Children's Residential Support Worker (Younger Children's Home)

Represented by: Supportive Bridge Staffing Agency

Location: Colchester, Essex

Contract: Permanent, Full-Time (40 hours per week on a rotational basis)

Salary: £13.19 – £13.81 per hour (Depending on experience)

Additional Earnings: £30 per mandatory sleep-in shift | Overtime paid at 1.25x your hourly rate

Closing Date: 31 July 2026

Reference: SYS-26132

Have an 'up for anything' attitude and a genuine love for working with young children?

At Supportive Bridge Staffing Agency, we are looking for a dedicated, high-energy Children's Residential Support Worker to join a fast-paced, busy, and vibrant home in Colchester.

This specific home specializes in caring for younger children aged 4 to 12 years old. It is a lively, nurturing environment where your days will be packed with fun activities, creative play, and meaningful interactions. If you are a caring individual with a true desire to provide stability, help young children address past difficulties, and guide them toward making positive choices, this is a career you can truly grow in.

💰 The Rewards & Benefits

Competitive Pay: £13.19 – £13.81 per hour with extra overtime paid at 1.25x.
Sleep-In Bonus: An additional £30 payment for every mandatory sleep-in shift completed.
Outstanding Work-Life Balance: Working just 2 to 3 shifts per week means you get fewer overall working days and more extended blocks of consecutive time off.
Complete Visibility: Rotas are provided 4 weeks in advance, allowing you to plan your personal life with absolute confidence.
Fully Funded Essentials: Your Enhanced DBS check is completely covered.
Comprehensive Training: Access to a thorough induction and a structured two-week specialized training program to fully equip you for success.

📝 A Varied, High-Energy Role

The nature of this work is dynamic, active, and deeply rewarding—no two days are ever the same! You will work from 08:00 AM to 11:00 PM (followed by an overnight sleep-in), keeping the home structured and full of opportunity:

Emotional Support & Nurturing: Provide comfort during challenging times and help young children feel safe, understood, and empowered.
Fun & Growth: Plan and participate in creative daily activities, organize social outings, and accompany the children on exciting off-site trips.
Educational Support: Offer assistance in their primary education pursuits, fostering a sense of ambition from an early age.
Daily Homemaking: Maintain a warm, clean, and structured home environment by helping with cooking, laundry, cleaning, and grocery shopping.
Advocacy & Records: Act as a proud advocate for the children during reviews and maintain accurate daily records using the home's electronic care system.

Digital Note: Experience with Clearcare is an advantage, but not essential. Full training is provided, though you must be comfortable and confident using digital systems as part of your day-to-day role.

👤 Requirements & Qualifications

No prior care experience is necessary! We value your personality, resilience, and heart above all else. We want to hear from you if you are flexible, adaptable, and great at reading behavioral situations.

Age Requirement: Must be 21 years or older (due to children's residential care regulations).
Driving Licence: A full UK driving licence is highly preferable.
Flexibility: Absolute availability to work long days, weekends, and mandatory overnight sleep-in shifts on a rotational basis.
Key Trait: A genuine, demonstrable passion for working with younger children (ages 4–12).

🔒 Safeguarding & Compliance

Supportive Bridge Staffing Agency and our client are strictly committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.

All successful applications are subject to an Enhanced DBS check.
You must provide professional references covering at least the past two years of your employment history, including any past roles involving children or vulnerable groups.