Residential Childcare Practitioner – Stable Loving Homes
Posted 30th Apr, 2026
About The Role
Reading Borough Council is opening three new children's homes in 2026 as part of its Stable Loving Homes service, offering safe, nurturing, and therapeutic care for children aged 11–17 who need stability, connection, and trusted adults around them.
The three homes each serve a distinct purpose within the same community. Lime Tree House is a long-term home for up to four children aged 12–17 with needs linked to their emotions and behaviours. Oak Tree House is a four-bed assessment home supporting children aged 12–17 through transition. Cherry Tree House is a small therapeutic home for up to two children with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs aged 11–17. All three are being built alongside the teams that will bring them to life, with start dates expected from May 2026.
Practitioners work directly with children and young people, building relationships and providing consistent, trauma-informed care day to day. This includes keyworking children to support independence and emotional growth, working with families, schools, social workers, and health professionals, and helping young people navigate change and significant life moments. Shifts are worked on a rota that includes evenings, weekends, and sleep-ins.
This role includes:
- Building strong, trusting relationships that help children feel safe and valued
- Maintaining care plans, risk assessments, and daily records
- Encouraging participation in education, activities, and hobbies
- Supporting children through big emotions and important life moments
- Driving the home's vehicle as part of day-to-day support
To apply, click Apply Now. For an informal conversation about these opportunities, contact Diana Reid at Diana.Reid@reading.gov.uk. Interviews are to be confirmed.
About You
Reading Borough Council is looking for people whose values and approach to children matter most. Previous residential childcare experience is not required.
Teams are being built from the ground up, so this is an opportunity to join something new and contribute to shaping how these homes work from the start. The ideal candidate will:
- Be willing to complete the Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare if not already held, as this is a requirement of the role
- Demonstrate a calm, resilient approach when working in emotionally demanding situations
- Communicate clearly and reliably with children, families, and professionals
- Hold a full, valid driving licence and be able to drive the home's vehicle
- Be able to work flexibly on a rota that includes evenings, weekends, and sleep-ins
- Show a consistent, child-focused approach to care and relationships
Reading Borough Council welcomes applicants from all backgrounds and is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. All appointments are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check with barred list, in line with Ofsted registration requirements. The right to work in the UK will be verified prior to appointment. This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship.
Reading Borough Council's Offer to You
Stable Loving Homes is a new service being built with care, and practitioners joining now will be part of shaping how these homes develop. The service is grounded in the Team Reading values: working together, driving efficiency, being ambitious, and making a difference to Reading's children by providing the right support at the right time. High-quality training, reflective practice, and clinical support are in place to help staff develop their skills and feel confident in their work.
Benefits include:
- Fully funded Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (where required)
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, rising to 33 days plus bank holidays with service
- Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) with life assurance for members
- Blue Light Card and access to a comprehensive range of discounts through the Team Reading rewards platform
- Season ticket loan and lease car scheme
- And more
