Residential Childcare Practitioner (Relief) – Silver Birches and Hazel Lodge
Posted 18th Aug, 2026
About the role
East Sussex County Council is recruiting relief Residential Childcare Practitioners for Silver Birches and Hazel Lodge, its homes based in Hastings and St Leonards-on-Sea. These are casual positions offering flexible shift options to fit around personal and professional commitments.
In this role you will work directly with children who often have complex needs, supporting their development and wellbeing alongside their families. There is also scope to take a lead on specialist areas and projects — for example, healthy eating initiatives that contribute to improvements across the service.
All staff are trained and supported to deliver their roles professionally, with a strong focus on safeguarding. Your vigilance, respect, and professional curiosity will help keep children safe, supported, and able to thrive.
This role includes:
- Supporting the development and wellbeing of children and young people with complex needs
- Working collaboratively as part of an integrated childcare team
- Leading on specialist areas or projects to drive improvements across the service
- Maintaining confidentiality and treating all residents with dignity and respect
Shifts are available on a casual basis, with variety across days to suit your availability. Specific shift times and rota details are not stated in the advert; contact the hiring manager for further information.
To apply, upload your CV and a Supporting Statement via the Apply Now button. Your Supporting Statement will be used to shortlist, so address how you meet all the criteria in the person specification, drawing on relevant work or life experience, education, or personal interests. Interviews will be held at St Mary's House in Eastbourne on Friday 4 September. For an informal discussion, contact Mandy McDonald at Mandy.Mcdonald@Eastsussex.gov.uk.
About You
East Sussex is looking for people who are committed to working with children and young people, and who bring curiosity, warmth, and reliability to a team environment. No specific qualification is required to join at entry level, making this a strong option for those looking to build a career in residential childcare.
The ideal candidate will:
- Have experience working with children and young people in any relevant context
- Be interested in child development and eager to continue learning on the job
- Be able to work effectively as part of an integrated childcare team
- Treat all residents with dignity and respect, maintaining confidentiality at all times
- Be willing to work towards the Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare, noting that progression to Single Status 8 is dependent on holding this qualification or an equivalent, alongside taking on additional responsibilities
East Sussex County Council warmly welcomes applications from all sections of the community, and particularly encourages those from Black and ethnic minority backgrounds, disabled people, men, and those who identify as LGBTQ+. The council is working towards recruiting a workforce that reflects its community, recognising the unique skills, experience, and perspective that each individual brings.
This post is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check for Regulated Activity. Evidence of an overseas police check will be required if you have lived or worked abroad. Candidates must have the right to work in the UK; East Sussex County Council is currently unable to progress applications from those who require visa sponsorship.
East Sussex's Offer to You
Residential childcare at East Sussex offers real variety and genuine flexibility. As Gary, a Day Service Support Worker, puts it: 'There are a whole range of different skills people can bring to the role. I find the work very rewarding and enjoy the variety this type of work brings.'
New starters receive a comprehensive induction covering the skills and knowledge needed to work confidently in the role. Beyond that, the council funds the Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare apprenticeship in full, including all course fees and off-the-job training time, with further apprenticeship opportunities available for those who want to progress their careers further.
- Fully funded Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare apprenticeship, including all course fees and off-the-job training time
- Further apprenticeship and development opportunities to support career progression
- Comprehensive induction for all new staff
- A diverse range of employee benefits — see the East Sussex careers site for full details
- And more
