Children's Residential Keyworker (Fixed term, Maternity Cover)

Fixed Term to December 2026. £27,990.00 Annually (Actual). Term Time: £14.50 per hour / 42.5 hours per week / Monday to Friday (no weekends) / Set shifts between 7am and 10pm.

We are seeking a reliable and enthusiastic Keyworker to join our Residential team on a 12-month fixed-term basis from March 2026, covering a period of maternity leave. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced residential environment and is committed to providing high-quality, person-centred care. Working alongside the Residential Manager and wider team, you will support the day-to-day care, wellbeing, and development of residents, helping to create a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment.

Are you passionate about making a real difference in the lives of young people? We need caring, committed residential keyworkers to join our experienced team to support and guide students in both their learning and residential life. This is a hands-on, rewarding role where you will help students grow, develop life skills and reach their full potential both in the classroom and our home living environment.

What you will do:

• As the named keyworker for a small group of students, you will build strong, positive relationships with your key students, leading personalised programmes to support their personal, social, emotional and educational development.
• From supporting access to learning in class and residential routines you will help develop their independence, communication and life skills, in our all-round curriculum.
• You will also help plan activities, run group sessions and work with multi-disciplinary staff, parents and external agencies to ensure each student thrives.
• You will also assist with personal care, moving and handling and specialist health tasks to contribute to a safe, nurturing and inclusive residential environment.

What we are looking for:

• Someone who is compassionate, reliable and enthusiastic, with a genuine commitment to improving outcomes for young people.
• Experience in care or educational settings is helpful, however full training will be given.
• Knowledge of safeguarding, child protection and Keeping Children Safe in Education.
• Excellent communication, organisational skills and the ability to stay calm under pressure.
• Physically fit and confident to provide personal care and support students’ mobility needs.
• Flexible and able to work early morning and late shifts during the week.

Desirable:

• Experience supporting SEND students, behavioural management knowledge and minibus driving.

What we offer:

• A role with real purpose and daily impact.
• Fully funded qualifications and training.
• Generous pension scheme & life cover.
• Staff wellbeing sessions and support.
• Retail discounts and subsidised meals.
• Free on-site parking.

Become part of a team where your passion and dedication will be truly valued and where you can help shape brighter futures every day.

C.V.s alone will not be accepted. Applications must be made on the school's recruitment portal. For details please visit work for us or visit our recruitment portal on My New Term. The application form for this role will need to be completed on My New Term (we are unable to accept CV's).

It is important for the online application form to be completed in full, including complete employment history from leaving full-time education (age 16 or 18) and any gaps must be accounted for. If this is not fully completed your application will not be progressed.

Please also submit a suitable statement describing how you meet the criteria of the person specification and outline your reasons for application.

Please note, we can only consider applicants who have the right to work in the U.K. We are not able to offer visa sponsorship and we are not a sponsorship organisation.

We are recruiting for this post on a rolling basis therefore you are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. We reserve the right to close this vacancy, interview and appoint earlier if we receive sufficient applications for this role.

Valence School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of every student and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We value diversity and promote equality for all.

References will be taken up before interview and online checks undertaken for shortlisted candidates. The successful applicant will require an enhanced DBS check (this post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act).