Most care jobs leave you exhausted and undervalued. But waking nights in a well-run children's home are different: you get proper sleep-in pay, a team that actually has your back, and young people whose lives genuinely change because of what you do. This role pays £28,121 plus up to £700 a month in sleep-in allowance, and it's in a home where your growth matters as much as the children's
Picture this: it's 11 p.m. and the young people are settling down. You're on a waking night shift, alert and present, building real relationships with kids who often haven't had many adults they can trust. You're not just keeping watch - you're supporting emotional wellbeing, helping them work through their day, and being the steady presence that lets them sleep safely. That's the core of this work, and it matters profoundly
The home operates on real team-based working patterns, which means you're not drowning in isolation. Your colleagues on other shifts are close, your managers know you by name, and the culture is genuinely supportive. The provider invests in structured learning and hands-on development: if you're working towards your Level 3 in Children and Young People's Residential Care, they fund it fully. If you want to step up to Team Leader, Deputy, or Registered Manager roles, there's a clear pathway
This isn't a corporate machine. The organisation is family-owned and reinvests surplus into the services and global charities - which means decisions are made with real care, not shareholder pressure. They pioneered Dyadic Developmental Practice certification, so you'll be working in a genuinely trauma-informed, attachment-focused environment. That framework transforms how you support the young people and how you experience the work
What you will be doing
- Provide a warm, safe, and supportive environment during waking night shifts, staying alert and present for the young people in your care
- Build positive relationships with the children and young people, helping them process their days and supporting their emotional wellbeing through the night
- Support care plans and daily routines, maintaining accurate records and reports to keep the team coordinated and informed
- Promote independence and resilience, helping the young people develop essential life skills and confidence in a secure setting
Why you will love working here
- £28,121 per annum plus up to £700 per month in sleep-in pay, with overtime paid at time and a quarter once your 40 hours are met
- Fully funded qualifications and a clear pathway to progress into Team Leader, Deputy, and Registered Manager roles
- 28 days holiday (inclusive of bank holidays) increasing with service, plus wellbeing days and birthday recognition
- 24/7 access to confidential support through an Employee Assistance Programme, on-demand GP access, and a strong, supportive team culture
- Pension with NEST, employee discounts, on-site parking where available, and the chance to get involved in international community projects
Is this you?
- You have experience working with children and young people, or you're absolutely keen to develop it and learn fast
- You're genuinely passionate about supporting and caring for young people - this isn't just a job to you
- You have, or are willing to work towards, a Level 3 qualification in Children and Young People's Residential Care
- You're positive, resilient, and genuinely team-focused - you show up for your colleagues and the young people day after day
- A full UK driving licence is preferred, but not essential
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.