Location: Chelmsford, Essex
Contract: Permanent, Full-Time, Term-Time Only
Hours: 36 hours per week
Salary: Scale 6 (Points 13–17), dependent on experience
Working Hours
- Monday: 2:30pm – 8:30pm
- Tuesday – Thursday: 7:30am - 10:30 (break) 14:30 – 8:30pm (split shift)
- Friday: 7:30am – 2:00pm
About the Role
Parker Smith Inclusion is delighted to be working in partnership with a newly established residential special school in Chelmsford.
The school provides a safe, structured and nurturing environment for children and young people with additional needs, with residential provision available during the week. The setting places a strong emphasis on creating a warm, family-style environment where pupils feel safe, valued and supported to develop socially, emotionally and academically.
We are looking for a Residential Childcare Officer to join the dedicated residential team. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced childcare professional with a background in residential childcare, SEN or a similar setting who is looking to take on additional responsibility and play an important role in supporting the day-to-day lives of young people.
The Role
As a Residential Childcare Officer, you will play an active role in creating a safe, positive and supportive residential environment.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Overseeing and actively participating in daily childcare duties, ensuring consistently high standards of care and safeguarding.
- Supporting other members of the residential team, including induction, mentoring and supervision where appropriate.
- Acting as a positive role model and helping to create a secure, structured and stimulating environment.
- Working directly with children and young people to support their social, emotional and behavioural development.
- Planning and taking part in activities that encourage confidence, independence and positive relationships.
- Supervising mealtimes, recreational activities and bedtime routines, ensuring the residential environment remains calm, safe and nurturing.
- Accompanying pupils to appointments, activities and community-based opportunities when required.
- Maintaining accurate records and producing clear, concise reports to support individual care and education plans.
- Attending staff training, team meetings and contributing to ongoing professional development.
- Ensuring all safeguarding responsibilities are met in line with relevant legislation and guidance, including Keeping Children Safe in Education and the National Minimum Standards for Residential Special Schools.
About You
We are looking for someone who is passionate about working with children and young people and who understands the importance of providing consistent, compassionate and structured support.
The successful candidate will ideally have:
- Experience working with children and young people, preferably within residential childcare, SEN or a similar specialist setting.
- A Level 3 qualification in childcare or a related field, or a willingness to work towards one.
- A good understanding of relevant legislation, safeguarding procedures and the responsibilities involved in residential childcare.
- Strong behaviour management skills, with the ability to balance clear boundaries with empathy and understanding.
- Excellent organisational skills and the ability to remain calm and composed in challenging situations.
- A genuine commitment to the safety, wellbeing and development of children and young people.
- A full driving licence would be desirable.
- Minibus driving experience, or a willingness to undertake the relevant training, would be advantageous.
Why Work with Parker Smith Inclusion?
At Parker Smith Inclusion, we work closely with schools, academies and trusts across Essex, providing personalised support throughout the recruitment process.
This is a rewarding opportunity to join a newly established residential special school and play an important part in shaping the residential experience for its pupils. You will have the opportunity to take on meaningful responsibilities within a supportive team, with clear expectations, structured support and access to ongoing training and professional development.
If you are an experienced childcare professional looking for your next step and want to make a genuine difference to the lives of children and young people, we would love to hear from you.
Apply today to find out more about this exciting opportunity.
INDNIC
Pay: £24,400.00-£25,500.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
