Residential Support Worker – Cherry Tree House
Cherry Tree House opening soon is a small, nurturing children’s home operated by Oakridge Haven, supporting up to three children aged 8–17. We provide a safe, family‑style environment using PACE (Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity, Empathy) and DDP (Dyadic Developmental Practice) principles to help children heal, grow, and thrive.
Cherry Tree House is a brand‑new, 3‑bed therapeutic children’s home opening in 2026. Rooted in PACE, Dyadic Developmental Practice (DDP), and trauma‑informed care, our home will offer a warm, nurturing, family‑style environment where children feel safe, understood, and genuinely cared for.
PACE is a trauma‑informed, relationship‑based approach developed by Dr. Dan Hughes. It guides adults to connect with children through four core attitudes:
- Playfulness – bringing lightness, warmth, and a sense of safety into interactions
- Acceptance – showing unconditional positive regard for the child’s inner world
- Curiosity – wondering about the child’s feelings and experiences without judgement
- Empathy – deeply attuning to the child’s emotional state and responding with compassion
PACE helps children feel safe, understood, and valued, which is essential for healing from trauma and building trusting relationships.
Dyadic Developmental Practice (DDP) is a therapeutic and caregiving model also created by Dr. Dan Hughes. It is designed for children who have experienced developmental trauma, attachment disruptions, or early adversity. DDP:
- Uses relationships as the primary vehicle for healing
- Helps children and adults co‑regulate emotions
- Supports the development of secure attachment patterns
- Embeds PACE as the core way of relating
- Encourages open, attuned, and emotionally safe communication
DDP is used both in therapy and in everyday caregiving, making it especially powerful in residential settings like yours, where healing happens through consistent, nurturing relationships.
We are looking for compassionate, resilient individuals who want to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people who have experienced trauma.
The Role
As a Residential Support Worker, you will:
- Build trusting, consistent relationships with young people
- Support daily routines, education, and therapeutic activities
- Maintain accurate records and contribute to care plans
- Promote independence, emotional regulation, and life skills
- Work collaboratively with colleagues, schools, health, families, and social workers
- Provide high standards of nurturing care to children aged 8–17
- Follow the PACE model in daily practice to create a safe, attuned, and supportive environment
- Recognise, respond to, record, and refer safeguarding concerns
- Assist with daily living tasks, including meal preparation and maintaining a clean, safe home
- Engage children in educational, recreational, and developmental activities
About You
- Kind, patient, and emotionally resilient
- Able to stay calm and attuned in challenging situations
- Aged 21 or over (due to driving responsibilities and the maturity required within Ofsted‑regulated residential childcare)
- Hold, or be willing to work towards, a Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (Children & Young People)
- Previous experience in a children’s residential setting or similar support role is highly desirable
- Strong communication skills, both written and verbal
- Basic IT skills for record‑keeping
- A valid driving licence
- A genuine passion for supporting young people
- Able to work flexibly, independently, and as part of a team
What We Offer
A Supportive & Therapeutic Environment
- A warm, team‑focused home guided by PACE and DDP
- Comprehensive induction and ongoing training
- Access to reflective supervision and professional development
Career Development
- Fully funded training and qualifications
- Enrolment onto a Diploma in Children & Young People after probation
- Opportunities for career progression
Rewards & Benefits
- Competitive salary with overtime opportunities
- Sleep‑in payments
- 28 days of annual leave
- Meals provided during shifts
- Pension scheme
- A paid day off for your birthday
- Enhanced DBS check covered by us
- Health & wellbeing programme
- Casual dress, company events, referral programme
- On‑site parking
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Permanent, Bank
Join Us
If you are enthusiastic about making a lasting difference in a child’s life and feel aligned with our therapeutic approach, we would love to hear from you.
Apply now or email: [email protected]
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Permanent, Temp to perm, Zero hours contract
Pay: £13.00-£14.50 per hour
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company pension
- Discounted or free food
- Free parking
- Health & wellbeing programme
- On-site parking
Experience:
- Childcare: 1 year (preferred)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (preferred)
Work Location: In person
