What would you say to the stereotype that young people in residential childcare are ‘bad kids’?

“They are not bad kids; they’ve just had a poor start in life. They haven’t been shown the love that many of us had. Yes, they struggle, but my job is to be consistent, give them opportunities, teach life skills and remind them how to have fun and laugh.”

 

Are residential homes institutional? What’s the atmosphere really like?

“Not at all. Our house is colourful, cosy and full of life. Bright walls, nice furnishings, art, toys, gaming bits and even a cinema room. Young people choose their own room colours and soft furnishings so it feels like their space. It’s warm, homely, there is routine and laughter and family moments.”

 

What skills or training do you actually need?

“You don’t need childcare qualifications to start. Care Visions train you and support you. You complete your SSSC registration, SVQ and HNC over time. The real learning comes from being with the young people every day. What matters at the beginning is patience, calmness and life experience.”

 

How do you and your team support each other?

“You can’t do this job alone. If someone’s struggling, we step in. Whether it’s taking over a situation, making a cup of tea or just asking, ‘Are you alright?’ We’re a tight team. That’s what gets us through the harder days.”

 

Do people underestimate the professionalism required?

“Absolutely. We’re part of the SSSC, the Scottish Social Services Council. We register within three months of starting, pay a fee and work to strict professional standards. If you can’t be registered, you can’t work with vulnerable people. There’s a lot of responsibility.”

 

What would you say to someone thinking about this career?

“You don’t know until you try. I came from a supermarket background with no childcare qualifications. Care Visions supported and believed in me. If you’ve got kindness, patience and life experience, you can do this. It might change your life.”

 

What makes you most proud when you look back?

“That I go to work every day and do my best, and the young people know that. I love that we give them opportunities they might never have had. I want them to feel just like every other kid at school when it comes to clothes and equipment. That makes me proud.”

 

What do you wish the public understood?

“That these young people are just normal kids who want a chance in life. We’re often their voice in education and meetings. They just want to prove they’re like everyone else, but had a tough start.”

 

How have the young people inspired you?

“They inspire me to be better. They try so hard to fit in, and a lot of them don't want people to know that they are in care, which I completely understand. They’re strong, brave, and they make me want to give my best every day.”

 

If you could sum up the work in one sentence?

“It goes from crazy to fun to sad all in one day, but it’s so rewarding.”

 

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