At a Glance
- Tasks: Support energetic children, providing emotional and physical care while encouraging their growth.
- Company: Join Keys Group, a caring family dedicated to making every day extraordinary for children.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, career progression, paid training, and well-being support.
- Other info: Flexible shifts, sleep-ins, and a supportive team environment await you!
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while having fun and building lasting relationships.
- Qualifications: Great communication skills and experience in children's care or related fields.
The predicted salary is between 27976 - 33976 £ per year.
Employer: Keys Group
Location: Runcorn, Cheshire
Pay: £13.45 per hour + £3k‑£6k per annum for sleep‑ins
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: Full time
Disability Confident: No
Closing Date: 18/06/2026
About this job:
Location: Runcorn. DRIVER ESSENTIAL. Salary: from April 2026: £13.45 per hour (£27,976 per annum) plus pay for sleep‑ins (about £62.64 per sleep‑in, 4‑8 per month, total £3,000‑£6,000 per year). Full UK driving licence and access to own vehicle are essential.
We are looking for a children's support worker to become part of our family home, caring for younger children who are very active and energetic. You would be the person to give encouragement and praise when needed, be patient and understanding during times of crisis, and inspire them to grow and develop.
Responsibilities:
- Provide emotional and physical support to the children to help them reach their full potential in sometimes challenging situations.
- Build trusting relationships and act as a positive role model.
- Encourage, praise and support the children.
- Organise and participate in fun days out such as swimming, trampolining, football, dance and revisit missed milestones.
- Support children in enjoying everyday tasks and empower them to make decisions about themselves.
- Work flexible shifts and sleep‑ins as required.
- Be part of a caring team that provides a safe and loving home led and supported by a registered manager.
Qualifications and Experience:
- Great communication skills, fun, positive and energetic.
- Experience and qualifications in children’s care or transferable skills such as nursery, sport, education or early years.
- Ability to build trusting relationships and be a role model.
- Full UK driving licence essential.
- Willingness to work flexibly, including shifts and sleep‑ins.
Why Join Keys Group:
Keys Group provides innovative care and education services to children and young people who have complex needs, emotional and behavioural difficulties. We strive to make every day extraordinary for the children we care for.
Benefits Package:
- Competitive salary at the Real Living Wage minimum.
- Enhanced pay scales for qualifications and experience.
- Career progression opportunities including progression to Registered Manager.
- Full support and funding for QCF qualifications and paid training.
- Full induction programme and supportive management.
- Well‑being support, advice and guidance via Employee Assistance Programme.
- Annual leave: 28 days including bank holidays.
- Enhanced DBS check and safe working environment.
- Access to discount schemes (e.g., Circle App & Blue Light Card).
- Retirement planning via NEST pension scheme.
Equal Opportunities:
Keys Group is an equal opportunities employer and encourages applications from all sections of the community. Keys Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of everyone in our care and therefore this post is subject to an enhanced DBS check. We are proud to have signed the Armed Forces Covenant, offering guaranteed interview for current and former service personnel that meet role criteria, a Veterans Peer Support Network, and Military Awareness support to colleagues.
Residential support worker (children & young people in Runcorn employer: Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd
Keys Group is an exceptional employer located in Runcorn, Cheshire, dedicated to providing innovative care and education services for children and young people with complex needs. With a strong focus on employee well-being, we offer competitive salaries, career progression opportunities, and comprehensive training support, all within a nurturing and supportive work environment. Join us to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a fulfilling career that values your contributions and encourages personal growth.
Contact Details:
Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Residential support worker (children & young people in Runcorn
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, check out Keys Group's website and social media. Understanding their values and mission will help you connect with the team and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their family.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Role-play common interview questions with a friend or family member. This will help you articulate your experience and how it relates to supporting children and young people, making you feel more confident when it’s your turn to shine.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for working with children! During the interview, share specific examples of how you've positively impacted young people's lives. Whether it's through sports, education, or care, let them see your enthusiasm and commitment to making a difference.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your appreciation for the opportunity and reinforces your interest in the role. Plus, it keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Residential support worker (children & young people in Runcorn
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for working with children shine through. We want to see that you genuinely care about making a difference in their lives and that you're excited about the role.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have in children's care or related fields. Whether it's from previous jobs, volunteering, or even personal experiences, we want to know how your background makes you a great fit for this role.
Be Yourself:Don’t be afraid to let your personality come through in your application. We’re looking for fun, positive, and energetic individuals, so show us who you are and what makes you unique!
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to apply directly through our website. This way, we can easily track your application and get back to you as soon as possible. We can't wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd
✨Know Your Role Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a residential support worker. Familiarise yourself with the key skills required, such as building trusting relationships and providing emotional support. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Think about your past experiences that relate to working with children and young people. Whether it's from previous jobs, volunteering, or even personal experiences, be ready to share specific examples that highlight your communication skills, patience, and ability to inspire others. This will demonstrate your suitability for the position.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to be asked how you would handle certain situations, especially challenging ones. Prepare by thinking through potential scenarios you might face as a support worker and how you would respond. This shows your problem-solving skills and readiness to tackle the demands of the job.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, you'll likely have the chance to ask questions. Use this opportunity to inquire about the team dynamics, training opportunities, or how they measure success in the role. This not only shows your interest but also helps you determine if the company is the right fit for you.
