Children’s Residential Home (EBD)
Milton Keynes MK6
Full-time, permanent
£33,164.80 to £36,160.00pa
1 on / 2 off rota

If you’ve been in residential childcare for a little while, you’ll know the difference it makes when a home is well-led, well-staffed and supported by people who understand what good practice looks like. This role sits in one of those places. A small, therapeutic two-bed home where routines are predictable, the atmosphere is genuinely nurturing and the leadership stay close enough to keep practice anchored.

You’ll step into a senior role that's guiding a team with purpose, modelling thoughtful care in the moments that matter and creating a space where young people feel safe enough to trust the adults around them. The provider has built its services on relationship-based care, clear boundaries, reflective team culture and proper clinical support, which makes the work feel more joined-up than most.

What you’ll be doing

- Leading shifts and handovers with a sense of direction and confidence.
- Keeping routines meaningful so young people feel secure and understood.
- Mentoring newer colleagues and helping the team settle into a rhythm they can rely on.
- Contributing to care plans, risk assessments and everyday decision-making.
- Building strong, respectful relationships with professionals, families and schools.
- Using therapeutic, relationship-led approaches that match the young person’s needs.
- Being that dependable presence people naturally look to when things are busy.

You’ll also help keep the home running smoothly: supporting education attendance, overseeing reports, maintaining high standards of record-keeping and pitching in with the general housekeeping that keeps the environment homely.

What you’ll bring

- Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or equivalent).
- At least 12 months in residential care with young people aged roughly 12 to 17.
- Experience leading shifts in a small, close-knit team.
- Clear communication, solid written work and good judgement.
- A grounded approach that mixes warmth, boundaries and a bit of patience.
- Full UK manual driving licence.

Pay, perks and progression

- £33,164.80 to £36,160.00 (inclusive of sleeps)
- Sleep-ins paid at £50
- +£2.50 overtime uplift after 160 hours
- Twice-yearly pay reviews in March and October
- Bonuses linked to probation, appraisals and Ofsted outcomes
- Funded qualifications, protected CPD time and quality face-to-face training
- Clinical input plus regular reflective supervision
- Extra 8 hours of paid birthday leave
- Pension, EAP and wellbeing support
- Refer-a-friend rewards and thoughtful staff appreciation events
- Clear route into Deputy Manager and eventually Registered Manager roles

Why this job stands out

You’ll be part of a team that values openness and ongoing development, with leaders who stay curious about practice and genuinely invest in their staff. Your contribution will be visible. Your ideas will matter. And you’ll be working somewhere that gives you both the support and the space to grow as a practitioner and a leader.

How to apply

Send your CV or apply directly. If you’re shortlisted, you’ll be contacted quickly for an initial chat.

All offers are subject to safer recruitment checks including Enhanced DBS, references and right-to-work verification.