At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide individualised care and support to children and young people in a residential setting.
- Company: Keys Group, a leading provider of care and education for children and families.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, 5.6 weeks annual leave, and comprehensive training opportunities.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team with excellent career growth and well-being support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young lives while developing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: NVQ/QCF Level 3 in Residential Childcare and a full UK driving licence required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 32000 £ per year.
This role is based in Whitchurch, Shropshire (SY13) and requires a Full UK Driving Licence.
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?
We want 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.
- Circle – Your hub for wellbeing, engagement and discounts.
- 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.
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.
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 employer: Keys Group
Keys Group is an exceptional employer located in Whitchurch, Shropshire, dedicated to providing a supportive and nurturing environment for both employees and the children they care for. With a strong focus on professional development, competitive pay, and comprehensive benefits including a Blue Light Card and Employee Assistance Program, we prioritise the well-being of our staff while fostering meaningful relationships with the young people in our care. Join us to make a real difference in the lives of children and enjoy a fulfilling career with ample growth opportunities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Residential Childcare Support Lead
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Keys Group. Check out their website and social media to see what they're all about. This will help you connect with them during your chat and show that you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Grab a friend or family member and do some mock interviews. Focus on common questions for support roles, like how you’d handle challenging situations with children. This will boost your confidence and help you articulate your experiences better.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! When you’re in the interview, let your enthusiasm for working with children shine through. Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your caring nature and ability to build relationships. This is key for a role like Senior Residential Childcare Support Lead.
✨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 keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit for the role!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Residential Childcare Support Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your passion for working with children and young people shine through. We want to see that you genuinely care about making a difference in their lives!
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience and qualifications, especially your NVQ/QCF Level 3 or higher in Residential Childcare. We love seeing how your background aligns with the role!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate when applicants can communicate effectively, just like we expect you to do with the children.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity. We can't wait to hear from you!
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 trusting relationships with children. This will help you answer questions confidently and show your genuine interest in the position.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Highlight your NVQ/QCF Level 3 or higher in Residential Childcare during the interview. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've supported children with their emotional and social needs in previous roles. This will demonstrate your capability and experience in handling the challenges that come with the job.
✨Be Yourself
The company is looking for naturally caring and resilient individuals. Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through! Share your interests and how they can connect with the young people you'll be supporting. Authenticity goes a long way in building rapport with the interviewers.
✨Prepare for Scenarios
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your ability to remain calm in challenging situations. Think about past experiences where you’ve had to manage difficult behaviours or emotional crises. Prepare to explain how you handled those situations and what you learned from them.
