At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people in their daily lives and create lasting memories.
- Company: Join Witherslack Group, the UK's leading special education and care provider.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday, training, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Inclusive environment with great career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while having fun at work.
- Qualifications: No experience needed, just a caring attitude and resilience.
The predicted salary is between 26100 - 31900 £ per year.
Location: Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, GB MK9 3
Contract Type: Any
Application Deadline: 2026-09-13
Salary: £34,274 - £40,640 assuming good attendance and up to 4 sleep ins per month
Introduction: Working in our Children's Homes means being a part of a young person's day-to-day life. This means being there for the highest highs and lowest lows. Our support workers enable our young people to get their childhood back and create pathways to become well-rounded adults - an incredibly rewarding role to have. There will be challenges along the way but there will also be the smallest moments which feel like a huge small victory! Our homes accommodate young people with social, emotional and mental health needs, and our aim is to create the best possible outcome for the young people in our care.
Get out what you put in: You’ll take care of our young people day to day, making sure things run smoothly and creating lasting memories. This involves making sure they are up and ready for school, helping with homework, completing paperwork and planning activities. Evenings and weekends are for fun, whether that’s playing on the Xbox, a game of football, having a film day or going go-karting - not a bad way to spend your day at work! Working here is never dull, and the work really matters. It’s about tapping into each young person’s needs, personality and potential - and guiding them toward a positive future.
What we do for you: We know you’re going to do great things. For your hard work and commitment, we reward you with the best salary and benefits package in the care sector. With us, you’ll get to make a genuine difference to the lives of our young people - plus you’ll get:
- Salary: Base salary of £29,034 - £35,400
- Bonuses: Up to 4 sleep ins per month, paid at £80 per sleep (approx. £3,840 per year) and £1,400 Attendance Allowance - assuming good attendance
- Training: A full 4-week induction on our Care Academy
- Holiday: 7 weeks’ holiday
- Progression: Most of our team leaders and managers have been promoted from within our group – plus you could join our ‘Aspire’ future managers programme
- Flexible benefits package: including options to increase/decrease holiday allowance, pension, and life insurance
- Wellbeing: a host of wellbeing tools and advice including employee assistance
- Medical cover: claim back costs for opticians, dentist, and more
- Meals provided while you’re at work
- Beautiful working environments with top facilities
- A £1,000 bonus for recommending a friend
Bring your whole-self to work: Here at Witherslack Group, we celebrate everyone’s differences as that’s what makes us the best at what we do. Our young people come from all walks of life, diverse backgrounds, and with different needs – and our workforce reflects that diversity, so that our teams can engage, encourage, and inspire our young people to be themselves. You don’t need experience, but there are a few qualities we’re looking for:
- A ‘can do’ attitude – a team player who rolls up their sleeves to help others
- Genuinely caring about our young people (and each other), with honesty and empathy
- Resilience to deal with challenging situations
- A full UK driving licence held for at least 12 months
If you don’t have a Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or equivalent), we’ll pay for you to study and support you every step of the way. You will start as a Residential Support Worker by joining our ‘Care Academy’ — four weeks of off-the-job training with experienced WG professionals to help you feel confident and ready to support our young people.
Join the UK's best special education and care provider: At Witherslack Group, inclusion is core to who we are. We’re committed to creating an environment where everyone feels respected, valued, and that they truly belong. As a specialist provider of education and care for children and young people with SEN, we understand and celebrate individuality, neurodiversity, and diverse perspectives. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities, and abilities. We are proud to be recognised as an inclusive employer and are committed to making our recruitment and workplace practices accessible. If you need any adjustments to support you through the recruitment process or in the workplace, we’ll be there every step of the way.
The Witherslack Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of its young people. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check (cost covered) and an online search. We are an equal opportunities employer welcoming applications from all parts of the community.
Children's Residential Support Worker in Milton Keynes employer: The Witherslack Group
The Witherslack Group is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment for those passionate about making a difference in the lives of children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder. Located in a vibrant community, we offer comprehensive training, flexible perks, and generous holiday rewards, ensuring our staff feel valued and empowered to grow both personally and professionally.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Children's Residential Support Worker in Milton Keynes
✨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 The Witherslack Group.
✨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 The Witherslack Group!
✨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 The Witherslack Group, 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 The Witherslack Group 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 Children's Residential Support Worker in Milton Keynes
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 The Witherslack Group:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to The Witherslack Group! 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 The Witherslack Group
✨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.
