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- Tasks: Support and empower children in a residential education setting, enhancing their life skills.
- Company: Join Meath School, a leading special school for children with speech and language challenges.
- Benefits: Enjoy paid school holidays, a supportive team environment, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working in a positive and rewarding atmosphere.
- Qualifications: Must have a Level 3 Diploma in Children and Young People’s Workforce or Residential Childcare.
- Other info: Flexible shift patterns and a commitment to safeguarding ensure a safe workplace.
The predicted salary is between 22700 - 28800 £ per year.
Location: Meath School, Chertsey, Surrey
Salary: £27,404 – £28,792
Contract Type: Permanent, Full Time Contract (39 hours per week, 39 weeks per year, all school holidays paid)
Working pattern: Shift working across the week; mornings and evenings
Start date: as soon as possible.
Role Overview: As a Residential Childcare Officer you will encourage children to develop confidence, self-esteem and essential life skills. As part of our team, you will work hard to empower our young people, help them break through barriers and experience a range of varied opportunities and activities.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide high-quality care and support for a caseload of 6-7 pupils in a residential education setting.
- Collaborate with teachers, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, and other care staff.
- Plan and deliver individual and group activities to enhance children’s personal, social, and emotional development.
- Administer medication, oversee children’s diets, and provide guidance on life skills.
- Mentor volunteers and newly recruited staff, fostering a supportive and professional team environment.
- Ensure all risk assessments are conducted in collaboration with the Residential Services Manager.
- Actively contribute to the creation of a safe and stimulating environment.
What we are looking for:
Qualifications: L3 Diploma for the Children and Young People’s Workforce or L3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (essential).
Experience: Previous experience working with children and young people, especially those with special needs, is vital.
Skills: Strong communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively with children, parents, and multidisciplinary teams. Ability to plan, assess, and monitor educational and development programmes. Resilience and a calm approach to challenging situations.
About Us: Meath, a Speech and Language UK school, is a day and residential non-maintained primary special school for up to 75 pupils 4 to 11 years with complex speech and language challenges. Our most recent Ofsted report (2023) is highly positive about the work of the school and the progress which our children make. ‘Pupils are happy and safe, and they enjoy being in school. They comment that ‘everyone can have friends here’.
How to Apply: To apply please send a completed application form to sbm@meathschool.org.uk. Interviews will be held at Meath School. Informal enquiries about this post can be made to Debbie Hanson, Residential Services Manager on 01932 872 302. Closing date: 9am on Monday, 31 March 2025.
Speech and Language UK is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We carry out appropriate vetting and verifications on all staff. In line with Keeping Children Safe in Education the successful candidate’s employment is subject to an enhanced DBS and barred list check.
Please find details of our safeguarding policy. All shortlisted candidates will be subject to an online search covering content that is in the public domain.
Accessibility Support: We are committed to ensuring that our recruitment process is accessible to everyone. If you require any adjustments or need to apply in a different format, please contact our People Team at hr@speechandlanguage.org.uk and we will be happy to assist you. We are a Disability Confident Committed employer.
Thank you for your interest and we look forward to hearing from you!
Residential Childcare Officer employer: Speech and Language UK
Contact Detail:
Speech and Language UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Residential Childcare Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of children with speech and language challenges. Understanding these unique requirements will help you demonstrate your commitment to supporting their development during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field of residential childcare. Attend relevant workshops or seminars to connect with others who work in similar roles, as they may provide insights or even referrals that could help you land the job.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with multidisciplinary teams. Highlight any collaborative projects you've been involved in, as this role requires working closely with teachers and therapists to support children's development.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your resilience and calm approach in challenging situations. Be ready to share examples from your past experiences where you successfully managed difficult scenarios, as this is a key skill for a Residential Childcare Officer.
We think you need these skills to ace Residential Childcare Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and qualifications required for the Residential Childcare Officer position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with these requirements.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any previous experience working with children and young people, especially those with special needs. Provide specific examples of how you've supported their development and well-being.
Showcase Your Skills: Demonstrate your strong communication and interpersonal skills in your application. Mention any relevant training or qualifications, such as the L3 Diploma for the Children and Young People’s Workforce, and how they prepare you for this role.
Personalise Your Application: Make your application stand out by personalising it. Address the hiring manager by name if possible, and express your genuine interest in working at Meath School. Mention why you are passionate about supporting children with speech and language challenges.
How to prepare for a job interview at Speech and Language UK
✨Show Your Passion for Childcare
Make sure to express your genuine passion for working with children, especially those with special needs. Share personal experiences or stories that highlight your commitment to empowering young people and helping them develop essential life skills.
✨Demonstrate Team Collaboration Skills
Since the role involves working closely with teachers and therapists, be prepared to discuss examples of how you've successfully collaborated in a team setting. Highlight your communication skills and how you can contribute to a supportive environment.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your ability to handle challenging situations. Think of specific scenarios where you had to demonstrate resilience and a calm approach, and be ready to explain your thought process and actions taken.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Safeguarding Policies
Understanding safeguarding policies is crucial in this role. Research the school's safeguarding policy and be prepared to discuss how you would ensure the safety and well-being of the children in your care during the interview.
