Children’s Homes
Change Lives Every Day...
Protecting the Vulnerable
Working in a children’s home is more than just a job. It’s an opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable young people.
Careermakers sources roles that provide essential care, guidance, and emotional support, helping children and young people develop the confidence and skills they need for a brighter future.
Whether you’re an experienced support care worker, a residential care manager, or just beginning your career in child care, there are opportunities to suit a range of skills and backgrounds. Key qualities include:
- Empathy
- Resilience
- Safeguarding
Explore our vacancies today and start your journey in this vital and fulfilling sector.
Protecting the Vulnerable
Children’s Homes – Compliances
Working in children’s residential homes requires even stricter compliance checks to ensure the safety and well-being of vulnerable children.
These include:
Enhanced Background & Identity Checks
- Enhanced DBS Check (UK) – Includes checks against the Children’s Barred List to ensure staff are not prohibited from working with children.
- Right to Work Verification – Proof of eligibility to work in the UK.
- Identity Verification – Passport, driving license, or other forms of ID.
Health and Medical Checks
- Occupational Health Screening – To assess fitness for working with children.
- Vaccination Requirements – Some employers may require vaccinations such as MMR, flu, or COVID-19.
Safeguarding and Regulatory Compliance
- Safeguarding Children Training – To recognize and respond to abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
- Understanding of the Children’s Home Regulations 2015 – Including the Quality Standards framework.
- Data Protection & Confidentiality – Compliance with GDPR and policies on handling sensitive information.
- Health & Safety Training – Including fire safety and risk assessment.
Qualifications and Training
- Mandatory Training – Includes safeguarding, child protection, trauma-informed care, and behaviour management (e.g., de-escalation techniques).
- Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare – Must be obtained within two years of starting employment if not already held.
- First Aid Training – Often a requirement, particularly pediatric first aid
Employment and Reference Checks
- Full Employment History Check – Any gaps in employment must be explained.
- Minimum of Two References – At least one must be from the most recent employer, and ideally from a role working with children.
Additional Requirements
- Fostering Positive Relationships Training – Understanding attachment theory and trauma-informed care.
- Physical Intervention Training (if required) – In homes that support children with challenging behaviour, training in safe restraint techniques may be necessary.
Children’s Residential Homes – Required Training Certificates
(Regulated by Ofsted under the Children’s Home Regulations 2015 & Quality Standards)
Mandatory Training Certificates:
Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare – Must be completed within two years of starting.
First Aid (Paediatric & Emergency First Aid) – CPR, choking, and responding to injuries.
Fire Safety Training – Prevention and evacuation.
Managing Challenging Behaviour (Positive Behaviour Support) – De-escalation and intervention techniques.
Trauma-Informed Care & Attachment Theory – Understanding childhood trauma and emotional needs.
Safeguarding Children & Child Protection (Level 3 or above) – Identifying and responding to child abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
Health & Safety in Children’s Residential Care – Risk assessment and safety protocols.
Food Hygiene & Nutrition Awareness – Especially if preparing or serving food.
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion – Addressing discrimination and inclusivity in care.
GDPR & Confidentiality Training – Protecting children’s personal information.
Additional/Recommended Training:
Physical Intervention & Restraint Training (e.g., MAPA, Team Teach) – If working in settings where safe restraint is sometimes required.
Mental Health First Aid for Children – Identifying and responding to mental health crises.
Autism & Special Educational Needs (SEN) Awareness – For homes supporting neurodivergent children.
CSE (Child Sexual Exploitation) & County Lines Awareness – Recognizing risks related to exploitation.
