Residential Childrens Worker (3 Posts) (Gatekeepers Lodge)
Salary details: £ - £

Location: Gatekeepers Lodge, Lea
Reference: JOB/25/03956
Salary details: Grade 9 £16.77- £17.79 Monday to Sunday 7am-7pm. After 7pm until 7am £22.36 - £23.72. Bank Holidays £33.54 - £35.58 per hour
Job term: Part Time and Full Time hours available
Appointment type: Permanent
Hours: 37 Hours per week (2 posts) and 18.5 (1 post)
Closing Date: 25 January 2026

Residential Children’s Worker – Gatekeeper’s Lodge

Welcome to Gatekeeper’s Lodge

Gatekeeper’s Lodge is a special home for one child or young person aged 8–18. It’s a place where kindness, care, and curiosity make every day brighter. We believe in helping children feel safe, valued, and ready to grow. Our approach is based on learning through life, building trust, and creating positive experiences.

We love being outdoors! Our garden is a space for planting vegetables, cooking outside, and exploring nature. Fresh air and fun activities help children feel free and confident.

Posts available:

37 hours per week, Permanent

18 hours and 30 minutes per week, Permanent

Your Role as an RCW

As a Residential Children’s Worker, you will:

Be a positive role model who listens, encourages, and celebrates achievements.
Bring energy and enthusiasm to daily life, from cooking together to outdoor adventures.
Encourage education through hands-on experiences, making learning fun and practical.
Be physically active, joining in walks, gardening, and creative outdoor projects.
Work as part of a small, supportive team where every voice matters, including the child’s.

We will teach you everything you need to know. You’ll have access to a comprehensive training package, including the opportunity to gain your Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare.

What We Value

Kindness, patience, and respect for the child and for each other.
Playfulness and curiosity to make learning meaningful.
Team spirit – we grow together, supporting each other and the child in our care.

A Day at Gatekeeper’s Lodge

Imagine starting the day with a smile and a plan. You might:

Cook breakfast together and chat about the day ahead.
Head outside to plant seeds in the garden or try outdoor cooking.
Go for a walk in the beautiful countryside or play a game in the garden.
Help with homework or a creative project in the afternoon.
End the day with a cosy meal and a chat about what went well.

Every day is about connection, learning, and fun. You’ll help create memories that matter and give a child the chance to feel safe and hopeful.

Why Join Us?

Be part of a new, innovative service that puts relationships first.
Work in a beautiful setting with space to be active and creative.
Receive excellent training and support to develop your skills and career.
Help shape a child’s journey, giving them hope and confidence for the future.

Would you like to make a difference in a child’s life while enjoying nature and creativity? Join us at Gatekeeper’s Lodge and help build a brighter future.

Due to this post having access to children and/or vulnerable adults, the successful candidate will be required to undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check. The possession of a criminal record will not necessarily prevent an applicant from obtaining this post, as all cases are judged individually according to the nature of the role and information provided. Click here to see our policy on criminal background checks.

The job may require unsocial hours working including weekends and Bank Holidays. Payment arrangements will be detailed in any contract offer made.

Saturday and Sunday hours will be paid at plain time where it is part of your normal working pattern unless it is between 7pm and 7am, where enhanced rates of pay apply. Enhanced pay rates are paid for Bank Holiday working.

Important: Derbyshire County Council holds a sponsorship licence, but this role does not offer visa sponsorship. Please apply only if you already have the right to work in the UK without sponsorship, as applications that do not meet this requirement will be rejected.

We welcome applications from individuals who share our values — being Collaborative, Innovative, Empowered and Accountable. These values describe who we are and what we stand for as a council. They help shape our culture, encourage consistent behaviour and guide how we work together to make a positive difference for both our employees and the residents we serve.