Location: Chelmsford, Essex
Contract: Permanent, Full-Time, Term-Time Only (36 hours per week)
Working Hours:
- Monday: 2:00pm – 9:00pm
- Tuesday – Thursday: 7:00am – 9:00pm (Split Shift)
- Friday: 7:00am – 2:00pm
Parker Smith Inclusion is thrilled to be working in partnership with a newly established residential special school in Chelmsford. The school offers a safe, structured and nurturing environment for children and young people with additional needs, with residential provision during the week. There is a real focus on creating a warm, family-style atmosphere where pupils feel supported, valued and able to flourish socially, emotionally and academically.
We are currently looking for a Residential Childcare Officer to join the school’s dedicated residential team. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone with experience in residential childcare or special educational needs who is ready to step into a more senior role within a supportive and well-organised setting.
The Role
As a Residential Childcare Officer, you will:
- Take a leading role in day-to-day childcare duties, ensuring the highest standards of care and safeguarding are always maintained
- Support your fellow Residential Childcare Officers through induction, mentoring and supervision
- Be a positive role model, helping to create a safe, structured and engaging environment
- Work closely with children and young people, supporting their social, emotional and behavioural development through planned activities and everyday interactions
- Oversee mealtimes, leisure activities and bedtime routines, ensuring a calm, caring and consistent atmosphere
- Accompany pupils to appointments and community activities when required
- Keep accurate records and produce clear, informative reports to support individual care and education plans
- Take part in training, team meetings and ongoing professional development opportunities
- Ensure full compliance with safeguarding legislation, including Keeping Children Safe in Education and the National Minimum Standards for Residential Special Schools
About You
The ideal candidate will have:
- Experience working with children and young people, ideally within residential or SEN settings
- A Level 3 qualification in childcare (or a related field), or a willingness to work towards this
- A good understanding of relevant legislation, including the Children Act and safeguarding practices
- Strong behaviour management skills, with the ability to balance authority with empathy
- Excellent organisational skills and the ability to remain calm and composed under pressure
- A genuine passion for supporting the safety, wellbeing and development of children and young people
- A full driving licence (desirable), with willingness to undertake minibus training seen as a bonus
Why Work With Parker Smith Inclusion
At Parker Smith Inclusion, we work closely with schools, academies and trusts across the region, providing a personalised and supportive recruitment experience from start to finish.
This role offers a truly rewarding opportunity to take on greater responsibility within a residential special school, with clear expectations, strong support systems and access to ongoing training and development.
If you’re an experienced childcare professional looking to take the next step in your career and make a meaningful difference in young people’s lives, we’d be delighted to hear from you.
Apply today to find out more about this exciting opportunity