Residential Childcare Practitioner - Casual

About the role

Reading Borough Council is opening three new children's homes in 2026 as part of our 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 give Reading's children a stable, loving home in their own community.

Our three homes each serve different needs: Lime Tree House is a long‑term home 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. Cherry Tree House is a small therapeutic home for up to 2 children with SEMH (Social, Emotional and Mental Health) needs aged 11-17.

This is work that matters: emotional, rewarding, challenging and genuinely life‑changing. No two days are the same. You'll work on a rota including sleep‑ins, evenings and weekends as part of providing consistent care.

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
• Maintaining care plans, risk assessments and daily records
• Working collaboratively with families, social workers, schools and health professionals

For an informal chat about these opportunities please contact Diana.Reid@reading.gov.uk. Apply online through Reading Borough Council's recruitment portal. Interviews are to be confirmed.

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 can genuinely change a child's life through compassionate, resilient and child‑centred care.

The ideal candidate will:

• Be kind, reliable and child‑focused
• Remain calm under pressure and demonstrate resilience
• Communicate effectively with children, families and professionals
• Be willing to learn and complete the Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare
• 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 check. 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 core of Stable Loving Homes. Work Together as One Team means you'll collaborate, support each other and put children first. Drive Efficiency encourages you to bring ideas, improve practice and use resources wisely. Be Ambitious means aiming high for yourself and the children you support. Make a Difference to Reading focuses on providing the right support at the right time.

We offer a supportive environment to grow and develop your career with the opportunity to put your ideas across. Innovation and ambition is strongly encouraged, and you'll get a great feel for that working in our friendly and collaborative environment.