Residential Childcare Practitioner - Stable Loving Homes

About the role

Reading Borough Council is opening three new children's homes in 2026 as part of the Stable Loving Homes service, offering safe, nurturing and therapeutic care for children aged 11-17 who need stability, connection and trusted adults around them. These homes will provide Reading's children a stable, loving home in their own community.

The three homes each serve different needs: Lime Tree House offers long-term care for up to 4 children aged 12-17 with needs linked to their emotions and behaviours, Oak Tree House is a 4-bed assessment home supporting children aged 12-17 through transition, and Cherry Tree House is a small therapeutic home for up to 2 children with SEMH needs aged 11-17. This is work that matters - emotional, rewarding, challenging and genuinely life-changing.

Key responsibilities include:

• Building strong, trusting relationships that help children feel safe and valued
• Providing trauma-informed, nurturing and consistent care
• Keyworking children, supporting independence, routines and emotional growth
• Keeping care plans, risk assessments and daily records up to date
• Working collaboratively with families, social workers, schools and health professionals

You will work on a rota including sleep-ins, evenings and weekends. Start dates are expected from May 2026.

For an informal chat about these opportunities please contact Diana.Reid@reading.gov.uk. To apply, complete the online application form.

About You

You don't need previous residential experience - we care most about your values and how you show up for children. We're looking for people who are compassionate, resilient and child-centred.

The ideal candidate will:

• Be kind, reliable and child-focused
• Remain calm under pressure and show resilience
• Demonstrate great communication skills
• Be willing to learn and complete the Level 3 Diploma
• Work flexibly as part of a supportive team
• Hold a driving licence and be able to drive the home's vehicle
• Be willing to work shifts including weekends and nights

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. This role requires an enhanced DBS check with barred list. This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship, so applicants must have the right to work in the UK.

Reading Offer to You

You'll be part of a culture shaped by four core values that are at the heart of Stable Loving Homes: Work Together as One Team, Drive Efficiency, Be Ambitious, and Make a Difference to Reading. These values shape how we work every day, putting children first and providing the right support at the right time.

Reading Borough Council offers strong career progression and leadership pathways, along with high-quality training, reflective practice and clinical support. Benefits include:

• Fully funded Level 3 qualification (if required)
• 25 days annual leave plus Bank holidays (rising to 33 plus Bank holidays with service)
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Life assurance (LGPS members)
• Blue Light Card and comprehensive range of discounts through Team Reading rewards platform
• Season ticket loan and lease car scheme