We're looking for an exceptional Senior Learning Support Worker to join our dedicated and passionate team, supporting children and young people living in foster care to achieve stability, build confidence, and reach their full potential. This is much more than a support role. It is an opportunity to become a trusted adult in a child's life, helping them navigate challenges, celebrate achievements and develop the skills they need for a successful future. As part of our not-for-profit fostering service, you'll work alongside experienced foster carers, social workers and support professionals who are committed to creating nurturing, stable and loving environments where children can flourish.
Why Join Orchard Care?
We know that outstanding support for children and their foster carers starts with supporting our staff. That's why we offer:
- A genuinely child-centred and relationship-based service
- Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
- A supportive, friendly and values-led team culture
- Visible and approachable leadership
- Regular reflective supervision and wellbeing support
- Opportunities for training, career progression and professional development
- The opportunity to shape and influence support plans and interventions
- A varied role where no two days are the same
- Free parking
- Sick pay
- Casual dress
- The chance to make a meaningful difference every single day
Most importantly, you'll be joining a team that values compassion, creativity, teamwork and professional excellence.
About the Role
As a Senior Learning Support Worker, you will provide high-quality, flexible support to children, young people and foster families. Working directly with children both in their foster homes and within the community, you will help young people develop independence, confidence, resilience and life skills whilst supporting them to overcome challenges and achieve positive outcomes. You will play a key role in helping maintain stable foster homes, supporting educational engagement, promoting emotional wellbeing and providing practical assistance during periods of increased need. Your work will have a direct and lasting impact on the lives of children and young people.
What You'll Be Doing
Building Meaningful Relationships
- Become a trusted and consistent adult in children's lives.
- Build positive, supportive relationships with children and young people and their carers.
- Help children develop confidence, independence and resilience.
- Deliver creative, engaging and individualised support.
- Support children through periods of transition, challenge and change.
Supporting Foster Families
- Work alongside foster carers to strengthen placements.
- Offer practical, emotional and therapeutic support.
- Help implement routines, behaviour support strategies and care plans.
- Provide responsive support when families need it most.
Promoting Education and Achievement
- Encourage educational engagement and achievement.
- Support children in schools, alternative provisions and community settings.
- Assist children experiencing exclusion, school anxiety or disrupted education.
- Advocate for children with additional learning needs.
Supporting Community and Life Experiences
- Help children access activities, hobbies and community opportunities.
- Support attendance at appointments and family time arrangements.
- Provide practical support during school holidays and periods of increased demand.
- Create opportunities for positive experiences and personal growth.
Working as Part of a Professional Team
- Work closely with social workers, schools, health professionals and partner agencies.
- Contribute to reviews, planning meetings and support plans.
- Participate in reflective practice and service development.
- Help shape innovative approaches to supporting children and families.
We're seeking someone who is:
- Passionate About Children
You genuinely care about improving outcomes for children and young people and understand the importance of stable, nurturing relationships. - Relationship Focused
You build trust quickly and communicate effectively with children, foster carers and professionals. - Resilient and Adaptable
You remain calm, solution-focused and positive even when working through challenging situations. - Motivated and Organised
You can manage competing demands while maintaining excellent standards of support and record keeping. - A Team Player
You enjoy working collaboratively and recognise the value of bringing different perspectives together to achieve the best outcomes.
Essential Experience and Skills
- Experience working directly with children, young people and families.
- Understanding of safeguarding, child development and attachment.
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
- Experience supporting children with emotional, behavioural or educational needs.
- Ability to work flexibly, including evenings and weekends.
- Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle for business use.
- Commitment to continuous learning and professional development.
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Senior Learning Support Worker employer: The Orchard
The Orchard School is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment for its staff. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we offer opportunities for professional development and training, ensuring that our team members thrive in their roles. Located in Sandwell, our school not only prioritises the well-being of our pupils but also values the contributions of our staff, making it a rewarding place to work.
