Children's Residential Support Worker - Headstart Residential Care - Golden Cross

Children’s Residential Support Worker
Headstart Residential Care – Hailsham
40.5 Hours per Week | Full-Time
£13.00 per hour (£14.00 per hour if qualified in Residential Childcare)
Sleep-in Rate: £80 per sleep | Overtime Enhancements | Time & a Half Bank Holidays
Make a Meaningful Difference Every Day
At Headstart Residential Care, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to thrive in a safe, nurturing, and aspirational environment. We are looking for passionate, child-focused Residential Support Workers to join our flagship 5-bed Learning Disabilities (LD) children’s home in Hailsham, supporting children in care with Autism and Learning Difficulties.
This is more than a job — it’s an opportunity to become part of a supportive, values-led organisation where children are always at the heart of what we do.
If you have the enthusiasm, resilience, and genuine desire to make a purposeful difference to the lives of young people with complex needs, we would love to hear from you.
Why Join Headstart Residential Care?
At Headstart, we pride ourselves on creating a positive culture where both children and staff feel supported, valued, and empowered.
What We Offer:

• Competitive pay – £13.00 per hour, rising to £14.00 per hour for candidates qualified in Residential Childcare
• £80 sleep-in rate (typically averaging one sleep per week)
• Enhanced overtime rates
• Time and a half pay on Bank Holidays
• 40.5 hours per week, full-time contract
• A stable, experienced and supportive senior management team
• Strong support structure with opportunities for ongoing development
• A truly rewarding role where you can make a lasting impact

Amazing Environment & Facilities
Our flagship home offers a unique setting and exceptional facilities to enrich the lives of the children we support, including:

• An onsite farm
• Stables and outdoor experiences
• Therapeutic and engaging activities tailored to individual needs
• A warm, welcoming and nurturing environment

About the Role
As a Children’s Residential Support Worker, you will support children with Autism, Learning Difficulties and complex needs to feel safe, develop independence, build confidence, and achieve positive outcomes.
You will:

• Build positive and trusting relationships with young people
• Support daily routines, education and recreational activities
• Promote emotional wellbeing and independence
• Provide high-quality, child-centred care and support
• Work collaboratively as part of a dedicated team
• Help create a safe, structured and nurturing home environment

Shift Patterns
We operate long-day shift patterns:

• 7:00am – 9:00pm
• or
• 9:00am – 11:00pmSleep-ins are expected as part of the role.What We’re Looking ForWe are seeking individuals who are:
• Passionate about improving outcomes for children and young people
• Positive, resilient and caring in their approach
• Enthusiastic about making a genuine difference to children with complex needs
• Able to build professional, trusting relationships with young people

Essential Requirements:

• Experience in residential childcare, care work, SEN support, or supporting children with additional needs
• Experience supporting children with Autism and/or Learning Difficulties preferred
• Full UK driving licence – essential
• A positive attitude and strong team ethic

At Headstart Residential Care, our ethos is centred around child-focused care, compassion, consistency and creating opportunities for every young person to thrive. We are committed to building a team that shares our values and believes in giving children the best possible future.
Apply today and become part of something truly meaningful.