Return to Work Programme for Parents at Surbiton Care Home

Returning to work after raising a family can feel both exciting and daunting. Many parents face challenges finding roles that fit around family commitments while also offering meaningful career opportunities and long term development.

Recognising these challenges, Anavo Group has launched a new ‘Return to Work Parent Scheme’ at its Surbitonian Gardens care home in Surbiton, creating a flexible and supportive pathway designed specifically to help parents re-enter the workforce with confidence.

Why Parents Make Exceptional Care Professionals

Parenting develops a wealth of transferable skills that are invaluable in the care sector. From patience and resilience to empathy, organisation and communication, parents often possess many of the qualities needed to provide outstanding, person centred care.

At Anavo, these skills are recognised and valued. Rather than focusing solely on previous professional experience, the Return to Work Parent Scheme welcomes individuals who are compassionate, caring and motivated to make a positive difference in people’s lives.

No previous care experience is required, making the programme accessible to those looking to start a completely new career journey.

Flexible Working Designed Around Family Life

One of the biggest barriers parents face when returning to work is finding a role that offers genuine flexibility.

The Return to Work Parent Scheme has been created with this in mind, offering working patterns that can fit around school runs, childcare arrangements and family responsibilities.

The programme includes:

• Minimum 16-hour contracts
• Morning shifts (9am–1pm)
• Evening shifts (7pm–11pm)
• Options for split and additional shifts where preferred
• A supportive approach to tailoring working patterns around family commitments
• Competitive pay and career progression opportunities

This flexibility enables parents to build rewarding careers without compromising family life.

Building Long-Term Careers in Care

The scheme is currently recruiting for both Care Assistants and an Activities Coordinator, offering a range of opportunities for individuals looking to develop a career within the care sector.

Successful applicants will receive full paid training, ongoing support and access to funded qualifications, allowing them to gain valuable skills and progress professionally.

Whether someone is returning to employment after a few years away or seeking a completely new direction, the programme provides the tools and support needed to succeed.

Creating Opportunities Through Inclusive Recruitment

The launch of the Return to Work Parent Scheme reflects Anavo Group’s wider commitment to inclusive recruitment and creating opportunities for people from all backgrounds.

By recognising the value of life experience alongside professional experience, the initiative aims to remove barriers to employment and open doors to fulfilling careers in care.

Nicky Hazel, Home Manager at Surbitonian Gardens, said:

“We know that parents develop incredible skills through lived experience, from patience and resilience to organisation and empathy. This scheme is about recognising that value and creating genuine opportunities for people to build fulfilling careers in care, in a way that works around their family life.”

Join the Team at Surbitonian Gardens

Surbitonian Gardens is Anavo Group’s modern, purpose-built 80-bedroom care home in Surbiton, providing high-quality residential care within a welcoming community environment. With beautifully designed living spaces, landscaped gardens, a café, salon, activities studio and private dining facilities, the home has been created to support both residents and colleagues alike.

If you’re looking for a flexible role that fits around family life while offering genuine career development, the Return to Work Parent Scheme could be the perfect next step.