of young people in our care.
• Provide daily care and support, including cooking, cleaning, and encouraging independence in skills like budgeting and shopping.
• Encourage participation in community activities and hobbies.
• Maintain a safe environment, following company procedures and Ofsted regulations, including reporting and recording accidents, incidents, or physical interventions.
• Build positive relationships, acting as a role model to help children manage emotional and behavioural difficulties.
• Transport young people to school, medical appointments, recreational activities, social outings, and school or college
• Act as a positive role model, setting clear boundaries and building trust.
• Maintain accurate records and paperwork, liaising with management, social workers, other healthcare professionals etc.
• Work flexibly, including evenings, weekends, bank holidays, and sleep-ins (1–2 per week).
• Due to the location of the home, drivers with a full UK driver’s license are essential.

What You’ll Bring

• Compassion, patience, and a genuine desire to make a difference.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to remain calm in challenging situations.
• Willingness to work towards QCF Level 3 in Residential Childcare (fully funded).
• Honesty, empathy, and a commitment to being a positive role model.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary (£29,767 - £31,579 per annum).
• Sleep-in allowance (£50.00 per sleep).
• Ofsted Bonus Scheme for homes achieving Good or Outstanding inspection outcomes.
• Enhanced Family Friendly Leave.
• Award and Recognition Vouchers celebrating outstanding performance and achievements
• QCF Level 3 in Residential Childcare – fully funded
• Overtime opportunities.
• Comprehensive training and career development pathways.
• Generous annual leave, with option to purchase 5 extra days.
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) and wellbeing support.
• Unum Healthcare - App-based access to healthcare reimbursements, mental health support, remote GP, and wellbeing perks
• Aviva Digicare - Access free healthcare services including Digital GP consultation, Annual Health Check and Mental Health Assessments
• Refer a Friend bonus.
• Discounts on shopping, cinema, holidays, plus Blue Light Card access.
• Cycle to Work scheme.
• Subsidised days out with young people.
• Recognition awards for long service and attendance.
• Meals included during shifts.

Important Information

• You must hold a full UK licence - we are unable to consider none drivers
• Sleep-ins are required (average 1–2 per week).
• We cannot offer sponsorshipor part time hours.
• All successful candidates will undergo safer recruitment checks in line with Ofsted requirements.
• This is a full time, permanent contract based on 40 hours a week.

Please Note

• All successful candidates will be subject to pre-employment safer recruitment checks in line with Ofsted regulatory requirements and Homes2Inspire Safer Recruitment Policy.
• Candidate applications will be reviewed regularly, and we reserve the right to interview candidates before the advertised closing date of this role.