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- Tasks: Support children in developing confidence and essential life skills through engaging activities.
- Company: Join Meath School, a leading special school for children with speech and language challenges.
- Benefits: Enjoy paid school holidays, a supportive team environment, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on young lives while working in a positive and rewarding atmosphere.
- Qualifications: Must have a Level 3 Diploma in Children and Young People’s Workforce or Residential Childcare.
- Other info: Flexible shift patterns and a commitment to safeguarding and promoting children's welfare.
The predicted salary is between 22700 - 28700 £ per year.
Location: Meath School, Chertsey, Surrey
Salary: £27,404 – £28,792
Contract Type: Permanent, Full Time Contract (39 hours per week, 39 weeks per year, all school holidays paid)
Working pattern: Shift working across the week; mornings and evenings
Start date: as soon as possible.
Role Overview: As a Residential Childcare Officer you will encourage children to develop confidence, self-esteem and essential life skills. As part of our team, you will work hard to empower our young people, help them break through barriers and experience a range of varied opportunities and activities.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide high-quality care and support for a caseload of 6-7 pupils in a residential education setting.
- Collaborate with teachers, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, and other care staff.
- Plan and deliver individual and group activities to enhance children’s personal, social, and emotional development.
- Administer medication, oversee children’s diets, and provide guidance on life skills.
- Mentor volunteers and newly recruited staff, fostering a supportive and professional team environment.
- Ensure all risk assessments are conducted in collaboration with the Residential Services Manager.
- Actively contribute to the creation of a safe and stimulating environment.
What we are looking for:
Qualifications: L3 Diploma for the Children and Young People’s Workforce or L3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (essential).
Experience: Previous experience working with children and young people, especially those with special needs, is vital.
Skills: Strong communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively with children, parents, and multidisciplinary teams. Ability to plan, assess, and monitor educational and development programmes. Resilience and a calm approach to challenging situations.
About Us: Meath, a Speech and Language UK school, is a day and residential non-maintained primary special school for up to 75 pupils 4 to 11 years with complex speech and language challenges. Our most recent Ofsted report (2023) is highly positive about the work of the school and the progress which our children make. ‘Pupils are happy and safe, and they enjoy being in school. They comment that ‘everyone can have friends here’.
How to Apply: To apply please send a completed application form to sbm@meathschool.org.uk. Interviews will be held at Meath School. Informal enquiries about this post can be made to Debbie Hanson, Residential Services Manager on 01932 872 302. Closing date: 9am on Monday, 31 March 2025.
Speech and Language UK is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We carry out appropriate vetting and verifications on all staff. In line with Keeping Children Safe in Education the successful candidate’s employment is subject to an enhanced DBS and barred list check. All shortlisted candidates will be subject to an online search covering content that is in the public domain.
Accessibility Support: We are committed to ensuring that our recruitment process is accessible to everyone. If you require any adjustments or need to apply in a different format, please contact our People Team at hr@speechandlanguage.org.uk and we will be happy to assist you. We are a Disability Confident Committed employer.
Thank you for your interest and we look forward to hearing from you!
Locations
Residential Childcare Officer employer: Speech and Language UK
Contact Detail:
Speech and Language UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Residential Childcare Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of children with speech and language challenges. Understanding these unique requirements will help you demonstrate your commitment to supporting their development during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field of residential childcare. Attend relevant workshops or seminars to connect with others who work in similar roles, as they may provide insights or even referrals that could help you land the job.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for potential scenario-based questions during the interview. Think about how you would handle challenging situations with children, as this role requires resilience and a calm approach.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Meath School and its values thoroughly. Being able to articulate why you want to work there and how you align with their mission will show your genuine interest and dedication to the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Residential Childcare Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and qualifications required for the Residential Childcare Officer position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with these requirements.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any previous experience working with children and young people, particularly those with special needs. Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills in communication, planning, and resilience.
Showcase Your Qualifications: Make sure to mention your L3 Diploma for the Children and Young People’s Workforce or L3 Diploma in Residential Childcare prominently in your application. If you have additional relevant qualifications or training, include those as well.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also conveys your passion for working with children. Discuss how you can contribute to creating a safe and stimulating environment, as mentioned in the job description.
How to prepare for a job interview at Speech and Language UK
✨Show Your Passion for Childcare
Make sure to express your genuine enthusiasm for working with children, especially those with special needs. Share personal experiences or stories that highlight your commitment to empowering young people and helping them develop essential life skills.
✨Demonstrate Team Collaboration Skills
Since the role involves working closely with teachers and therapists, be prepared to discuss examples of how you've successfully collaborated in a team setting. Highlight your communication skills and how you can contribute to a supportive environment.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your ability to handle challenging situations. Think of specific scenarios where you had to demonstrate resilience and a calm approach, and be ready to explain your thought process and actions taken.
✨Familiarise Yourself with the School's Values
Research Meath School and its mission to support children with speech and language challenges. Understanding their values will help you align your answers with what they are looking for in a candidate, showing that you are a good fit for their team.
