About the Home
We are opening a new home
Kestrel House is a specialist children’s home providing care for young people aged 5–17 with mild to moderate learning disabilities.
The home delivers structured, nurturing and low-arousal care, supporting children with Learning disability, Autism, ADHD, non-verbal communication needs and associated conditions. Care is based on Positive Behaviour Support (PBS), relational practice and consistent routines to promote emotional safety and development. we hope to be open the home at the end of the year.
Purpose of the Role
To provide high-quality, child-centred care to children and young people with learning disabilities, supporting their emotional, social, behavioural and developmental needs in line with the Children’s Homes Regulations 2015 and Quality Standards. To Provide high quality care and support to children and young people in a residential setting, ensuring their physical, emotional, and social needs are met. You will work as part of a dedicated team to create a safe, nurturing, and stable environment that promotes the welfare and development of every child in our care.
Key Responsibilities
Care & Support
- Provide day-to-day care in line with individual care plans and Behaviour Support Plans
- Support young people with daily living skills, independence and routines
- Promote emotional wellbeing using low-arousal and PBS approaches
- Support children with communication needs (including non-verbal communication)
- Build trusting, consistent relationships with young people
Safeguarding & Protection (Regulation 12)
- Safeguard children at all times and report concerns immediately
- Understand that behaviour is communication and respond appropriately
- Maintain professional boundaries and follow safeguarding procedures
Health & Wellbeing (Regulation 10)
- Support young people to attend health appointments
- Promote healthy lifestyles and routines
- Administer medication in line with policy (after training)
Education (Regulation 8)
- Support attendance and engagement in education
- Work with schools and professionals to promote achievement
- Help young people with homework and learning activities
Behaviour Support
- Follow Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) and low-arousal approaches
- Use de-escalation techniques to manage behaviour
- Record incidents and contribute to behaviour plans
Daily Living & Activities
- Support young people with activities, hobbies and community access
- Encourage participation and enjoyment
- Support structured routines and meaningful activities
Record Keeping & Reporting
- Maintain accurate daily logs, incident reports and records
- Contribute to care planning and reviews
- Share information appropriately with the team
Shift Requirements
- Flexible working pattern
- Includes sleep-in shifts and waking night shifts
- Weekend and bank holiday working required
Experience & Skills
- Experience working with children or young people (desirable)
- Experience with Autism, ADHD, learning disabilities or non-verbal individuals (desirable)
- Knowledge of Makaton or PECS (desirable)
- Ability to remain calm and patient under pressure
- Strong communication and teamwork skills
Skills
We are seeking individuals with the skills, patience, and resilience required to support children and young people with learning disabilities. The role requires strong communication skills, including the ability to adapt communication styles to meet individual needs, as well as a calm and empathetic approach to managing behaviours that may challenge. Candidates should be able to build trusting relationships, promote independence, and provide consistent, person-centred care. An understanding of safeguarding practices, emotional regulation, and positive behaviour support is essential, alongside the ability to work collaboratively within a team and with external professionals. Flexibility, reliability, and a genuine commitment to improving outcomes for children and young people are key to success in this role.
Training & Development
Full training and qualifications will be provided. The most important quality we are looking for is a commitment and desire to bring about a positive change in the lives of young people.
DBS Requirement
An enhanced DBS check is required.
Please note: the cost of the DBS will not be covered by the company.
Regulation 31 – Notification of Serious Events
Support workers must:
- Report all serious incidents immediately to the Registered Manager
- Accurately record safeguarding incidents, injuries, missing episodes, or police involvement
- Ensure timely reporting to Ofsted and relevant authorities via management
Regulation 32 – Records
Support workers must:
- Maintain clear, accurate and up-to-date records
- Record daily care, incidents, behaviours and progress
- Ensure records reflect the child’s views, wishes and feelings
- Follow confidentiality and GDPR requirements
Regulation 33 – Employment of Staff
Support workers must:
- Work within their training and competence
- Participate in supervision and performance reviews
- Engage in mandatory training and continuous professional development
- Follow safer working practices at all times
Person Specification
Essential
- Caring, patient and resilient nature
- Commitment to safeguarding and improving young people’s lives
- Willingness to work sleep-ins and waking nights
- Ability to work as part of a team
- Experience of working with children or young people (paid or voluntary).
- Must be aged 21 or over
- Excellent communications skills (verbal and written).
- Empathy, love, Resilience and a non-judgemental approach.
· Valid UK Driving License.
· Must have the Right to Work in the UK without sponsorship or restrictions
Desirable
- Experience in children’s residential care
- Knowledge of PBS / low arousal approaches
- Understanding of communication tools (Makaton, PECS)
· Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare or equivalent
· Ability to manage challenging behaviour effectively.
· High level of emotional intelligence.
What We Offer
- Full training and qualifications
- Career progression opportunities
- Supportive team environment
- Opportunity to be part of a new service
· Inductions, Regular 1:1 supervision and a strong team-based approach.
· Meals provided while you’re at work
In addition, we offer regular supervision and mentoring to support your professional growth, access to recognised qualifications in residential childcare, and opportunities to specialise in areas such as Autism and Positive Behaviour Support. You will be part of a service that values staff wellbeing, promotes a healthy work-life balance, and recognises and rewards commitment, dedication and high-quality care practice.
Safer Recruitment Commitment
We operate a robust safer recruitment process to ensure the highest standards of care and protection. All successful applicants will be required to undergo:
- An enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
- Satisfactory references
- Comprehensive background checks
All checks are carried out in line with Ofsted requirements and the Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015.
Safeguarding Statement
At Children’s Sanctuary, we recognise that children and young people may face harm or abuse from a range of sources, including within families, peer groups, or the wider community. We also understand that caring for children with additional needs can sometimes feel overwhelming for parents and carers.
Everyone who works with children has a shared responsibility to safeguard and promote their welfare. At Children’s Sanctuary, we are fully committed to creating a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment where every child can thrive.
We believe that all children regardless of ethnicity, gender, disability, culture, sexual orientation, or faith have the right to equal protection from harm, neglect, and abuse.
Closing Statement
This is a rewarding opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of children and young people with learning disabilities. If you are passionate, committed and ready to support young people to achieve positive outcomes, we would love to hear from you.
This position provides an enriching opportunity for those passionate about supporting others and making a meaningful difference in their lives.
Pay: £13.60-£13.90 per hour
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company events
- Discounted or free food
Work Location: In person
