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- Tasks: Keep our children's home clean and welcoming, creating a safe space for young residents.
- Company: Join a caring team dedicated to supporting vulnerable children in Knaphill.
- Benefits: Enjoy 26 days' holiday, a generous pension, and lifestyle discounts.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful difference every day in a nurturing environment.
- Qualifications: Friendly, reliable, and proactive with attention to detail.
- Other info: Supportive team atmosphere with opportunities for personal growth.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 25000 £ per year.
The starting salary for this permanent position is £23,322 per annum based on a 36-hour working week. The pattern of your hours can be discussed at interview. We are looking for a dedicated and caring Cleaner (Housekeeper) to join our Children’s Home in Knaphill, Woking. As an essential part of our team, you will help create a warm, safe and welcoming environment for up to four children aged 11-18. This isn’t just a cleaning role; it’s a chance to contribute to a home where children feel safe, supported, and able to thrive. You will be valued as a key member of the team and fully supported in your role.
Our offer to you:
- 26 days’ holiday, rising to 28 after 2 years and 31 after 5 years
- Option to buy up to 10 extra days of annual leave
- Generous local government pension
- Up to 5 days of carer’s leave and 2 paid volunteering days
- Paternity, adoption and dependants’ leave
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
- Learning and development hub with extensive resources
- Lifestyle and wellbeing discounts (gym, travel, shopping)
- The chance to make a meaningful difference every single day
About the role: As our Cleaner (Housekeeper), you will take pride in keeping our home clean, organised and running smoothly. You will help maintain the spaces where our children eat, relax, learn, and feel safe, and your work will directly contribute to creating an environment where they can feel at home. On a day-to-day basis you will be responsible for:
- Keeping communal areas clean, tidy, and well-maintained (where necessary using powered equipment e.g., vacuum cleaners, carpet shampoo machines)
- Following hygiene, health and safety, and infection control standards
- Supporting with laundry and ensuring bedding and towels are readily available
- Reporting maintenance issues and helping keep the home running smoothly and safely
- Ordering and checking the quality of all groceries and cleaning supplies delivered to the home, and ensuring they are stored and rotated safely to maintain a well-kept home environment
- Contributing to a nurturing, supportive environment for our young residents
Shortlisting Criteria: Our team works closely to provide the best possible care for some of Surrey’s most vulnerable children. At times the work can be emotionally demanding and challenging, so you will need to be adaptable and resilient working in this environment. To be considered for shortlisting for this position you will clearly evidence how you align with our values and how you are:
- Friendly, reliable and proactive
- Able to maintain high standards with good attention to detail
- Aware of health and safety requirements, including COSHH
- Organised, dependable and able to manage your time well
- Confident communicating and building appropriate relationships with young people
- Comfortable working independently and as part of a supportive team
- Committed to helping create a safe, welcoming home environment
Above all, you will treat our young people with dignity and respect, always remembering you are working in their home. To apply, we request that you submit a CV and respond to our application questions:
- Please can you tell us about what has motivated you to apply for this position?
- Please can you tell us about any skills and experience you have that would be relevant for this position?
Before submitting your application, we recommend you read the job description. This advert closes at 23:59 on 1st March 2026 with interviews to follow. We look forward to receiving your application. An enhanced DBS 'Disclosure and Barring Service' check for regulated activity (formerly known as CRB) and the Children’s and Adults’ Barred List checks will be required for this role.
Our Commitment: We are a disability confident employer which means if you have shared a disability on your application form and have evidenced you meet the minimum criteria, we guarantee you an interview. Your skills and experience truly matter to us. From application to your first day, we are committed to supporting you with any adjustments you need; we value inclusion and warmly welcome you to join and help build a workplace where everyone belongs.
Locations
Cleaner Children\'s Residential in Surrey, Woking employer: Surrey County Council
Contact Detail:
Surrey County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Cleaner Children\'s Residential in Surrey, Woking
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, check out their website and social media. This will help you understand their values and how you can fit in, making it easier to connect during your chat.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions with a friend or in front of the mirror. This will help you feel more confident and articulate when discussing how your skills align with the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! When you're in the interview, let them know why you want to work with children and how you can contribute to creating a safe and welcoming environment. Your enthusiasm can really set you apart!
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your appreciation for the opportunity and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Cleaner Children\'s Residential in Surrey, Woking
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let us know why you’re excited about this role. Share what motivates you to work in a children's home and how you can contribute to creating a warm environment for the kids.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to mention any previous cleaning or housekeeping experience you have, especially in settings that involve children or vulnerable individuals. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Be Personal and Authentic: Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through in your application. We’re looking for friendly and reliable individuals, so share a bit about yourself and how you connect with young people.
Follow the Application Instructions: Before hitting send, double-check that you've answered all the application questions and attached your CV. Applying through our website is the best way to ensure we receive your application smoothly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Surrey County Council
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the job description. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities of a Cleaner (Housekeeper) in a children's home and think about how your skills align with creating a safe and welcoming environment for the children.
✨Show Your Caring Side
This role is not just about cleaning; it’s about contributing to a nurturing environment. Be prepared to share examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your ability to care for others and create a supportive atmosphere.
✨Highlight Your Attention to Detail
Since maintaining high standards is crucial, think of specific instances where your attention to detail made a difference. Whether it’s keeping spaces tidy or ensuring hygiene standards, be ready to discuss how you manage these aspects effectively.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your adaptability and resilience, especially in challenging situations. Think about how you would handle various scenarios in a children's home, and be ready to explain your thought process and actions.
