Care Assistant - Children

Also known as:

Children's Care Assistant
Residential Care Assistant - Children
Social Work Care Assistant - Children
Childcare Support Worker

Introduction

Care assistants provide basic personal care and social care to looked-after children and young people in a number of settings, including special schools, day centres and residential homes. They support children and young people with practical everyday tasks, as well as encouraging their personal and social development.

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Work Activities

Some care assistants work in residential homes for children who are unable to live with a family for a variety of reasons. Most children in residential care are aged between 10 and 18 years, with younger children usually being cared for by foster parents.

Some care assistants provide care for children and young people with special needs, either in residential homes or in day centres and special schools. These special needs may result from a physical disability or severe learning disability.

In these settings, basic personal care could mean enabling someone to wash, dress, eat meals, take medication or go to the toilet.

In all care settings, social care is also very important. Care assistants observe and monitor children and young persons' needs, encouraging development in a safe, stimulating environment.

Usually working in a team, assistants may also plan and supervise a structured programme of social, educational and recreational activities, encouraging the children to form relationships with each other and to learn new skills.

Another aspect of social care might be helping children and young people to keep in contact with their families.

Care assistants must be aware of changes in young people's health. This includes watching out for changes in their emotional and mental well-being, such as the appearance of depression, anxiety or behavioural problems. Care assistants must report their concerns to a nurse or doctor, or the care officer on duty at the time.

Assistants are responsible for health and safety. They may also be responsible for security, for example on night shift.

Care assistants in residential homes are likely to have a number of domestic tasks, such as making beds, washing up, ironing and mending clothes. They may help or make arrangements with practical things like shopping, cutting hair or taking children to medical and dental appointments.

Care assistants may keep progress records and take part in care reviews and meetings.

A care assistant is likely to work alongside professionals such as doctors, nurses, teachers, social workers and educational psychologists.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

As a care assistant, you must enjoy working with children and young people. You must have a caring nature, and an understanding of young people's needs and problems. Patience, compassion, tact and a sense of humour are always important qualities, especially if you work with young people who won't admit they need help, or resent being in care.

If the children or young people you work with have physical disabilities, you must be able to ease any embarrassment they feel when you help with personal tasks like bathing or using the toilet.

Excellent communication skills are vital. You will need to be able to connect with children and young people, to encourage their learning and deal with any problems they have.

You must be able to work closely with other colleagues, such as nurses and doctors, teachers, care officers or social workers.

Care assistants must be willing to learn and develop new skills on-the-job. Government legislation on child care sometimes changes to increase children's protection from abuse or neglect. You should be prepared for training to keep-up-to date with changes in the law.

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Pay and Opportunities

Pay rates for care assistants vary depending on employer and duties.

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Care assistants usually earn in the range of £13,500 - £16,500 a year, rising to around £18,000 a year. Higher level home carers can make around £21,500 a year.

Care assistants work a basic 37.5-hour week. Shift work, weekend work, early starts and late finishes are usual. At night, care assistants in residential jobs may have to 'sleep in' between shifts. Some employers offer flexitime working, and part-time and temporary work is also possible.

Local authority social work and education departments employ care assistants to work with children. Voluntary and private organisations also provide residential and day care for children and young people.

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Adult Opportunities

It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Employers usually see relevant skills and abilities and a responsible approach as an advantage.

Modern Apprenticeships may be available in some areas.

Colleges will usually consider applications from candidates who do not meet their usual entry requirements. You should check the admissions policy of individual colleges.

• 41% of care assistants work part-time.
• 1% have flexible hours.
• 8% of employees work on a temporary basis.

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