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National Office
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Stepping back into employment after a career break can feel daunting, especially when considering a complete shift in direction.
If you have ever wondered whether you can switch from childcare to adult social care, Anne’s inspiring journey with us at Radfield Home Care Derby, Ashbourne & South Derbyshire proves that with the right values and support, a career change can be just what you need.
Anne applied to join our team as a Care Professional looking for a fresh start. Having previously worked as a Nursery Nurse and Pre-School Practitioner, she spent years supporting young children and their families. However, after taking a break from work to focus on her own family, she had never worked in adult social care and felt nervous about taking that initial step.
Many people wondering if you need experience to become a domiciliary carer assume that formal health care qualifications are essential before applying. In reality, core human qualities such as empathy, patience, and kindness form the foundation of great care.
When Recruitment and Training Manager Amanda Saint first interviewed Anne, her shyness was clear, but so was her potential. Amanda recalls:
“Watching Anne’s journey has been incredibly rewarding. She came to us with very little confidence and no experience in adult social care, but she had all the qualities we look for in a Care Professional. Seeing her grow into someone who is now supporting and reassuring new starters is something I’m incredibly proud of. Anne is a wonderful example of what can happen when you give someone the opportunity, support and encouragement to succeed.”
When exploring what skills are transferable to care work, early years education provides an ideal background. Building warm relationships, listening attentively, and maintaining dignified, person-centred support are identical principles across both sectors.
Reflecting on her decision to apply, Anne shared:
“After taking a break from working in a preschool, I decided to do something I had always wanted to do and become a domiciliary carer. For me, Radfield Care stood out and shared the same values as I do. I felt quite nervous at the interview but was soon put at ease by Amanda. I was really pleased to hear that I had been offered the job.”
With structured guidance, Anne’s confidence flourished. She embraced every learning opportunity, successfully passed her probation, and completed her Care Certificate. Her dedication to her clients and colleagues was formally recognised when she was named Employee of the Month.
For anyone asking can you switch from childcare to adult social care and thrive, Anne’s transformation offers a clear answer. Today, she has come full circle, regularly accompanying new team members on their shadow shifts to offer the same calm reassurance she once received.
Anne reflects on her role today:
“I now find the job very rewarding and have made good connections with all our clients; I really enjoy spending time with them and being able to make a positive difference to their day. I feel I have grown in confidence since starting and continue to learn something new each day. I always feel well supported by all the office staff, which makes a big difference to my role and overall job satisfaction.”
Understanding what support do new carers get during induction helps prospective carers see that they will never have to navigate a career change alone.
New carers build confidence through comprehensive induction training, hands-on shadow shifts alongside experienced mentors, and regular weekly check-ins with management. This step-by-step approach ensures that anyone learning how to become a care professional with no experience feels fully prepared before visiting clients independently.
No, prior experience in adult social care is not required. While professional care backgrounds are welcomed, values-based recruitment focuses on compassion, reliability, and willingness to learn. Full training and practical mentoring are provided to equip new carers with everything they need.
At Radfield Home Care Derby, Ashbourne & South Derbyshire, new team members complete thorough practical and online training days, followed by 16 hours of shadowing experienced colleagues. Regular check-ins take place after shifts to answer questions, review progress, and provide reassurance throughout the 12-week onboarding period. As Anne explains:
“The training before I started was thorough, with both online courses and practical training days. Before starting my own calls, I spent some time shadowing my colleagues, which was very useful and helped me gain confidence and knowledge. It also gave me a clear understanding of the importance of providing care that is both respectful and person-centred. I found the weekly calls from Amanda very useful and supportive. They really helped me see how I was getting on and gave me reassurance throughout my induction.”
Whether you are looking to switch careers, returning to work after a break, or seeking reliable home support for a loved one in Derby, Ashbourne, or South Derbyshire, our local team is here to support you.
Amanda ensures that all potential Care Professionals are of the highest quality and suited for the role and provides a smooth onboarding process for them.
Read moreGet in touch with your local Radfield Home Care office today and find out more about the support we offer and the difference we can make.