Residential Childcare Practitioner

About the role

East Sussex County Council operates children's homes across East Sussex, supporting vulnerable children through a dedicated multi-disciplinary team. The homes include Children's Disability Homes, Open Homes, a Secure Residential Home, and the Seaside Short Stays Home, which offers respite for children and families.

As a Residential Childcare Practitioner, you will support children's development and wellbeing, working closely with children, their families, and other professionals. There are also opportunities to lead specialist projects — such as promoting healthy eating — across the service.

This role includes:

• Supporting children's day-to-day development and wellbeing within a residential setting
• Working as part of an integrated childcare team alongside other professionals
• Building relationships with children, their families, and relevant agencies
• Leading or contributing to specialist projects within the homes
• Maintaining confidentiality and treating all residents with dignity and respect

The role is available on a contracted full-time basis (37 hours per week) or as part of a relief team with flexible working options. Patterns can be arranged to fit around term times, holidays, and weekends, making it suitable for candidates with varied availability. The salary of £31,077 to £35,289 per annum includes two increments for weekend working.

To apply, upload your CV and a Supporting Statement via the Apply Now button. Your Supporting Statement will be used for shortlisting, so address how you meet all the criteria in the person specification, drawing on relevant work or life experience, education, or personal interests. For guidance on writing your application, see the how to apply page on the East Sussex careers site.

For an informal discussion, contact Amy Martin at amy.martin@eastsussex.gov.uk. Interviews will take place in person in Eastbourne within two weeks of the closing date.

About You

East Sussex County Council welcomes applications from a wide range of backgrounds. Whether you are a student, a school staff member, or someone with existing experience looking to pick up extra hours, this role offers a genuine opportunity to develop skills in residential childcare.

No specific qualification is required to apply. A comprehensive induction is provided, along with a funded apprenticeship pathway to the Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare, including off-the-job training time and all course fees paid by the Council.

The ideal candidate will:

• Have experience working with children and young people in any relevant capacity
• Be interested in child development and committed to ongoing learning
• Be able to work effectively as part of an integrated childcare team
• Treat residents with dignity and respect, maintaining confidentiality at all times
• Demonstrate vigilance, professional curiosity, and a clear understanding of the importance of safeguarding

East Sussex County Council is committed to equality of opportunity and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. Candidates who meet certain criteria are given priority at shortlisting; see the priority status page on the Council's careers site for details.

This post is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, or an Enhanced check for Regulated Activity. Evidence of an overseas police check will be required if you have lived or worked abroad. Right-to-work checks will be carried out; the Council is currently unable to progress applications from candidates who require visa sponsorship.

East Sussex County Council's Offer to You

Children's homes in East Sussex are supported by a strong focus on staff development. A comprehensive induction is provided for all new starters, and the Council funds the Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare apprenticeship, covering course fees and off-the-job training time in full. For those who want to go further, additional apprenticeship and development opportunities are available to support longer-term career aspirations.

All staff are trained and supported to deliver their roles professionally, with safeguarding central to everything. The Council offers a diverse range of employee benefits; full details are available on the benefits page of the East Sussex careers site.

'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.' — Gary, Day Service Support Worker