Most care jobs offer you a rota that wrecks your life and a pay packet that doesn't match the emotional weight of the work. This one is different: you'll work 2 days on, 4 days off, earn £25,528.50 to £27,358.50 plus £5,475 in sleep-in payments, and actually have time to breathe. If you're warm, calm and ready to make a real difference to children aged 5-18, this permanent role in Crewe could be the turning point in your career
Picture this: you're working a sustainable rota that lets you have a life outside work. Two days on, four days off means you're not burned out by Wednesday. You build genuine relationships with the children because you're present and grounded, not exhausted and running on fumes. You see a shy 7-year-old slowly smile at your jokes. You help a 16-year-old plan their birthday cake. You're part of a consistent team that actually knows each other, trusts each other, and has your back when things get tough
The home invests in you from day one. Full induction, shadow shifts, specialist training - they're not throwing you in the deep end. Regular supervision means you've got space to reflect, learn and grow. If you don't have children's-home experience yet, that's genuinely okay. They want people with the right values and a willingness to learn, and they'll support you to develop the skills
The money reflects the work: you're looking at £25,528.50 to £27,358.50 base salary, plus £5,475 in sleep-in payments, plus overtime opportunities. After six months you get access to a Health Cash Plan. Take annual leave that increases the longer you stay, get proper sick pay, and after five years you earn extra days as a loyalty reward. There's a 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme available to you and your household from day one
What you will be doing
- Create safe, warm and nurturing home environments where children feel truly valued
- Support daily routines, mealtimes, education, appointments and family time - the real work of caring
- Plan activities, hobbies, days out and celebrations that help children discover what they enjoy
- Help children build confidence and independence at their own pace, celebrating the small wins
- Support children through emotional distress and challenging moments with a calm, non-judgmental presence
- Follow care plans, keep detailed records and safeguard children as part of a consistent team
Why you will love working here
- £25,528.50 to £27,358.50 salary plus £5,475 sleep-in payments, with real overtime opportunities
- A rota that actually works: 2 days on, 4 days off, permanent full-time role with immediate start available
- Full induction, shadow shifts and specialist training from day one, plus regular supervision and clear career progression
- Annual leave that grows with your service, company sick pay, compassionate leave, and a 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme for you and your household
- Health Cash Plan after six months, loyalty rewards, milestone celebrations, and an extra week's annual leave after five years
Is this you?
- You're warm, patient and reliable - the kind of person children naturally trust
- You stay calm under pressure and don't take difficult behaviour personally; you see the distress behind it
- You hold a full UK driving licence (you'll need it for this role)
- You're a team player who's open to learning and genuinely passionate about helping children feel safe
- You don't need children's-home experience - you need the right values and a willingness to develop the skills
Applications close on 12 October 2026. Great roles like this are filled quickly, so the sooner you apply the better.
Safeguarding: We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All roles are subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.