Job Description
Children's Residential Support Worker
Headstart Residential Care – Hailsham
40.5 Hours per Week | Full-Time
£13.00 per hour (£14.00 per hour if qualified in Residential Childcare)
Sleep-in Rate: £80 per sleep | Overtime Enhancements | Time & a Half Bank Holidays
Make a Meaningful Difference Every Day
At Headstart Residential Care, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to thrive in a safe, nurturing, and aspirational environment. We are looking for passionate, child-focused Residential Support Workers to join our flagship 5-bed Learning Disabilities (LD) children's home in Hailsham, supporting children in care with Autism and Learning Difficulties.
This is more than a job — it's an opportunity to become part of a supportive, values-led organisation where children are always at the heart of what we do.
If you have the enthusiasm, resilience, and genuine desire to make a purposeful difference to the lives of young people with complex needs, we would love to hear from you.
Why Join Headstart Residential Care?
At Headstart, we pride ourselves on creating a positive culture where both children and staff feel supported, valued, and empowered.
What We Offer:
- Competitive pay – £13.00 per hour, rising to £14.00 per hour for candidates qualified in Residential Childcare
- £80 sleep-in rate (typically averaging one sleep per week)
- Enhanced overtime rates
- Time and a half pay on Bank Holidays
- 40.5 hours per week, full-time contract
- A stable, experienced and supportive senior management team
- Strong support structure with opportunities for ongoing development
- A truly rewarding role where you can make a lasting impact
Amazing Environment & Facilities
Our flagship home offers a unique setting and exceptional facilities to enrich the lives of the children we support, including:
- An onsite farm
- Stables and outdoor experiences
- Therapeutic and engaging activities tailored to individual needs
- A warm, welcoming and nurturing environment
About the Role
As a Children's Residential Support Worker, you will support children with Autism, Learning Difficulties and complex needs to feel safe, develop independence, build confidence, and achieve positive outcomes.
You will:
- Build positive and trusting relationships with young people
- Support daily routines, education and recreational activities
- Promote emotional wellbeing and independence
- Provide high-quality, child-centred care and support
- Work collaboratively as part of a dedicated team
- Help create a safe, structured and nurturing home environment
Shift Patterns
We operate long-day shift patterns:
- 7:00am – 9:00pm
- or
- 9:00am – 11:00pmSleep-ins are expected as part of the role. What We're Looking ForWe are seeking individuals who are:
- Passionate about improving outcomes for children and young people
- Positive, resilient and caring in their approach
- Enthusiastic about making a genuine difference to children with complex needs
- Able to build professional, trusting relationships with young people
Essential Requirements:
- Experience in residential childcare, care work, SEN support, or supporting children with additional needs
- Experience supporting children with Autism and/or Learning Difficulties preferred
- Full UK driving licence – essential
- A positive attitude and strong team ethic
At Headstart Residential Care, our ethos is centred around child-focused care, compassion, consistency and creating opportunities for every young person to thrive. We are committed to building a team that shares our values and believes in giving children the best possible future.
Apply today and become part of something truly meaningful.
Children's Residential Care Mentor/Support Worker in Hailsham employer: Headstart Residential
At Headstart Residential Care, we are dedicated to fostering a supportive and empowering work environment for our staff, where every team member plays a vital role in making a meaningful difference in the lives of children with complex needs. Our flagship home in Hailsham offers not only competitive pay and enhanced benefits but also a nurturing atmosphere that encourages personal and professional growth, ensuring that you feel valued and inspired every day. Join us to be part of a compassionate team that prioritises child-focused care and creates lasting positive impacts.
