Job Description

Cleaner

Salary: £13.45 per hour

Location: Ryton, Tyne & Wear

Contract/Hours: Permanent / Part Time – 20 hours per week

Closing date for applications is midnight of Monday 12th October

Benefits:

Over 7 weeks inclusive paid leave and the option to buy or sell leave
Cycle to work scheme
Excellent training and the opportunity to undertake professional training for some roles
Flexible maternity, paternity and adoption packages
Up to 5% employer contribution and life assurance cover
Blue Light Card eligibility with discounts at 15,000 national retailers
As part of our commitment to staff wellbeing, you’ll receive a paid annual Wellbeing Day to use however you choose, supporting a healthy balance between work and life.

At Action for Children, we offer more than just a job. Join us and you’ll be part of a team dedicated to giving children safe and happy childhoods. See how your skills can make a real difference, helping solve the problems children and young people face every day.

A bit about the role

As a Cleaner at Brumby House, you’ll play an important part in creating a safe, comfortable and welcoming home for the children and young people who live here. Your work helps make the environment feel calm, predictable and cared for — which is essential for children who need stability and reassurance.

You’ll take responsibility for maintaining high standards of cleanliness throughout the home, including communal areas, bathrooms, kitchens and staff spaces. You’ll follow daily and weekly cleaning routines, use safe cleaning practices, and ensure the home always feels warm, tidy and well looked after.

Although this role doesn’t involve direct care responsibilities, you’ll be part of the wider team that supports the young people. That means being friendly, respectful and mindful of their routines, privacy and emotional needs. You’ll work closely with colleagues to make sure the home environment remains safe, hygienic and homely.

About the Service

Brumby House is Action for Children’s residential home in Ryton, providing a safe, stable and nurturing environment for children who can no longer live at home. Our team offers consistent, compassionate care that helps children feel secure, valued and understood. Daily life is centred around building trusting relationships, creating predictable routines and supporting children to develop confidence, resilience and positive coping skills.

We work closely with schools, health professionals and partner agencies to ensure each child receives joined‑up, child‑centred support. Brumby House is a warm, welcoming home where children can explore their interests, celebrate achievements and experience the stability they deserve.

What you do could make a difference

Some key responsibilities for the Cleaner role are;

Undertaking cleaning of designated premises, work and service areas, as detailed in the cleaning schedule ensuring completion within the set timescales.
Following food hygiene regulations when preparing and serving meals.
Maintaining a stock of cleaning supplies necessary to complete tasks and where necessary, alert management to the need to replenish the stock.
Being responsible for the safe use and storage of cleaning materials, in line with Health & Safety at Work Regulations and Action for Children policies.
Maintaining a clean and tidy kitchen, including cleaning and safely packing away kitchen equipment, cutlery and utensils.
Shopping tasks as and when required.

Let’s talk about you

Previous experience in a similar cleaning role is desirable.
Strong attention to detail and pride in maintaining a high standard of cleanliness.
Good communication skills and a positive approach to working as part of a team.
The ability to work independently and use your own initiative when needed.
A sound understanding of COSHH and Health & Safety procedures would be beneficial.

Why Action for Children?

Every child should have a loving home, food, warmth, the chance to grow and learn - the support to cope with life’s challenges. But too many children don’t. By bringing your passion and unique skills and experience, you’ll help us change that where it really matters.

We've been driven by love to take action for children for over 150 years, giving them the protection and practical help they need. A lot’s changed since 1869. But what children really need, hasn’t. So as long as children need us, we’ll be here.

Will you join us?

How to apply

Contact: Please submit an application via our careers page. If you have any further questions, you can contact Laura McCarthy at recruitmentservice@actionforchildren.org.uk quoting reference 13761

Our Commitment to Equity, Inclusion and Anti-Racism

At Action for Children, we are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels respected, valued, and able to thrive. We know that racism and discrimination create barriers, and we are taking active steps to challenge these inequalities in our organisation and in the communities we serve.

We strongly welcome applications from people who are Black, Asian, or from other racialised and ethnically marginalised communities, as well as disabled people, who are currently under-represented in our workforce. We are committed to removing barriers in our recruitment processes and ensuring fair access to opportunities.

We also encourage applications from men, who are under-represented in our Children’s Services roles. We recognise that people hold multiple identities, and we value the richness this brings to our team.

Want to get to know Action for Children better?

Job description

Action for Children Employee Benefits

AfC Commitment Statement

Find out more about Action for Children here: Action for Children and on LinkedIn, Facebook or YouTube to get to know us better.

The difference is what you do. You can learn more about why we do it, by checking out our 'Driven by Love' video.