Childrens Residential Support Worker (Maternity cover) – Gravenhurst, Bedfordshire – MK45

Employer: Homes2Inspire (part of Shaw Trust Group)

Contract: Maternity contract, full time - 40 hours per week

Salary: £29,767 - £31,579 (pro rata) + sleep-in allowance - £50.00 per sleep

Location: Gravenhurst, Bedfordshire – MK45

Ofsted: Good

Drivers With a Full Uk License Are Essential

- Have you ever thought about a career in children’s residential care but don’t have the experience? Homes2inspire offer full training and industry qualifications to support you in your career to work with children and young people.
- We are looking for people who genuinely want to make a difference to the lives of children and young people who live in residential care, who have the right values, attitude and willingness to learn.
- If you are emotionally resilient, able to stay calm under pressure, and confident supporting young people who may display behaviours that challenge then we want to hear from you!

About Homes2Inspire

Homes2Inspire are one of the UK’s leading providers of children's homes, caring for over 150 children across 56 homes and 2 semi-independent leaving care facilities. We are proud to be part of the Shaw Trust Group, a charity dedicated to transforming lives across the UK.

Vacancy

We are looking to employ a support worker on a fixed term contract to cover a period of maternity leave for approximately 6 – 9 months. There may be opportunity for the vacancy to become permanent at the end of the maternity contract.

About The Home

Orchard House is a 2 bedded childrens residential homes based in Gravenhurst, Bedfordshire – MK45.



Supporting children and young people up to the age of 18 – the home provides a safe, nurturing, and supportive workplace by offering emotional and practical support to help children develop life skills and build confidence.

The Role

- Safeguard and promote the wellbeing of young people in our care.
- Building trusting relationships and acting as a reliable, positive role model, whilst setting clear boundaries.
- Support with daily routines, household tasks, and meal preparation.
- Encourage participation in community activities and hobbies.
- Transport young people to school, medical appointments, and activities.
- Help young people develop life skills, including managing finances.
- Maintain accurate records and paperwork.
- Work flexibly, including evenings, weekends, bank holidays, and sleep-ins (1–2 per week).

What You’ll Bring

- Compassion, patience, and a genuine desire to make a difference.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to remain calm in challenging situations.
- Willingness to work towards QCF Level 3 in Residential Childcare (fully funded).
- Honesty, empathy, and a commitment to being a positive role model.
- Drivers with a FULL UK license are essential.

Hours





- Contracted to work 40 hours per week
- Sleep in are required on average 1 – 2 per sleep per week.

What We Offer

- Competitive salary £29,767 - £31,579 (pro rata)
- Sleep-in allowance - £50.00 per sleep.
- Ofsted Bonus Scheme for homes achieving Good or Outstanding inspection outcomes.
- Enhanced Family Friendly Leave.
- Award and Recognition Vouchers celebrating outstanding performance and achievements.
- Overtime opportunities.
- Comprehensive training and career development pathways.
- Generous annual leave, with option to purchase 5 extra days.
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) and wellbeing support.
- Unum Healthcare - App-based access to healthcare reimbursements, mental health support, remote GP, and wellbeing perks
- Aviva Digicare - Access free healthcare services including Digital GP consultation, Annual Health Check and Mental Health Assessments
- Refer a Friend bonus.
- Discounts on shopping, cinema, holidays, plus Blue Light Card access.
- Cycle to Work scheme.
- Subsidised days out with young people.Recognition awards for long service and attendance.
- Meals included during shifts.

Important Information

- We cannot offer sponsorship or part time hours
- Drivers with a FULL UK licence are essential

Please Note

- All successful candidates will be subject to pre-employment safer recruitment checks in line with Ofsted regulatory requirements and Homes2Inspire Safer Recruitment Policy.
- Candidate applications will be reviewed regularly, and we reserve the right to interview candidates before the advertised closing date of this role.

📌 Childrens Support Worker (Maternity cover) Orchard House (Gravenhurst)
🏢 Shaw Trust
📍 Gravenhurst