Waking Nights Residential Childcare Practitioner

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

Benefits offered by this job

Shift allowance

Annual leave + bank holidays (rising)

Life assurance (LGPS)

Blue Light Card discounts

Season ticket loan & lease car

Job summary

Reading Borough Council invites applications for a Residential Childcare Practitioner - Waking Nights as part of the Stable Loving Homes project. Salary £30,391 - £33,431 per year (inclusive of 15% shift allowance).

The role supports up to three new children’s homes opening in 2026 for 11–17-year-olds, providing safe, nurturing and therapeutic care. You’ll join a compassionate team, work shifts including nights and weekends, and work toward Level 3 Diploma while making a real difference in

Qualifications

• No prior residential experience required; values and approach matter most.
• Willing to complete Level 3 Diploma.
• Must hold a driving licence and be able to drive the home’s vehicle.
• Willing to work flexible shifts including nights and weekends.

Responsibilities

• Build strong, trusting relationships with children to help them feel safe and valued.
• Provide trauma-informed, nurturing and consistent care.
• Keywork children and support 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

Empathy

Reliability

Calm under pressure

Willing to learn

Driving licence

Education

Level 3 Diploma

Job description

Reading Borough Council invites applications for a Residential Childcare Practitioner - Waking Nights as part of the Stable Loving Homes project. Salary £30,391 - £33,431 per year (inclusive of 15% shift allowance).

The role supports up to three new children’s homes opening in 2026 for 11–17-year-olds, providing safe, nurturing and therapeutic care. You’ll join a compassionate team, work shifts including nights and weekends, and work toward Level 3 Diploma while making a real difference in