At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with disabilities in a nurturing environment and promote their development.
- Company: Join Reading Borough Council, a Disability Confident Employer committed to diversity.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous holidays, flexible working, and a supportive career growth environment.
- Other info: Be part of a vibrant team dedicated to transforming lives through care and support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your skills in a rewarding role.
- Qualifications: Experience with children, strong communication skills, and a passion for childcare.
The predicted salary is between 13 - 13 £ per hour.
We are looking for a Casual Residential Child Care Assistant for our outstanding Ofsted rated Shared Care Service. Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities.
About the role:
Pinecroft shared care service has achieved an ‘Outstanding’ rating from Ofsted and is dedicated to supporting children with physical disabilities, learning difficulties and/or sensory impairment. We pride ourselves in offering high quality personalised care to the most vulnerable and complex children aged 8-18. Our goal is to transform lives by being passionate, committed and creative in everything we do. We believe improved outcomes for children are possible through a proactive and consistent approach, where learning through play and accessing the community is essential.
As a Residential Child Care Assistant, you will:
- Be a positive and professional role model, building effective relationships with children.
- Assist in promoting trauma informed and nurturing home environments for children.
- Keywork children, recognising their positive abilities and supporting and empowering them to develop.
- Ensure care plans and risk assessments are up to date and reflect the needs of each child.
- Safeguard and promote the welfare of children, assess and report areas of concern.
- Build strong relationships with families, professionals, and partner agencies.
You’ll be part of a team that relies on each individual to play their part to the best of their ability. As well as the colleagues that you work closely with every day, you’ll also be part of Team Reading, playing your personal part in making Reading a successful and vibrant place.
Our offer:
We offer a supportive environment to grow and develop your career with the opportunity to put your ideas across. Innovation and ambition is strongly encouraged, and you’ll get a great feel for that working in our friendly and collaborative environment. A competitive salary alongside a range of benefits including:
- Generous holiday entitlement - 25 days holiday each year plus bank holidays - rising to 30 days after 5 years’ service and 33 days after 10 years' service, with the option to buy additional leave.
- A wide range of flexible working opportunities.
- Modern working environment at the Civic Offices in the heart of Reading.
- Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
- Life Assurance - three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS).
- On-site day nursery (Kennet Day nursery) rated outstanding by Ofsted.
- Season Ticket Loan - a loan to help with the cost of your rail or bus journey, to and from work.
- Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand new, greener car for three years. The monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road tax.
To arrange a confidential discussion on this position please contact Helena.Baptista@reading.gov.uk
Closing Date: Sunday 15th November 2026
Essential requirements:
About you - What we’re looking for:
- Experience working with children and young people.
- Motivation to work in residential childcare settings.
- Team player with good interpersonal skills and a flexible approach.
- Understanding of safeguarding and child protection.
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
- Uses initiative to problem solve.
- Commitment to continuous professional development.
- A willingness and ability to demonstrate a commitment to undertake Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or equivalent).
- Sound understanding of ICT with good keyboard skills.
- Ability to demonstrate resilience and manage stress.
- Flexibility to work shifts, including weekends and nights.
- Driving license and willingness to drive homes vehicle.
Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme.
Casual Residential Childcare Assistant - Pinecroft in Reading employer: Reading Borough Council
Reading Borough Council offers a supportive and collaborative work environment for the Finance Officer role at Addington School, where you will play a vital part in managing the school's financial resources. With a strong focus on employee development, you will have access to training opportunities and career progression within the council, all while contributing to the educational success of the community in Woodley, Reading.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Casual Residential Childcare Assistant - Pinecroft in Reading
✨Get Involved in Local Community Projects
One of the best ways to land a temporary role in social work is to dive headfirst into local community projects. Volunteer your time or skills at local charities or community centres to not only gain experience but also to connect with professionals in the field. They might just have some insider knowledge on temporary positions that pop up!
✨Engage with Social Work Networks
Join online forums and social media groups specifically for social workers. Platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn have dedicated groups where professionals share temporary job opportunities. Being an active member can help you stay in the loop and even get recommendations from those already in the field.
✨Attend Workshops and Seminars
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences related to social work in your area. These events aren't just great for learning; they're also hotbeds for networking! You never know who might be hiring or can point you towards a temporary position while you're soaking up new skills.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website!
When you spot a role that piques your interest, especially for a temporary position, make sure to apply directly through our website! This not only shows your commitment to Reading Borough Council, but also gives you an edge by putting your application right in front of the hiring team. Let’s get you moving on that path to your next opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Casual Residential Childcare Assistant - Pinecroft in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let's highlight why you're passionate about social work and how your values align with those of Reading Borough Council. Share specific experiences where you made a difference, as this field thrives on genuine motivation and connection.
Demonstrate Relevant Experience:When listing your experience, focus on any internships, volunteer roles, or temporary positions you've had in social work or related fields. Those skills are gold! Think about situations where you helped individuals or communities, and don't forget to mention any relevant certifications, like safeguarding or mental health first aid.
Keep It Concise and Relevant:Remember, for a temporary role, hiring managers want to see how you fit in and can hit the ground running. Keep your CV clear and to the point, showcasing only the experience that really matters for the role at Reading Borough Council. We recommend a two-page limit – make every word count!
Emphasise Flexibility and Adaptability:Considering this is a temporary position, it's vital to show you can adapt to new environments quickly. In your application, highlight any past experiences where you had to adjust to different teams or roles smoothly. This shows you understand the nature of temporary work and are ready for the challenge!
How to prepare for a job interview at Reading Borough Council
✨Sharpen Your Empathy Skills
In social work, it's all about understanding and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. Make sure to prepare some examples from your experience where you've demonstrated empathy and resilience. Practising active listening techniques can help you articulate your approach during the interview with Reading Borough Council.
✨Know Your Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with key social work theories and frameworks, like the ecological systems theory or person-centred approaches. These concepts might pop up during your interview for the temporary Casual Residential Childcare Assistant - Pinecroft role at Reading Borough Council, so it's good to have a couple of insights ready to share.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
Since this is a temporary position, showcasing your flexibility is key. Be prepared to discuss past experiences where you quickly adapted to new environments or changing client needs, which is crucial in the dynamic world of social work.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions that test your decision-making skills and ethical judgement. Think about how you would handle specific challenges you might face in the field. Having a clear structure for your answers will show Reading Borough Council that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.
