At a Glance
- Tasks: Assess and train learners in children's residential care, guiding them to achieve their qualifications.
- Company: Join Polaris, a leading community dedicated to improving young lives for over 30 years.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days annual leave, a company car, pension, and employee discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in residential childcare and a recognised assessor qualification required.
- Other info: Flexible home-based role with opportunities for travel and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 30000 £ per year.
Company: Polaris Community (Learning and Development Division)
Location: Home Based with occasional travel required to various Polaris locations nationwide
Contract: Full time, Permanent
Salary: Up to £30,000 per annum, dependent upon experience, plus Company Car or Car Allowance
Specific Hours: 35 hours per week
Benefits: 30 days' Annual Leave (rising to 35 with length of service) + Bank Holidays, Company Pension, Life Assurance, Employee Discount Scheme & Free On-Site Parking
About Us
We are Polaris, one of the UK's largest leading communities of children's service providers. Within the community, we have independent fostering and adoption agencies who have been passionately improving the lives of young people for over 30 years, as well as Leaving Care services, Residential, Education and bespoke children's services contracts. Through our therapeutic children's homes and schools, set in a variety of urban and rural communities, our Residential Division are able to support young people's emotional, social, mental and academic progression and enable them to grow and reach their full potential.
About You
As an experienced Occupationally Competent Assessor/Trainer you will provide high-quality assessment and support for learners undertaking the Level 4 Children, Young People and Families Practitioner Apprenticeship, including the embedded NCFE Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare. The assessor will ensure learners are supported, assessed, and guided to achieve their qualifications and prepare for End Point Assessment (EPA).
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct initial assessments and skills scans to identify prior learning and tailor training plans.
- Deliver and assess the Level 4 Children, Young People and Families Apprenticeship, NCFE Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare, with future plans of delivering the Level 5 Children, Young People and Families Manager Apprenticeship and NCFE CACHE Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare.
- Support learners through the Level 4 CYPF Practitioner standard, ensuring progress against Knowledge, Skills, and Behaviours (KSBs).
- Plan and carry out observations, professional discussions, and portfolio reviews.
- Provide constructive feedback and maintain accurate learner records.
- Prepare learners for EPA, including mock assessments and gateway readiness checks.
- Liaise with employers to ensure workplace relevance and support.
- Maintain compliance with ESFA funding rules and awarding body requirements.
- Promote safeguarding, equality, and diversity throughout delivery.
Essential Criteria
- Occupational competence in residential childcare or children's services (e.g. Team Leader, Senior Support Worker, Registered Manager).
- Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare (England).
- Recognised Assessor qualification (e.g. CAVA, TAQA, A1).
- Experience delivering apprenticeship standards and/or vocational qualifications.
- Strong understanding of the CYPF Level 4 standard and NCFE Level 3 Diploma.
- Excellent communication and organisational skills.
- Ability to work independently and manage caseload.
Desirable Criteria
- Teaching qualification (e.g. Diploma in Education and Training (DET), CET, PTLLS, AET, CertEd).
- Experience using Quals Direct e-portfolio systems (but experience of other platforms e.g. OneFile, Bud, Smart Assessor, would be sufficient).
- Knowledge of ESFA funding rules and Ofsted expectations.
- Experience supporting learners with additional needs or from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Polaris is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates. The company is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be subject to a DBS check at enhanced level if successful for the position.
For an informal conversation about this post, please contact Clare Makepeace on 07791317115. No Agencies Please.
Children\'s Residential Assessor/Trainer employer: Polaris Community
Contact Detail:
Polaris Community Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Children\'s Residential Assessor/Trainer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the children's services sector. You never know who might have a lead on a role or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research Polaris Community and their values. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission of improving young people's lives.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! Bring examples of your past work as an Assessor/Trainer to the table. Highlight how you've supported learners and improved their outcomes.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the Polaris team.
We think you need these skills to ace Children\'s Residential Assessor/Trainer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the job description. Highlight your experience in residential childcare and any relevant qualifications to show us you're the right fit!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about working with children and how your background makes you an ideal candidate for the role. Keep it personal and engaging!
Showcase Your Qualifications: Don’t forget to mention your recognised assessor qualifications and any teaching credentials. We want to see how your expertise aligns with our needs, so be clear about what you bring to the table.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining the Polaris community!
How to prepare for a job interview at Polaris Community
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the Level 4 Children, Young People and Families Practitioner Apprenticeship and the NCFE Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities of the role and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with them.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles that demonstrate your occupational competence in residential childcare. Highlight any relevant experience you have in delivering apprenticeship standards or supporting learners, especially those with additional needs.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Come prepared with questions about Polaris Community and their approach to training and assessment. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand how you can contribute to their mission of improving young people's lives.
✨Be Yourself
During the interview, let your personality shine through. Polaris values individuals who are passionate about safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Share your motivations and why you want to be part of their team, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.