Children's Residential Opportunities Across London, Essex & Kent
Exclusively Recruiting on Behalf of a Leading Children's Residential Provider, Heart Residential Support is delighted to be exclusively supporting one of the South East's leading Children's Residential providers as they continue their ambitious expansion plans across London, Essex, and Kent.
Following significant investment and continued success across their existing portfolio of homes, our client is opening several new services throughout 2026 and is seeking exceptional individuals at every level to join their growing organisation.
With a strong reputation for delivering Good and Outstanding outcomes, investing heavily in staff development, and promoting from within, this is a fantastic opportunity to join a provider that is genuinely making a difference to the lives of children and young people across the South East.
Whether you are an experienced Registered Manager looking to lead the opening of a new home, an established Deputy Manager seeking a fresh challenge, or a Residential Support Worker looking to build a rewarding long-term career, we would love to hear from you.
Our client firmly believes that the best leaders are developed from within, with many of their current management team beginning their careers as Support Workers before progressing through the ranks.
Locations Include
North, South, East, and South East London
Bexley, Bromley, Croydon, Greenwich and Havering
Essex (Chelmsford, Basildon, Brentwood, Colchester, Harlow and Thurrock)
Kent (Canterbury, Maidstone, Ashford, Medway, Thanet, Tunbridge Wells and surrounding areas)
Opportunities Available
Position
Salary
Registered Manager
£60,000 - £75,000 + Performance Bonus
Deputy Manager
£42,000 - £50,000
Team Leader
£36,000 - £42,000
Senior Residential Support Worker
£33,000 - £38,000
Residential Support Worker
£31,000 - £35,000
Sleep-In Allowance
£60 per sleep
Our client is an established and highly regarded provider of Children's Residential Services, supporting children and young people aged 8–18 with a range of complex needs, including:
- Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties (EBD)
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- Learning Disabilities (LD)
- ADHD
- Trauma and Attachment Needs
- Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH)
- Associated Challenging Behaviours
Their philosophy is simple: every child deserves a safe, nurturing, and therapeutic environment where they are encouraged to develop independence, confidence, and positive life experiences.
Why Join This Provider?
-Join a provider with ambitious growth plans across London, Essex, and Kent.
- Genuine opportunities for progression and internal promotion.
- Fully funded Level 3 and Level 5 qualifications.
- Comprehensive induction and ongoing training programme.
- Supportive and visible senior leadership team.
- Enhanced annual leave entitlement.
- Employee Assistance Programme.
- Pension scheme.
- Recognition and reward initiatives.
- Opportunity to be involved in opening and shaping brand-new homes.
- Excellent staff retention and a strong people-first culture.
Registered Manager - £60,000 - £75,000 + Bonus
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Registered Manager to lead a new service and play a key role in the provider's continued growth across the South East.
Requirements
- Level 5 Diploma in Leadership & Management for Residential Childcare.
- Previous experience as a Registered Manager within a Children's Residential Home.
- Strong understanding of Children's Homes Regulations and Quality Standards.
- Experience leading Ofsted inspections and driving continuous improvement.
- Full UK Driving Licence.
- Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop high-performing teams.
Key Skills
- Leadership and strategic thinking.
- Ofsted compliance and audit management.
- Safeguarding and risk management.
- Budget and occupancy management.
- Building positive relationships with professionals and families.
- Creating an Outstanding culture within the home.
Deputy Manager - £42,000 - £50,000
This opportunity is ideal for experienced Deputy Managers or ambitious Team Leaders looking to take the next step in their career.
Requirements
- Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (minimum).
- Previous experience within a Children's Residential Home.
- Experience supervising and developing staff teams.
- Working towards Level 5 Leadership & Management is desirable.
- Full UK Driving Licence preferred.
Key Skills
- Leading shifts and deputising for the Registered Manager.
- Supporting Ofsted compliance and audits.
- Staff supervision, coaching, and mentoring.
- Care planning and risk assessments.
- Managing incidents and safeguarding concerns.
- Maintaining exceptional standards of care.
Team Leader - £36,000 - £42,000
Team Leaders are instrumental in ensuring the smooth day-to-day operation of the home and delivering consistency for the children and young people in our client's care.
Requirements
- Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare.
- Experience leading shifts within a Children's Residential setting.
- Experience supporting children with complex needs and behaviours.
- Full UK Driving Licence preferred.
Key Skills
- Leading by example.
- Supporting and motivating staff teams.
- Behaviour management and de-escalation.
- Report writing and record keeping.
- Building meaningful relationships with young people.
- Supporting the development of junior team members.
Senior Residential Support Worker - £33,000 - £38,000
An excellent opportunity for experienced Residential Support Workers who are looking to progress into a senior role with a provider committed to career development.
Requirements
- Previous Children's Residential experience.
- Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare preferred.
- Ability to work a rota including evenings, weekends, and sleep-ins.
- Full UK Driving Licence preferred.
Key Skills
- Key working responsibilities.
- Supporting less experienced team members.
- Promoting positive outcomes for children and young people.
- Emotional resilience and professionalism.
- Safeguarding and record keeping.
- Building positive and trusting relationships.
Residential Support Worker - £31,000 - £35,000
Whether you are already working within Children's Residential Care or have transferable experience supporting vulnerable children and young people, this is an opportunity to build a fulfilling and rewarding career.
Requirements
- Previous experience working with children, young people, or vulnerable adults is desirable.
- Full UK Driving Licence preferred.
- Willingness to work towards a Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare.
- Flexible approach to shift work, including weekends and sleep-ins.
- Passion for making a difference in the lives of children and young people.
Key Skills
- Compassion, empathy, and resilience.
- Positive role modelling.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to remain calm under pressure.
- Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
- Working effectively as part of a team.
What Makes a Great Candidate
- Our client is looking for individuals who:
- Put children at the centre of everything they do.
- Share a passion for improving outcomes for young people.
- Demonstrate resilience, empathy, and professionalism.
- Are committed to safeguarding and best practice.
- Thrive in a team environment.
- Want to build a long-term career within Children's Residential Care.
Interested
Heart Residential Support is proud to partner with providers who share our values and commitment to delivering exceptional care.
These opportunities offer competitive salaries, genuine progression opportunities, and the chance to join a provider with exciting plans for continued expansion across London, Essex, and Kent.
If you are interested in any of the above positions and would like to discuss opportunities in confidence, please submit your CV today or contact our Children's Residential team for further information.
To apply, please contact Heart Residential Support today using the details below.
Please note that, due to client specifications, we are unable to accept applications from candidates who require sponsorship to work in the UK.
Heart Residential Support is an Equal Opportunities Employer and is committed to creating an inclusive working environment where all employees are treated fairly, with dignity and respect.
Please note: All positions are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references, and full right to work in the UK. Unfortunately, sponsorship is not available for these opportunities.
Pay: £31,000.00-£75,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Free parking
- On-site parking
- Private medical insurance
Work Location: In person
