Residential Childcare Practitioner - Stable Loving Homes

Reading Borough Council; Reading; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Shift allowance

Funding for Level 3 Diploma

Career progression

Clinical support

25 days annual leave

LGPS pension

Blue Light Card discounts

Season ticket loan

Lease car scheme

Job summary

Reading Borough Council is creating three new children’s homes in 2026 as part of Stable Loving Homes, offering safe, nurturing, therapeutic care for children aged 11–17. We’re seeking compassionate, resilient people with strong values to join the teams, with start dates from May 2026.

You don’t need prior residential experience, but you must be willing to work shifts including sleep-ins, evenings and weekends.

Qualifications

• You don’t need prior residential experience; values and how you show up for children matter most.
• You must be kind, reliable, child-focused, calm under pressure and willing to learn.

Responsibilities

• Build strong, trusting relationships to help children feel safe and valued.
• Provide trauma-informed, nurturing and consistent care.
• Keywork children, supporting independence, routines and emotional growth.
• Encourage education, activities and hobbies.
• Keep care plans, risk assessments and daily records up to date.
• Work collaboratively with families, social workers, schools and health professionals.
• Support children through change, big emotions and important life moments.
• Work on a rota including sleep-ins, evenings and weekends

Skills

Child care

Communication

Resilience

Teamwork

Driving licence

Education

Level 3 Diploma

Job description

Make a real difference - help us create homes where children can heal, grow and thrive.

Reading Borough Council is opening three new children’s homes in 2026 as part of our Stable Loving Homes service. These homes will offer safe, nurturing and therapeutic care for children aged 11–17 who need stability, connection and trusted adults around them.

We’re building these homes -and the teams that will bring them to life, with start dates expected from May 2026. If you’re compassionate, resilient and child‑centred, we’d love to hear from you. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer.

Looking for a role where you can genuinely change a child’s life? Join us.

Our Homes

• Lime Tree House – Long‑term home for up to 4 children aged 12–17 with needs linked to their emotions and behaviours.
• Oak Tree House – 4‑bed assessment home supporting children aged 12-17 through transition.
• Cherry Tree House – Small therapeutic home for up to 2 children with SEMH needs aged 11-17.

All three share one purpose: giving Reading’s children a stable, loving home in their own community.

What You’ll Do

• Build strong, trusting relationships that help children feel safe and valued
• Provide trauma‑informed, nurturing and consistent care
• Keywork children, supporting independence, routines and emotional growth
• Encourage education, activities and hobbies
• Keep care plans, risk assessments and daily records up to date
• Work collaboratively with families, social workers, schools and health professionals
• Support children through change, big emotions and important life moments
• Work on a rota including sleep‑ins, evenings and weekends

This is work that matters: It’s emotional, rewarding, challenging - and genuinely life‑changing - we promise you, no two days are the same.

What We’re Looking For

You don’t need previous residential experience - we care most about your values and how you show up for children. We’re looking for people who are:

• Kind, reliable and child‑focused
• Calm under pressure and resilient
• Great communicators
• Willing to learn and complete the Level 3 Diploma
• Able to work flexibly as part of a supportive team
• Hold a driving licence and can drive the home’s vehicle
• Willing to work shifts including weekends and nights

Team Reading Values

You’ll be part of a culture shaped by four core values:

• Work Together as One Team - collaborate, support each other and put children first.
• Drive Efficiency - bring ideas, improve practice and use resources wisely.
• Be Ambitious - aim high for yourself and the children you support.
• Make a Difference to Reading - provide the right support at the right time.

These values shape how we work every day and they’re at the core of Stable Loving Homes.

Why Join Us?

• Competitive salary including shift allowance
• Strong career progression and leadership pathways
• Fully funded Level 3 qualification (if required)
• High‑quality training, reflective practice and clinical support
• 25 days annual leave + Bank holidays (rising to 33 + Bank holidays days with service)
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Life assurance (LGPS members)
• Blue Light Card, as well a comprehensive range of discounts available through our Team reading rewards platform
• Season ticket loan & lease car scheme
• Supportive, values‑driven environment

Ready to Make a Difference?

If you want a role with purpose, connection and real impact - this is it.

Find out more:Stable Loving Homes - Brighter Futures For Children

Closing date: Sunday 8th November 2026
Interviews: To be confirmed

Please note: This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship, so applicants must have the right to work in the UK.