Senior Residential Care Office
Salary/Rate:PAYE Only
Job type:Contract
Town/City:Chelmsford
County:Essex
Type of Role:Teaching Assistant/Learning Support Assistant
Job ref:11011
Post Date:20.11.25
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Meet Our Recruiter
About the Role
Location: Chelmsford
Contract: Permanent, Full-time, Term time only (36 hours per week)
Shift Pattern: Monday–Thursday 2:00pm – 10:15pm, Friday 9:00am – 2:00pm
Salary: Scale 6 (Points 13–17), dependent on experience
Parker Smith Inclusion is proud to be working with a new residential special school in Chelmsford that provides a safe, structured and nurturing environment for children and young people with additional needs. The school offers residential provision during the week and places a strong emphasis on creating a positive, family-style setting where pupils can develop socially, emotionally and academically.
We are seeking a Senior Residential Childcare Officer to join their experienced residential team. This is an excellent opportunity for someone with experience in residential childcare or special education who is ready to take on a leadership role within a supportive and well-structured environment.
The Role
As a Senior Residential Childcare Officer, you will:
- Take a senior role within the residential team, supporting the Head of Residential to lead afternoon and evening shifts.
- Oversee and participate in childcare duties, ensuring the highest standards of care and safeguarding are maintained.
- Supervise and support Residential Childcare Officers, including staff induction, mentoring and formal supervision.
- Act as a positive role model, leading by example to create a secure, structured and stimulating environment for pupils.
- Work directly with children and young people to support their social, emotional and behavioural development, both through planned programmes and everyday interactions.
- Supervise mealtimes, recreational activities and bedtime routines to ensure a calm, safe and nurturing atmosphere.
- Accompany pupils to appointments and community activities as required.
- Keep accurate records and write clear reports, contributing to the wider care and education plans for each child.
- Participate in staff training, team meetings and professional development to maintain high standards of practice.
- Ensure compliance with all relevant safeguarding legislation, including Keeping Children Safe in Education and the National Minimum Standards for Residential Special Schools.
About You
The ideal candidate will have:
- Experience of working with or caring for children and young people, ideally in a residential or SEN setting.
- A relevant Level 3 qualification in childcare or a related field (or a willingness to work towards this).
- Knowledge of relevant legislation such as the Children Act and safeguarding procedures.
- Strong behaviour management skills and the ability to act with authority while remaining nurturing and supportive.
- Excellent organisational skills and the ability to stay calm under pressure.
- A commitment to the wellbeing, safety and development of children and young people.
- A full driving licence is desirable, as is the ability to drive a minibus (or willingness to train).
Why Work With Us
Parker Smith Inclusion has long-standing relationships with schools, academies and trusts across the region. We work closely with senior leaders to match professionals to the right settings, supporting both candidates and schools throughout the recruitment process.
This role offers a rewarding opportunity to take on senior responsibilities in a residential special school setting, with ongoing training, clear expectations and strong team support.
If you are an experienced childcare professional looking to take the next step in your career and make a meaningful difference to the lives of children and young people, we would love to hear from you.
Apply today to discuss this exciting opportunity.
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Chelmsford
Essex
Temp to perm via PAYE
Parker Smith Inclusion is delighted to be supporting a growing specialist school in Witham as it expands its provision. The school educates students aged 4 to 19 with a range of complex SEND needs, including ASC, ADHD, SEMH, SLD and pupils who present with dysregulated behaviour. The school is known for its compassionate approach, strong routines and its commitment to helping every student access learning in a safe, structured and personalised way.
We are looking for reliable, energetic and empathetic Behaviour Mentors who are passionate about supporting pupils with diverse needs. This is a rewarding role where you will become a vital part of each student’s progress and wellbeing.
Hours: 8:30am to 4:00pm
Pay: £105.76 per day (term time only)
Contract: Temp to perm
The Role
As a Behaviour Mentor, you will support students on a 1:1 or 2:1 basis, depending on their individual plans. Your main role will be to help students regulate their emotions, follow routines and engage positively with learning.
Key responsibilities include:
Building positive relationships with students to create trust and consistency
Supporting students’ emotional regulation and behaviour management
Following personalised plans set by the school’s SEND and therapeutic team
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Encouraging independence and reinforcing positive behaviour
Working collaboratively with teachers and wider support staff to ensure consistency
Supporting personal care when needed
Being adaptable and prepared to work across different areas of the school
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Training and Development
The school invests heavily in staff development. You will receive:
A comprehensive five-day induction at the start of term
Time spent shadowing experienced staff to understand routines, strategies and expectations
Ongoing training, including manual handling and the opportunity to gain ABA qualifications
Support from a knowledgeable and welcoming team who value collaborative working
Who We Are Looking For
This opportunity is well suited to:
Graduates wishing to begin a career in education or psychology
Aspiring SEND professionals
Experienced teaching assistants or support workers looking to deepen their skills
Individuals who are calm, patient and motivated by helping others
Above all, we are looking for people who want to make a genuine difference in the lives of young people with additional needs.
If you are interested in this life-changing opportunity, please contact Harry at Parker Smith Inclusion for further information or to apply.
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Essex
temp to perm
Epping, Essex
Full-Time | Term-Time Only
£90–£130 per day (PAYE), depending on experience
Long-Term, Temp-to-Perm or Permanent
A warm, inclusive and forward-thinking SEND school in Epping is looking for experienced Learning Support Assistants (LSAs) and Higher Level Teaching Assistants (HLTAs) to join their growing team. The school prides itself on investing in long-term staff, offering extensive training, qualifications and professional development to support your career progression.
You will be working with primary-aged pupils (5–11 years old) with a range of needs including SEMH, ASC, ADHD and SLD, within small classes of around five pupils. This allows staff to build meaningful relationships and provide personalised, high-impact support.
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Provide high-quality 1:1 and small-group support
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Experience supporting children with SEND (SEMH, ASC, ADHD, SLD) is essential or highly desirable
Calm, patient and nurturing with strong relationship-building skills
Confident with behaviour support and emotional regulation strategies
Comfortable working outdoors as well as in the classroom
Reliable, proactive and committed to professional growth
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What the School Offers:
Full-time, term-time only roles (Monday–Friday)
Working hours: 8:45am – 4:45pm
£90–£130 per day, depending on experience
Long-term investment in staff with clear career pathways
Extensive CPD and qualifications including:
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Apprenticeships and accredited courses
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Apply today or contact Harry at Parker Smith Inclusion to find out more.
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Support pupils’ emotional wellbeing, independence and positive behaviour
Assist with Forest School and outdoor learning activities
Contribute to a calm, structured, and nurturing classroom environment
Work collaboratively with a supportive and experienced team
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Experience working with children with SEND is desirable
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Interested in outdoor and holistic learning approaches
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Full-time, term-time only (Monday–Friday)
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£90–£105 per day PAYE, depending on experience
January start date
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M1 - M6
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Location: Epping Forest
Position: Qualified Primary Teacher
Make a Difference in an Autism Provision
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Participating in continued professional development to enhance your skills and expertise.
Why Work with Parker Smith Inclusion?
Access to exclusive opportunities – including roles not advertised elsewhere.
Expertise in SEND education – we understand SEND school requirements and recruitment practices.
Application support – guidance on CVs, application materials, and best practices to help you stand out.
Interview coaching – tailored preparation to ensure you feel confident and ready.
One application, multiple opportunities – save time by applying once for multiple positions.
Ongoing support – we’re with you throughout the process, even after a job offer.
If you think you could be an invaluable addition to this supportive school team, we’d love to hear from you.
Apply via this advert or email Harry@psinclusion.co.uk for more information.