Relief Residential Childcare Practitioner

About the role

East Sussex County Council is recruiting relief Residential Childcare Practitioners across two homes: Brodrick House in Eastbourne and Homefield Cottage in Seaford. These roles support children with complex needs, working alongside their families to promote development and wellbeing.

As a relief practitioner, you will be part of an integrated childcare team, covering a variety of shifts to suit your personal and professional commitments. The casual nature of the role offers genuine flexibility while still allowing you to contribute meaningfully to the lives of some of the most vulnerable children in East Sussex. There is also scope to take a lead on specialist areas and projects — for example around healthy eating — contributing to service-wide improvements.

Shifts vary across both sites and are available on a flexible basis. Specific shift times and rota structures are not detailed in the advertisement; contact the recruiting manager for further information.

Key responsibilities include:

• Supporting children's day-to-day development and wellbeing, including those with complex needs
• Working with children's families as part of a wider care and support approach
• Contributing effectively to an integrated childcare team across both homes
• Taking a lead on specialist projects or areas to drive improvements across the service
• Maintaining confidentiality and treating all residents with dignity and respect at all times

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 each criterion in the person specification, drawing on relevant work or life experience, education, or personal interests. Interviews will be held within two weeks of the closing date in Eastbourne. For an informal discussion, contact Roy Noble at roy.noble@eastsussex.gov.uk.

About You

East Sussex County Council is looking for people who are committed to working with children and young people and who bring a genuine interest in child development. You do not need to hold a formal qualification to apply — a comprehensive induction and funded training pathway are provided from the start.

The role suits someone who can work flexibly, engage professionally with children and families, and contribute positively to a team environment. The ideal candidate will:

• Have experience working with children and young people in any relevant setting
• Be interested in child development and eager to continue learning
• Be able to work effectively as part of an integrated childcare team
• Treat residents with dignity and respect, maintaining confidentiality at all times
• Be willing to work towards the Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare; progression to Single Status 8 is dependent on holding the Level 3 qualification in Residential Childcare or equivalent, and will require 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 a workforce that reflects the community it serves, recognising the unique skills, experience, and perspective each individual brings.

Please note that East Sussex County Council is currently unable to progress applications from candidates who require visa sponsorship. 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. Right-to-work eligibility will be verified as part of pre-employment checks.

East Sussex County Council's Offer to You

Children's homes in East Sussex prioritise professional development from day one. Every new member of staff receives a comprehensive induction covering the skills and knowledge needed to work confidently in the role.

The council funds the Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare apprenticeship in full — including off-the-job training time and all course fees — for those who do not already hold the qualification. Further apprenticeship opportunities are available for those who want to progress their career working with children.

• Funded Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare apprenticeship, with course fees and off-the-job training time covered
• Range of further development and apprenticeship opportunities to support career progression
• Flexible, casual working arrangements across two homes in Eastbourne and Seaford
• A diverse range of employee benefits (full details available on the East Sussex County Council benefits page)
• And more

'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