Residential Support Worker
Horton Lodge Special School
Horton Lodge School is looking for a Residential Support Worker to join our outstanding residential team from 1st September 2026.
Horton Lodge is a historic building set in extensive grounds within an area of natural beauty on the edge of Rudyard Lake. The pupils at Horton Lodge make the school truly special, and the successful candidate will share our enthusiasm for ensuring the school is an incredible place for our children to learn.
The purpose of this role is to actively contribute to the care and well‑being of children residing in the school’s residential setting. As a Residential Support Worker, you will ensure a safe, secure, and nurturing environment by supporting the physical, emotional, and developmental needs of children with Special Educational Needs (SEN).
The role involves working in a small team environment supporting pupils after school, during the evening and the following morning. During this time, you will be working with the children, encouraging and supporting them with their independence, communication, personal care, socialisation, healthy lifestyle, mental health and wellbeing, and positive behaviour outcomes.
Lifting of children is an essential aspect of the work and the wrist and back must be strong enough to be able to handle children who are likely to go into spasm (in accordance with the Manual Handling Regulations).
- Hold NVQ 3 in an appropriate discipline (or recognised equivalent experience).
- Be willing to undertake appropriate formal training.
- Participate in development and training opportunities.
- Have good communication skills.
- Work constructively as part of a team and on own initiative.
- Relate well to children and to adults.
- Have a flexible approach to work.
- Be methodical and organised.
- Be willing to work evenings and early mornings on a shift basis.
- Have a friendly yet professional and respectful approach which demonstrates support and shows mutual respect.
- Be open, honest and an active listener.
- Take responsibility and be accountable.
- Be committed to the needs of the pupils, parents and others.
- Demonstrate a “can do” attitude.
- Trust in others and encourage others to achieve expectations.
- Be committed to the provision and improvement of quality service.
- Adapt to change and embrace change.
- Act with pace and urgency being energetic, enthusiastic and decisive.
- Learn from experiences and challenges.
- Be committed to the continuous development of self and others by keeping up to date and sharing knowledge.
Benefits and Work Environment
- Opportunity to work in an innovative school in a beautiful setting with pupils who are happy and enthusiastic about learning.
- A school community where the children and their families are at the heart of our mission.
- A proactive and highly dedicated team that is constantly striving to improve the school.
- A supportive Governing Body.
- Provision of appropriate training and CPD opportunities.
- A generous Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Access to health and well‑being support through the Think Well scheme.
The role is 24 hours per week, term time only.
Daily working hours will be 3 nights and 3 mornings across Monday–Thursday:
- Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon‑evening: 3pm – 8pm
- Tuesday and Wednesday morning: 7am – 9.30am
- Thursday morning: 7am – 10am
- One additional flexible hour per week for administrative work.
There is an expectation of paid sleep‑in duties at least once per week.
Horton Lodge School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people; applicants will therefore be subject to stringent vetting and induction processes including an enhanced DBS disclosure and online searches.
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