Waking Nights Residential Childcare Practitioner

Reading Borough Council; Normanton on Trent; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

LGPS pension

Life assurance

Blue Light Card discounts

Season ticket loan

Lease car scheme

Career progression

Job summary

Reading Borough Council is recruiting a Residential Childcare Practitioner for waking nights as part of our Stable Loving Homes project. The role supports children aged 11–17 in purpose-built homes, providing nurturing, trauma-informed care and stable routines.

You will work on a rota including sleep-ins, evenings and weekends, building trust with children and collaborating with families and professionals to help them heal and grow.

Qualifications

• Qualifications in childcare or equivalent
• Hold a driving licence and be able to drive the home’s vehicle
• Willing to work shifts including weekends and nights

Responsibilities

• Build strong, trusting relationships with children to help them 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 and big emotions

Skills

Calm under pressure

Great communicators

Willing to learn

Driving licence

Flexible shifts

Education

Level 3 Diploma

Job description

Reading Borough Council is recruiting a Residential Childcare Practitioner for waking nights as part of our Stable Loving Homes project. The role supports children aged 11–17 in purpose-built homes, providing nurturing, trauma-informed care and stable routines.

You will work on a rota including sleep-ins, evenings and weekends, building trust with children and collaborating with families and professionals to help them heal and grow.