Residential Support Worker - Horton Lodge Special School in Leek

Horton Lodge Special School is looking for a Residential Support Worker to join our outstanding residential team from 1st September 2026. Horton Lodge is a historic building set in extensive grounds on the edge of Rudyard Lake. The pupils at Horton Lodge make the school truly special. The successful candidate will share our enthusiasm for ensuring the school is an incredible place for our children to learn.

Role Purpose

The role involves actively contributing to the care and well-being of children residing in the school’s residential setting. As a Residential Support Worker, you will ensure a safe, secure, and nurturing environment by supporting the physical, emotional, and developmental needs of children with Special Educational Needs (SEN). You will work with pupils after school, during the evening, and the following morning, encouraging and supporting them with their independence, communication, personal care, socialisation, healthy lifestyle, mental health and wellbeing, and positive behaviour outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Work in a small team supporting pupils after school, during the evening and the following morning.
• Encourage and support children with their independence, communication, personal care, socialisation, healthy lifestyle, mental health and wellbeing and positive behaviour outcomes.
• Lift children, ensuring strong wrist and back to handle children who may be in spasm, in accordance with the Manual Handling Regulations.

Qualifications & Experience

• Hold NVQ Level 3 in an appropriate discipline (or recognised equivalent experience).
• Be willing to undertake relevant formal training.
• Participate in development and training opportunities.
• Have good communication skills.
• Work constructively as part of a team and on own initiative.
• Relate well to children and adults.
• Be flexible, methodical and organised.
• Be willing to work evenings and early mornings on a shift basis.
• Demonstrate a friendly, professional and respectful approach.
• Be an active listener, open and honest, and take responsibility.
• Maintain a “can-do” attitude, trust in others and encourage achievement.
• Commit to the provision and improvement of quality service, adapt to change, and act with pace and urgency.
• Continually develop yourself and others by keeping up to date and sharing knowledge.

Benefits

• Opportunity to work in an innovative school in a beautiful setting with enthusiastic pupils.
• A school community that places children and their families at the heart of its mission.
• A proactive and highly dedicated team constantly striving to improve the school.
• A supportive Governing Body.
• Appropriate training and CPD opportunities.
• A generous Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Access to health and wellbeing support through the Think Well scheme.

Working Hours

The role is 24 hours per week during term time only. The daily working hours are:

• Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons/evenings: 3 pm – 8 pm
• Tuesday and Wednesday mornings: 7 am – 9:30 am
• Thursday mornings: 7 am – 10 am
• One additional flexible hour per week for admin work.

There is an expectation of paid sleep-in duties at least once per week.

Safeguarding

Horton Lodge School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people; applicants will be subject to stringent vetting and induction processes, including an enhanced DBS disclosure and online searches.