Apprentice Children's Residential Worker

Kent County Council

Kent (TN23 6LY)

Closes in 24 days (Friday 3 October 2025)

Posted on 8 September 2025

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Summary

We are seeking up to 2 x 25 hour per week apprentices for Children’s Residential Workers to join our team to provide a nurturing and safe environment to promote the emotional and physical well-being of children. You should be flexible in your approach, be able to work collaboratively and share our commitment to improving outcomes for children.

• Wage:

  £19,216 a year

  Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

  Starting salary of £19216 per annum which is equivalent to £9.98 per hour. Upon successful completion of the probation period, your salary will increase to £23,337 per annum.

• Training course: Children, young people and families practitioner (level 4)
• Hours: The role will involve working on a fixed rota pattern, that will include some evenings, alternate weekends, and some bank holidays.

  25 hours a week

• Start date:

  Monday 20 October 2025

• Duration:

  2 years

• Positions available:

  2

Work

Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.

What you'll do at work

• Have responsibility for the day-to-day care of the children accessing short breaks, under the direction of the Shift Leader in line with Directorate Policy and Children’s Homes Regulations 2015 including the Quality Standards.
• Support children to express their views, wishes and feelings, ensuring their voices are heard.
• Keep up to date with National and Directorate policies and procedures, ensuring robust compliance in accordance with Ofsted regulations.
• Observe and record accurately the development and progress of children during their stay, completing daily records and logs.
• Report back to the Shift Leader all relevant information, observations and any safeguarding concerns raised during the shift.
• Work closely with individual children in line with their care plans & unit policies.
• Assist in the general domestic duties within the unit which could include laundry, preparing meals and other tasks, as directed by the Shift Leader.
• Work in partnership with other team members to ensure the smooth running of the shift where children are provided with stimulating and meaningful experiences, including opportunities for learning and achievement.
• Attend regularly and participate fully in supervision, team meetings and the appraisal process.
• Advise management of health and safety issues likely to affect the smooth running of the unit and the care of the children.
• Actively participate in ongoing training and apply learnt knowledge to support best practice within the unit.
• Promote equality for all individuals which recognises and encourages anti-discriminatory behaviour, children’s rights, choices, personal beliefs and identity. 
• Adhere to the Kent Code of Practice at all times.

Where you'll work

Fairlawn
Kingsnorth Road
Ashford
Kent
TN23 6LY

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

Training provider

ABM TRAINING (UK) LTD

Training course

Children, young people and families practitioner (level 4)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

Training schedule

The role will involve working on a fixed rota pattern, that will include some evenings, alternate weekends, and some bank holidays. 

You will undertake an apprenticeship of 25 hours per week, 25 hours will be on a rota some of which will be available for coursework to complete your Diploma 4 in Children young people and families and practitioner. There is also an expectation from individuals to complete off of hours coursework.

The apprenticeship will take place at Fairlawn Short Break Unit, Kingsnorth Road, Ashford, Kent TN23 6LY.

Requirements

Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.

Skills

• Communication skills
• Customer care skills
• Team working
• Creative
• Initiative
• Patience

Other requirements

This post involves working closely with children and is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure application to the Disclosure and Barring Service. This post is considered by KCC to be a customer-facing position. The Council therefore has a statutory duty under Part 7 of the Immigration Act (2016) to ensure that post holders have a command of spoken English/Welsh sufficient for the effective performance of the job requirements. The appropriate standards are set out in the Job Description/Person Specification.

About this employer

Kent County Council is a county council that governs most of the county of Kent in England. It is the upper tier of elected local government. Below are 12 district councils and around 300 town and parish councils. The county council has 81 elected councillors. The chief executive and chief officers are responsible for the day-to-day running of the council.

Disability Confident

A fair proportion of interviews for this apprenticeship will be offered to applicants with a disability or long-term health condition. This includes non-visible disabilities and conditions.

You can choose to be considered for an interview under the Disability Confident scheme. You’ll need to meet the essential requirements to be considered for an interview.

After this apprenticeship

You will have experience of supporting children with learning disabilities and possess knowledge of safeguarding and child protection. You must be able to take personal and professional responsibility for your actions and performance. In return, you will be provided with an ongoing programme of specialist training and be provided with regular supervision to enable you to confidently progress in your career.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

Kent County Council

Alice Scott

alice.scott@kent.gov.uk

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000340870.

Apply now

Closes in 24 days (Friday 3 October 2025)

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