Residential Support Worker

Shorefields; Colchester; Hybrid; GBP 17,000 - 18,000; Part time

Job summary

Lexden Springs School in Colchester is seeking a part-time Residential Assistant to support pupils in the school's residential provision. You will help with routines, meals, activities and residential experiences, while fostering independence and confidence.

The role emphasizes a therapeutic approach to behaviour and learning and may include personal care and light housekeeping. DBS checks and safeguarding duties apply.

Qualifications

• Level 3 Diploma in Children and Young People's Social Care or equivalent.
• Support will be provided to achieve this qualification if needed.

Responsibilities

• Support pupils with evening and morning routines, mealtimes, activities and residential experiences.
• Help pupils develop independence, confidence and life skills within a therapeutic approach.
• Assist with personal care and general housekeeping duties in the residential setting.
• Safeguard and promote pupils' welfare; participate in safeguarding and DBS processes.
• Work in line with school values and contribute to a supportive staff environment.

Education

Level 3 Diploma in Children and Young People's Social Care

Job description

Job Ref No. ECC7069-569S Position Type: Teaching/Child Support Pay Range: Pay Scale 5, Points 10-13

Position Start Date: Immediate Contract Type: Part-time Contract Term: Permanent

Application Close: 14/10/2026 Midday Date of Interviews: WC 26/10/2026

Working hours

Shifts

• A rolling 2-week rota
• Monday: 14:15-21:15 with break
• Tuesday: 14:15-21:15 with break
• Wednesday: 14:15-21:15 with break
• Thursday: 14:15-21:15 with break
• Friday: OFF
• Monday: 14:15-21:15 with break
• Tuesday: 6:30-11:30
• Thursday: 6:00-11:30
• Friday: 6:00-10:30

Pro-rata salary between £16,683.76-£17,509.09 per annum

Job overview

As a member of our Residential Team, you will play a key role in supporting pupils during their time within our residential provision. You will help create a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment by supporting pupils with evening and morning routines, mealtimes, activities, educational visits and residential experiences.

Working in line with the school's values and therapeutic approach to behaviour and learning, you will support pupils to develop independence, confidence, and life skills. The role will also include assisting with personal care and carrying out general housekeeping duties within the residential setting.

Applicants should hold a Level 3 Diploma in Children and Young People's Social Care (or an equivalent qualification) or be willing to work towards achieving this qualification. Support will be provided by the school for successful candidates who need to obtain this qualification.

For further information regarding this vacancy, please refer to the attached job description and person specification.

Lexden Springs is a vibrant, rewarding, and inspiring special school where no two days are the same - but a smile is always guaranteed! The school caters for pupils aged 3 to 19 with severe learning difficulties, including autism, complex behavioural needs and significant medical conditions. Our residential provision welcomes pupils from the age of 5 up to their 16th birthday.

We are proud of our dedicated and enthusiastic staff team, who are committed to enabling every pupil to achieve their full potential academically, socially, emotionally and personally. Through our therapeutic and individualised approach, we support pupils to build confidence, develop independence and engage successfully within the wider community.

In return, we offer a supportive working environment with a strong commitment to staff wellbeing, training and professional development. We actively encourage all staff to develop their skills and fulfil their own potential as part of our school community.

Please note, due to the nature of the role, all breaks in the evening/night will need to be taken on site, you should also be aware that Lexden Springs School is a non-smoking site.

Lexden Springs School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. As part of the Safer Recruitment process the successful candidate will be required to undertake an enhanced DBS check.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age or disability status.

About Hope Learning Community

Hope Learning Community is a multi-academy trust of four schools and two colleges in Essex.We have the privilege of working with the most amazing, unique children, who inspire us every day.

We are a forward-thinking Trust committed to providing outstanding education and support to ensure that every pupil is given the opportunities, encouragement, and support they need to thrive. Through our inclusive and nurturing approach, we strive to create environments where pupils feel safe, valued and empowered to reach their full potential.

Please note we do not employ close family members of our pupils.

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HR Department
Winstree Road, Colchester
Essex, CO3 0PZ Telephone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]