Jobs

Working in Residential Childcare at Wakefield Council, More than just a job

Working in one of Wakefield Council’s children’s homes is a chance to change lives and transform your own future. Every child deserves a safe, loving home and positive experiences that set them up for life. That’s why residential childcare is so important, and why we’re looking for people who care.

Who we're looking for

You don’t need a degree or formal qualifications to start. We welcome people from all walks of life who are:

• Warm, nurturing, and emotionally intelligent
• Great at building trusting relationships
• Resilient and committed to making a difference
• Equipped with transferable skills from other careers or life experiences

We are looking to appoint a dedicated and skilled individual to join our team, supporting children and young people in a residential setting at York Villas, Normanton.

All staff receive thorough induction, effective supervision, and access to high-quality training. The role involves working a variety of shifts, which may include weekends, waking nights, sleep-ins, on-call duties, and Bank Holidays.

We are seeking someone who is passionate about making a positive difference in the lives of the children and young people in our care.

York Villas provides full-time residential care for children and young people up to the age of 18 who have learning disabilities.

Applicants should hold a Level 3 Diploma in Children and Young People’s Workforce or be willing to work towards achieving this qualification upon appointment.

An enhanced DBS check and two references will be required.

For more information, please contact Nickie Haigh, Julie Hutchfield, or Bev Pitman on 01924 302595.

Pay and benefits

We know that attracting and keeping great people means offering more than just job satisfaction. That’s why we provide competitive rates of pay and a benefits package designed to support your wellbeing, career, and lifestyle. 

• Competitive salaries aligned with your role and experience
• Annual leave (plus bank holidays), rising with service
• Essential car user allowance (where applicable)
• Blue Light Card for discounts across retail, leisure, and travel
• Generous pension scheme with employer contributions
• Excellent commuter links across Yorkshire

We’re committed to making Wakefield not just a great place to work—but a great place to thrive.

Why Wakefield?

Wakefield Council is setting the standard for residential childcare. With nearly half of our children’s homes rated Outstanding and the rest Good, we’re proud to be recognised nationally for our commitment to quality, innovation, and staff wellbeing. Our integrated model is a national exemplar, and our partnerships in SEND have earned top marks from both Ofsted and the CQC.

We don’t just support children—we support the people who care for them. From monthly wellbeing consultations to a hybrid Learning Academy and clear career progression routes, we’re building a workforce that’s skilled, supported, and inspired.

Read more about our Outstanding results

Training and development

Our people are our greatest strength. We believe that when you grow, so does the impact you make—and that’s why we’re committed to investing in your development from day one. Whether you're just starting out or looking to take the next step, we offer structured, supported pathways to help you build a rewarding career in residential childcare.

• Level 3 Diploma / Level 4 Apprenticeship in Residential Childcare
• Mandatory and specialist training tailored to your role
• Access to fully funded Social Worker Apprenticeships for internal candidates

About our Children and Young People’s Service

Wakefield’s Children’s Services are Ofsted-rated ‘Good’ with ‘Outstanding’ in children’s social care, and we’re proud of our transformation journey. We’ve created a culture where good practice is celebrated, and staff are supported to grow and thrive.

• Small, stable teams with manageable caseloads
• Strong multi-agency partnerships and co-located teams
• Dedicated Learning Academy and bespoke training
• Clear progression pathways and leadership development
• Emotional Wellbeing Team 

We’re committed to ensuring every child and young person in Wakefield is happy, healthy, and safe, and we’re looking for passionate individuals to help us achieve that vision.

About Wakefield Council

Wakefield Council is a stable, ambitious, and well-run authority with a strong reputation for delivering excellent services. We’re proud to be part of a district of over 350,000 people, with a diverse mix of city, urban, and rural communities.

• We’re one of five metropolitan councils in West Yorkshire and part of the thriving Leeds City Region.
• Our £8 billion economy is driven by strengths in health and care, manufacturing, logistics, and the arts.
• We’re home to 10,000 local businesses, two Super League rugby teams, and nationally recognised cultural attractions like the Hepworth Gallery and Yorkshire Sculpture Park.
• With 70% greenbelt land and 16 nature reserves, Wakefield is a fantastic place to live and work.

Our workforce of over 5,000 people is supported by an open and inclusive culture, where challenge is welcomed and creativity is encouraged. We’re a council that gets things done, and we’re looking for people who want to make a lasting impact.

Whether you’re starting out or looking to build on existing experience, our residential roles offer a chance to make a real difference in children’s lives, while building a fulfilling career in a supportive and forward-thinking environment.

To apply please click the Apply Now link below.