Children's Residential Cleaner

Role overview

Surrey County Council is hiring a caring and dependable Cleaner/Housekeeper for a children’s home in Walton-on-Thames. The post is permanent and is based on a 36-hour working week, with a starting salary of £24,092 per year. A part-time arrangement of 18 hours per week can also be considered, and the working pattern can be agreed at interview.

You will help maintain a safe, tidy and welcoming home for up to four children aged 11 to 18. This role is about more than cleaning: it plays an important part in creating an environment where young people feel secure, respected and able to thrive.

Benefits

• 26 days of annual leave, increasing to 28 days after 2 years and 31 days after 5 years, pro-rated for part-time hours
• Ability to purchase up to 10 additional days of leave
• Access to a strong local government pension scheme
• Up to 5 days of carer’s leave and 2 paid volunteering days
• Paternity, adoption and dependants’ leave
• Employee Assistance Programme support
• Learning and development resources through the organisation’s hub
• Discounts for wellbeing and lifestyle needs, including gym, travel and shopping
• An opportunity to make a positive difference every day

Main duties

In this post, you will take responsibility for keeping the home clean, well organised and functioning smoothly. Your work will help ensure the spaces where children eat, relax, learn and spend time together remain comfortable and safe.

• Maintain shared areas to a high standard of cleanliness and tidiness, using powered cleaning equipment where needed, such as vacuum cleaners and carpet shampoo machines
• Follow hygiene, health and safety, and infection control procedures at all times
• Assist with laundry and make sure bedding and towels are available when needed
• Identify and report maintenance concerns so the home remains safe and well run
• Order, receive and quality-check groceries and cleaning items, then store and rotate them safely
• Help create a nurturing and supportive atmosphere for children living in the home

What we are looking for

The team supports some of Surrey’s most vulnerable children, so the work can occasionally be emotionally demanding. You should be adaptable, resilient and comfortable working in a setting where sensitivity and professionalism matter.

• A friendly, reliable and proactive approach
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to high standards
• Awareness of health and safety expectations, including COSHH
• Good organisation, reliability and time management
• Confidence communicating appropriately and building suitable relationships with young people
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively with a supportive team
• Commitment to helping maintain a safe and welcoming home environment

Additional requirements

An enhanced DBS check for regulated activity, along with Children’s and Adults’ Barred List checks, will be required.

You must always treat the young people with dignity and respect, keeping in mind that you are working in their home.

Application details

Applicants are asked to submit a CV and answer two application questions:

• What has motivated you to apply for this post?
• What skills and experience do you have that are relevant to this role?

The closing date is 23:59 on Sunday 19 July 2026, with interviews scheduled afterwards.

For an informal conversation about the role, flexible working, transferable skills or any barriers to employment, contact Sarah Muzzall by email at [email protected].

Organisation update

Surrey County Council is currently going through Local Government Reorganisation and is expected to move from a two-tier structure to two new unitary councils in April 2027. If employed by Surrey on 1 April 2027, the role will transfer to one of the new organisations on existing terms and conditions.

The council says it is a disability confident employer. If you declare a disability on your application and meet the minimum criteria, you will be guaranteed an interview. The organisation also aims to support reasonable adjustments throughout recruitment and into your first day, and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds.