At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children aged 11-17 in a nurturing environment, helping them heal and grow.
- Company: Reading Borough Council, dedicated to creating stable, loving homes for children.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career progression, fully funded qualifications, and generous leave.
- Other info: Join a values-driven culture with strong support and training opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Compassionate, reliable, and child-focused individuals; no prior experience needed.
The predicted salary is between 30391 - 33431 £ 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.
Looking for a role where you can genuinely change a child’s life? Join us.
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:
You’ll be part of a culture shaped by four core 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?
- Competitive salary including shift allowance.
- Strong career progression and leadership pathways.
- Fully funded Level 3 qualification (if required).
- High ‑ quality training, reflective practice and clinical support.
- 25 days annual leave + Bank holidays (rising to 33 + Bank holidays days with service).
- Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Life assurance (LGPS members).
- Blue Light Card, as well a comprehensive range of discounts available through our Team reading rewards platform.
- Season ticket loan & lease car scheme.
- Supportive, values ‑ driven environment.
Ready to Make a Difference?
If you want a role with purpose, connection and real impact - this is it.
For an informal chat on these opportunities please contact Claire.lewis@reading.gov.uk
Closing date: Sunday 15th November 2026
Interviews: To be confirmed.
Residential Childcare Practitioner - Waking Nights Stable Loving Homes 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 Residential Childcare Practitioner - Waking Nights Stable Loving Homes
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Reading Borough Council.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Reading Borough Council!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Reading Borough Council, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Reading Borough Council or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Residential Childcare Practitioner - Waking Nights Stable Loving Homes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Reading Borough Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Reading Borough Council! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Reading Borough Council
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
