A typical day is busy! There’s always something to do – preparing meals for our young people and staff, as well as lunches for VIP visitors, board meetings, training sessions, and visits from families or special events.

My career has accelerated since I started. I’ve been able to learn everything from scratch from prep to stock-take. I was concerned that I would have little time to learn basic skills, as I know how busy a kitchen can be. When I started I realised it was different here. Yes, we are busy all the time, but I was able to take the time learn the basics, which has helped me to be a year ahead of my study schedule! I can now confidently take calls, plan menus with my own ideas and make important decisions. A major achievement for me is being shortlisted for the SME National Business Awards for the ‘Apprentice of the Year’ category! I just can’t believe it. Another personal achievement for me is that I can now make soup. Before I started here, I couldn’t make a bowl of soup. Now I’ve realised there are a million different soups out there!

Before I came to Rossie, I was under the impression that Rossie was “the bad boy’s school”. Once I got here and learned that the young people who live here are here to receive care and a safe place to gain their education, I knew I wanted to do my very best to provide them and our staff and visitors with a good meal. Our staff and young people think with their stomachs after all!

We have become a very close team. Our working relationships are strong and if one of us is having a down day, we support each other and pick each other up by having a few laughs. Our manager, Mike, is also a great support and extremely approachable.

The most interesting thing about working at Rossie is that we have to cater for a variety of people. We use as much Rossie-grown fruit and vegetables as we can. Being a chef at Rossie is extremely rewarding, the young people always look forward to their meals. Their feedback is so valuable to me, knowing that I am making a difference to their day by providing good food.

If you are at the start of your career, I would definitely recommend applying to Rossie if another apprenticeship came up, it’s an ideal place to learn. Before I started, I didn’t cook at all, and now I’m a qualified chef. I would also recommend Rossie to an experienced chef looking for a new challenge. Overall it’s a great place to start your career, finish your career, and anything in-between!

Within 4 years of employment I was successful in promotion to the Residential Management Team. To me, Rossie is more than just a job. Rossie has become my second family and my career! If you are looking for a challenge, a sense of belonging and are committed to making a positive impact on the lives of the UK’s most vulnerable young people, I highly recommend a career at Rossie.

Since joining, I’ve seen first-hand the difference we can make. Watching young people progress and move forward is incredibly rewarding, and it means a lot when they return to visit and catch up.

Our team is supportive and collaborative, sharing information to achieve the best outcomes. There’s always someone within the wider team ready to offer advice when needed.

If you’re thinking about a career in residential childcare, I’d say go for it. It’s challenging at times, but the rewards are worth it. Knowing that I’m helping someone now or shaping their future keeps me motivated – even on the tough days.

The most meaningful part of the job is witnessing positive change in young people. Many young people arrive with low confidence and fractured educational experiences, but over time, their progress is remarkable. Being part of that journey is something I value deeply.

What makes Rossie special is the team. We collaborate by bringing our individual strengths together to create the best environment for the young people. The support, understanding, and humour we share make even the toughest days manageable.

If you’re considering a career here, come with openness, patience, and a willingness to learn. Success is built on relationships, reflection, and adaptability. The work is challenging, but it’s purposeful—and that’s what keeps me here.

My experiences have taught me empathy, understanding, and the importance of never judging. I strive to create a safe space where young people feel supported, with clear boundaries and consistent care.

What makes Rossie special is the incredible team. We’re led by passionate Principal Teachers and a Head of Education who inspire us daily, and we collaborate with colleagues across the organisation who share the same commitment to making a difference.

If you’re considering a career here, my advice is simple: teach from the heart, but be guided by the head.

Even on tough days, I stay because of the young people—their progress, their resilience, and the privilege of being part of their journey. This role gives me purpose, and that’s something truly special.

My career has therefore developed massively while at Rossie, and over a short space of time. My day is extremely busy! I administer a highly demanding recruitment and selection procedure, I manage a team of four Clerical Assistants, and I assist the Management Support Service Manager with a variety of Human Resource tasks. My days are hectic, busy and demanding, but always rewarding!

Due to previous job roles, I was aware of Rossie and its services to young people. I knew I wanted to be part of an organisation that was dedicated to helping vulnerable young people reach their full potential. Since I started 6 years ago, I have come to realise how hard-working and dedicated everyone is, especially staff who work tirelessly with the young people. The dedication and commitment of everyone here makes Rossie a rewarding place to work.

If I had any advice for someone thinking about applying to Rossie, I would say to go for it! If you’re hard-working and are looking for an interesting, varied and exciting job, Rossie is the place for you.

As part of my role, I’ve been able to support young people in building confidence, engaging in positive activities, and reconnecting with their communities. One of my proudest moments was seeing a young person inspired by my involvement in Amateur Dramatics—she went on to join a local theatre group and perform in a community panto, which was a huge step for her.

The team at Rossie is truly child-centred, creating a safe, homely environment and working collaboratively to meet each young person’s needs. No two days are the same, and while the work can be challenging, the relationships we build are incredibly meaningful. Being a consistent, trustworthy adult in a young person’s life is something I value deeply.

If you’re considering joining Rossie, go in with an open mind, be ready to learn, and lean on your team for support. The impact you can have here is life-changing—not just for the young people, but for you too.

Teamwork is essential in residential childcare. We communicate openly, share ideas, and support each other through challenges. Everyone brings unique strengths, and together we create a stable, positive environment where young people feel safe and supported.

This work isn’t without challenges, but the rewards are worth it. Patience, empathy, and resilience are key. If you genuinely care about making a difference and can work well as part of a team, this career can be life-changing — not just for the young people, but for you too.

Even on hard days, knowing I’m part of their journey and helping them build a better future keeps me motivated. The small wins — a smile, a breakthrough, a moment of trust—make it all worthwhile.