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- Tasks: Keep our children's home clean and welcoming, ensuring a safe environment for young residents.
- Company: Join a caring team dedicated to supporting vulnerable children in Walton on Thames.
- Benefits: Enjoy 26 days holiday, 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 Walton on Thames. 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 - what we’re looking for:
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 behaviours 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 their 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?
This advert closes at 23:59 on 2nd March 2026 with interviews to follow. 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.
Local Government Reorganisation (LGR):
Surrey County Council is undergoing Local Government Reorganisation, moving from a two-tier system to two new unitary councils in April 2027. If you are employed by Surrey on 1st April 2027, your role will transfer with current terms and conditions to one of the new organisations, supporting local devolution and greater powers for our communities.
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.
Cleaner in Surrey employer: Surrey County Council
Contact Detail:
Surrey County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Cleaner in Surrey
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, do a bit of research on the organisation. Understanding their values and mission will help you connect with the interviewers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions with a friend or family member. This will help you articulate your thoughts clearly and boost your confidence when discussing your skills and experiences relevant to the Cleaner role.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for the role! During the interview, share why you want to be a Cleaner in a Children's Home. Talk about how you can contribute to creating a safe and welcoming environment for the children, as this will resonate with the interviewers.
✨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 reinforces your interest in the position. Plus, it keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Cleaner in Surrey
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Motivation: When answering the application question about your motivation, be genuine! Share what drives you to apply for this Cleaner role and how it aligns with your values. We want to see your passion for creating a safe and welcoming environment for the children.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, make sure to showcase any skills or experience that relate to cleaning and maintaining a home. Whether it's attention to detail or familiarity with health and safety standards, we want to know how you can contribute to our team!
Be Yourself: Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through in your application. We’re looking for friendly and reliable individuals who can build relationships with our young residents. Show us who you are and why you’d be a great fit for our home!
Apply Through Our Website: Remember, the best way to apply is through our website! It’s straightforward and ensures your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our team there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Surrey County Council
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you understand what being a Cleaner (Housekeeper) in a Children's Home entails. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities listed in the job description, such as maintaining hygiene standards and creating a welcoming environment for the children.
✨Show Your Caring Side
This role is about more than just cleaning; it’s about contributing to a nurturing environment. Be prepared to share examples of how you've created a positive atmosphere in previous roles or how you’ve supported others in challenging situations.
✨Highlight Your Attention to Detail
Since the job requires high standards of cleanliness and organisation, think of specific instances where your attention to detail made a difference. Whether it’s managing laundry or ensuring supplies are stocked, be ready to discuss how you maintain quality in your work.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your adaptability and resilience, especially in emotionally demanding situations. Think about how you would handle challenges in a home setting and be ready to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
