Children’s Support Worker / Therapeutic Boarding Staff
Wilds Lodge School - Rutland
Starting from £23,144 (Actual Salary)
Permanent, Full Time and Term Time Only
Start date: 1st September 2026

We are excited to offer the opportunity to join our wonderful school and work with our exceptional learners. We are looking for people who are child centred and have a real care and desire to help improve the lives of our young people. If you are interested in joining us, regardless of experience or qualifications, please get in touch on the details listed below.

Your new role
We are currently recruiting for Therapeutic Boarding Staff to work in a friendly and supportive environment where your input will be key in achieving positive outcomes for our young people. The appointed person will become a member of the residential care team; working on a house group with up to 20 learners; and having personal support worker responsibilities for up to 5 learners; as directed by the team leader.

You will be expected to make a real and positive impact to the lives of children who have a range of care needs (SEMH/AHD), life experiences and personalities that makes every day varied and interesting. If you have a caring nature, a natural interest in people and want to make a difference then this just might be the job for you.

Working Hours:
Rotation of shifts on rota basis, notified in advance.
Shifts include 8.00am - 4.00pm (day) or 2.30pm - 10.00pm (late) totalling 42.5 hours a week.
Term time only

About Wilds Lodge
Wilds Lodge School is an independent 38 week specialist boarding and day provision for boys and girls (girls are accepted as day learners only) for learners aged between 5 and 19 with social, emotional and mental health difficulties, set in Empingham, Rutland. All the learners at the school have an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP). It was established in 2007 and aims to place an equal emphasis on the educational, social and psychological development of our learners. The key to the success of the school is a strong ethos, developed by a highly experienced and capable staff, and the strength of the relationships between the staff and the learners.

We are a friendly school where staff are supportive of each other inside and outside of the classroom. We pride ourselves in ensuring all members of staff including our support staff have access to regular training. All our members of staff attend regular training on child protection; mental health and multi-agency working. All staff access a wide range of training on areas of SEN such as Autism, attachment and ADHD.

What you’ll need to succeed
We are seeking people who thrive on working in a challenging but immensely rewarding environment, who are passionate about supporting the development of social, life and independence skills and who truly want to make a difference in the lives of young people. Experience of working with people with autism is not necessary, but a commitment to learning is. A valid UK driving licence is required.


What you’ll get in return
Wilds Lodge is a friendly school where staff are supportive of each other inside and outside of the classroom. We pride ourselves in ensuring all members of staff including our support staff have access to regular training. All our members of staff attend regular training on child protection; mental health and multi-agency working. All staff access a wide range of training on areas of SEN such as Autism, attachment and ADHD.

Desirable experience/qualifications
Experience working with children with social, emotional and behavioural difficulties
A valid driving licence is required
GCSE/O’level or equivalent (desirable)
The desire to complete a funded NVQ Level 3

Benefits include:

Free onsite parking
Free refreshments and meals whilst on duty
Company events
Gym membership
Access to an employee assistance programme
Group life cover 2 x salary from day 1
Excellent CPD packages, paid induction training and opportunities for part funding of further training including HLTA, Master Degrees and Teacher Training
Excellent promotion and career progression
Sick pay
3 days off paid for dependants sickness
Enhanced paid family friendly leave

Our learners are incredibly important to us; if you have the energy and enthusiasm to make a real difference to the lives of our learners, we would love to hear from you. Visits to the school are welcome and encouraged.

How to apply:

For more information and a full application pack, please contact Mike Sherwin on the below details:

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Closing date for applications: ASAP and by Wednesday 15th April 2026


Strong applications may be considered upon receipt

Wilds Lodge School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and applicants must be willing to undergo Child Protection screening, including checks with past employers and an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS check)






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