At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide care and support to children, helping them grow and feel valued.
- Company: Keys Group, a leading provider of care and education for children and families.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, 5.6 weeks annual leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with great career growth and well-being initiatives.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while developing your career.
- Qualifications: NVQ/QCF Level 3 in Residential Childcare and a full UK driving licence required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 31000 £ per year.
Location: Whitchurch, Shropshire (SY13). A Full UK Driving Licence is required.
Salary: £14.45 - £15.05 per hour*
Hours: 39 hours per week (including overnights) + £62.64 per sleep-in.
Important Requirements:
- NVQ/QCF Level 3 or higher in Residential Childcare
- A Full UK Driving Licence is essential
- Applicants must be at least 21 years of age
About the Role:
In this vital and varied role, you will provide individualised care and support to the children and young people living in our homes. You'll build trusting relationships, help them feel safe, valued, and understood, while encouraging their growth and independence every step of the way. Your day-to-day responsibilities will include:
- Supporting children and young people with their emotional, physical, and social needs
- Accompanying them to appointments, school, and fun activities
- Delivering personal care and helping with daily routines
- Supporting with household tasks and maintaining a safe, nurturing environment
- Completing accurate, clear documentation and reports
- Always promoting their wellbeing and safeguarding them
What are we looking for?
- People who are naturally caring, flexible, and resilient.
- Great communication skills, positive and energetic.
- Ability to remain calm in sometimes challenging situations.
- A positive role model, wanting to spend time to encourage and build relationships.
- Able to share interests with our young people.
You need to be able to work flexibly in caring for the children, which will include working shifts and sleep-ins with full-time hours available.
Why join us:
- Annual Leave – Enjoy 5.6 weeks of annual leave inclusive of 8 public holidays.
- DBS Check Paid – Your Enhanced DBS check is fully covered by Keys Group, along with any required renewals.
- Qualifications & Career Development – Unlock your potential with our support! We offer a variety of QCF qualifications, providing opportunities for professional growth and opening doors to further career advancement.
- Fair & Competitive Pay – As a Real Living Wage Employer, we ensure fair pay for all, with enhanced pay scales that transparently recognise your qualifications and experience.
- Blue Light Card – At High Street retailers, days out, gifts, holidays and even when buying a car, available via a Blue Light card that you will have access to as a Health and Social Care Employee.
- Referral Bonus – Refer talented individuals to Keys Group and split a £500 bonus when they successfully join and complete their probation.
- Care First – We care about your well-being and that's why we're pleased to offer our employees an Employee Assistance Program. If you need someone to talk to, the EAP is here for you – confidentially and at no cost.
- Circle – Your hub for wellbeing, engagement and discounts. From tailored exercise advice and healthy eating tips to counselling and savings on everyday purchases, Circle has everything you need.
- NEST Pension Scheme – Save for your retirement with a matched contribution of up to 3% from Keys Group.
- Long Service Awards – It's our way of saying a heartfelt thank you for everything you do.
- Cycle to Work Scheme – You could save up to 42% on a brand-new bike and accessories.
- Full Induction & Introductory Programme – Begin your journey with a paid-for comprehensive onboarding to set you up for success.
About Keys Group:
Keys Group supports over 2,500 individuals across England and Wales through its three divisions: Accomplish, providing specialist residential, supported living, and accommodation for adults with learning disabilities, autism, mental health needs, and brain injuries; Keys, offering education and care for children and families through schools, children's homes, supported accommodation, and family assessment centres; and Peak, delivering indoor and outdoor adventure activities across four UK centres, including bespoke education programmes and confidence-building activities like bushcraft, climbing, and canoeing.
Keys Group are very proud to have signed the Armed Forces Covenant that means we have made a commitment to welcoming service personnel, veterans and military families into the group. We are delighted to have veteran friendly policies, offer a Veterans Peer Support Network within our teams and are able to offer Military Awareness and support to our colleagues.
As part of our commitment, we will offer a guaranteed interview to current and former service personnel providing that they meet the criteria of the role that they are applying for. If you feel that you meet the criteria for this, please ensure that you have your military experience detailed on your CV for one of our resourcing team to get in touch.
Please note that due to the vulnerable nature of the people that we support, all applicants must be over the age of 21.
Senior Residential Childcare Support Lead in Basingstoke employer: Keys Group
Keys Group is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and nurturing work environment in Whitchurch, Shropshire. With a strong focus on employee well-being, professional development opportunities, and competitive pay, we empower our staff to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children and young people. Our inclusive culture, comprehensive benefits, and commitment to career advancement make us a standout choice for those seeking a rewarding role in residential childcare.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Residential Childcare Support Lead in Basingstoke
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the childcare sector, attend local events, and join relevant online groups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to residential childcare. Think about your experiences and how they align with the role. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or family to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion! When you get the chance to meet potential employers, let your enthusiasm for working with children shine through. Share stories that highlight your caring nature and ability to build relationships.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our mission at Keys Group.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Residential Childcare Support Lead in Basingstoke
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the job description. Highlight your NVQ/QCF Level 3 or higher in Residential Childcare and any relevant experience you have working with children and young people.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're passionate about supporting children and young people. Share specific examples of how you've built trusting relationships and promoted wellbeing in your previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise:When filling out your application, keep your language clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforward communication, so avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of success. It’s super easy, and you’ll be able to track your application status along the way!
How to prepare for a job interview at Keys Group
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the role inside out. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities of a Senior Residential Childcare Support Lead, especially around providing individualised care and building relationships with children. This will help you answer questions confidently and show your genuine interest in the position.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Prepare to discuss your NVQ/QCF Level 3 or higher in Residential Childcare. Think of specific examples where you've demonstrated great communication skills, resilience, and flexibility in challenging situations. This will highlight your suitability for the role and give the interviewer a clear picture of your capabilities.
✨Be Personable
Remember, this role is all about building trusting relationships with children. During the interview, let your personality shine through! Share your interests and how they could connect with the young people you'll be supporting. This will help the interviewer see you as a positive role model.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask at the end of your interview. Inquire about the team dynamics, the support provided for professional development, or how the organisation promotes the wellbeing of its staff. This shows that you're not only interested in the job but also in the company culture.
