Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Build trusting relationships and provide nurturing care to children aged 11-17.
- Company: Reading Borough Council, dedicated to creating stable loving homes for children.
- Benefits: Supportive environment, career development, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Why this job: Join us to change lives and support children through their emotional journeys.
- Qualifications: Compassionate, reliable, and willing to learn; no prior experience needed.
- Other info: Flexible shifts, including evenings and weekends, in a collaborative team.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
Make a real difference - help us create homes where children can heal, grow and thrive. Reading Borough Council is opening three new children’s homes in 2026 as part of our Stable Loving Homes service. These homes will offer safe, nurturing and therapeutic care for children aged 11–17 who need stability, connection and trusted adults around them.
We’re building these homes - and the teams that will bring them to life, with start dates expected from May 2026. If you’re compassionate, resilient and child‑centred, we’d love to hear from you. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer.
Our Homes:
- Lime Tree House – Long‑term home for up to 4 children aged 12–17 with needs linked to their emotions and behaviours.
- Oak Tree House – 4‑bed assessment home supporting children aged 12-17 through transition.
- Cherry Tree House – Small therapeutic home for up to 2 children with SEMH needs aged 11-17.
All three share one purpose: giving Reading’s children a stable, loving home in their own community.
What You’ll Do:
- Build strong, trusting relationships that help children feel safe and valued.
- Provide trauma‑informed, nurturing and consistent care.
- Keywork children, supporting independence, routines and emotional growth.
- Encourage education, activities and hobbies.
- Keep care plans, risk assessments and daily records up to date.
- Work collaboratively with families, social workers, schools and health professionals.
- Support children through change, big emotions and important life moments.
- Work on a rota including sleep‑ins, evenings and weekends.
This is work that matters: It’s emotional, rewarding, challenging - and genuinely life‑changing. We promise you, no two days are the same.
What We’re Looking For:
- You don’t need previous residential experience - we care most about your values and how you show up for children.
- We’re looking for people who are:
- Kind, reliable and child‑focused.
- Calm under pressure and resilient.
- Great communicators.
- Willing to learn and complete the Level 3 Diploma.
- Able to work flexibly as part of a supportive team.
- Hold a driving licence and can drive the home’s vehicle.
- Willing to work shifts including weekends and nights.
Team Reading Values:
- Work Together as One Team - collaborate, support each other and put children first.
- Drive Efficiency - bring ideas, improve practice and use resources wisely.
- Be Ambitious - aim high for yourself and the children you support.
- Make a Difference to Reading - provide the right support at the right time.
These values shape how we work every day and they’re at the core of Stable Loving Homes.
Why Join Us?
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.
Ready to Make a Difference?
If you want a role with purpose, connection and real impact - this is it.
Closing date: Sunday 15th February 2026
Interviews: To be confirmed
Residential Childcare Practitioner - Casual - Stable Loving Homes employer: Reading Borough Council
Contact Detail:
Reading Borough Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Residential Childcare Practitioner - Casual - Stable Loving Homes
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the field of residential childcare, attend local events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. The more connections you make, the better your chances of landing that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to child-centred care. Think about your experiences and how they align with the values of Stable Loving Homes. We want to see your passion and commitment shine through!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! If you have any relevant experience, even if it’s informal, be ready to discuss it. Share stories that highlight your compassion, resilience, and ability to build trusting relationships with children.
✨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 genuinely interested in joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Residential Childcare Practitioner - Casual - Stable Loving Homes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for working with children shine through. We want to see how much you care about making a difference in their lives, so share any relevant experiences or motivations that drive you.
Be Authentic: We’re looking for genuine individuals who align with our values. Don’t be afraid to show your true self in your application. Share your personal story and what makes you a great fit for our team at Stable Loving Homes.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application to the specific role of Residential Childcare Practitioner. Highlight your skills and experiences that directly relate to the job description, especially those around building relationships and providing nurturing care.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly, and you can easily keep track of your application status. Let’s get started on this journey together!
How to prepare for a job interview at Reading Borough Council
✨Know the Values
Before your interview, take some time to really understand the core values of the organisation. They’re looking for candidates who embody kindness, reliability, and a child-focused approach. Think about how your personal values align with theirs and be ready to share examples that demonstrate this.
✨Show Your Compassion
As a Residential Childcare Practitioner, compassion is key. Prepare to discuss situations where you've shown empathy or supported someone in need. Use specific examples from your past experiences, even if they’re not directly related to childcare, to illustrate your ability to connect with others.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and resilience. Think about how you would handle challenging situations with children, such as managing big emotions or supporting them through transitions. Practising these scenarios can help you feel more confident during the interview.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, you’ll likely have the chance to ask questions. Use this opportunity to show your genuine interest in the role and the organisation. Ask about the support systems in place for staff, or how they measure success in their homes. This shows you’re not just interested in the job, but in making a real difference.