Job Summary
We are seeking a dedicated Residential Childcare Practitioner to provide high-quality trauma-informed therapeutic care and support for children in a residential setting. The successful candidate will be responsible for creating a safe, nurturing environment that promotes the emotional, social, and behavioural development of young people. This role involves working closely with children, implementing care plans, and ensuring their well-being is prioritised at all times. The position offers an opportunity to make a positive impact on children's lives through compassionate and professional support.
Honeycomb Care Children’s Service are a dedicated and compassionate children’s residential care provider supporting young people with Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties (EBD). We provide a safe, stable, and trauma-informed therapeutic environment where children are supported to heal, develop resilience, and achieve positive long-term outcomes.
Our organisation is led by an experienced and highly qualified management team with extensive backgrounds in children’s residential care, safeguarding, and therapeutic practice. This ensures strong leadership, clear accountability, and consistently high standards of care.
We are committed to delivering care in line with the Children’s Homes Regulations and Quality Standards, ensuring that children’s welfare, safety, and progress remain at the centre of everything we do.
We believe the voice of the child is paramount, and children are actively supported to participate in decisions about their care, daily routines, and future planning in line with their individual needs and communication abilities.
We also promote a culture where children are supported to express their emotions safely and freely, without fear of punitive or disproportionate responses. Emotional expression is understood through a trauma-informed lens, recognising behaviour as communication and responding with empathy, consistency, and therapeutic support.
Responsibilities
- Deliver personalised care to children in accordance with individual care plans, ensuring their needs are met effectively.
- Foster a safe, supportive environment that encourages positive behaviour and emotional growth.
- Support children with daily routines such as meal times, personal hygiene, and recreational activities.
- Engage in activities that promote social skills, confidence, and independence among children.
- Maintain clear communication with colleagues, families, and external professionals involved in the child's care.
- Assist with transporting children to educational, medical, or leisure appointments using company vehicles when required.
- Record observations and progress notes accurately to ensure ongoing assessment of each child's development.
- Contribute to the development and review of individual care plans in collaboration with the wider team.
- Uphold safeguarding policies and procedures to ensure the safety and well-being of all children at all times.
Requirements
- Knowledge and understanding of children’s residential care or wider children’s services
- Experience working with children or young people with EBD, trauma, or challenging behaviour
- A strong commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children
- The ability to build positive, professional relationships with young people
- Emotional resilience, patience, and a calm, supportive approach
- Excellent communication and teamwork skills
Desirable (but not essential)
- Level 3/4 Diploma in Residential Childcare or equivalent
- Experience in Ofsted-regulated settings
- Understanding of trauma-informed or therapeutic approaches
Full training will be provided for the right candidates who share our values and commitment. We are deeply committed to the growth and development of our staff team. We provide comprehensive induction training and ongoing professional development opportunities designed to strengthen knowledge, skills, and confidence in children’s residential care.
Our commitment includes:
- Structured induction and mandatory training programme
- Trauma-informed practice training to help staff understand the impact of early life experiences, attachment needs, and how these shape behaviour
- Training in understanding behaviour as communication, supporting positive and reflective responses rather than punitive approaches
- Ongoing safeguarding, behaviour management, and therapeutic care training
- Opportunities to gain recognised qualifications in residential childcare
- Regular supervision, reflective practice, and career progression support
- A culture that values learning, development, and continuous improvement
- Mandatory safeguarding training in line with statutory guidance
· Clear progression pathways into Senior roles
We believe that investing in our staff ensures the highest quality of care and the best possible outcomes for children and young people.
This role provides an enriching opportunity for individuals passionate about making a meaningful difference in young people's lives through dedicated childcare practice within a supportive team environment.
Our Values
We believe every child deserves safety, respect, stability, and opportunity. We are committed to providing high-quality care that supports emotional growth, independence, and positive outcomes for every young person in our care.
We promote a culture where children feel safe to express their emotions freely and without fear of prejudice, judgement, or punishment. The voice of the child is paramount in everything we do.
Pay: £29,120.00-£40,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Additional leave
- Company pension
- Employee discount
- Health & wellbeing programme
- Paid training
- Sick pay
Work Location: In person
