Residential Childcare Practitioner – Brodrick House and Homefield Cottage

About the role

Based at Brodrick House and Homefield Cottage in Eastbourne, this role sits within East Sussex County Council's children's residential service, working with children who often have complex needs as well as their families. Two permanent positions are available.

As a Residential Childcare Practitioner, you will support children's development and wellbeing while working as part of an integrated childcare team. The role also offers the opportunity to take a lead on specialist areas and projects — healthy eating is one example — contributing to improvements across the service.

All staff are trained and supported to deliver their roles professionally, with a strong focus on safeguarding. Vigilance, respect, and professional curiosity are central to keeping children safe, supported, and able to thrive.

The salary of £30,084–£34,162 per annum includes two increments for weekend working. Specific shift pattern details, including any sleep-in or waking night requirements, are not stated in the advert — please download the job description for full information.

This role includes:

• Supporting children with complex needs and working alongside their families
• Contributing to children's day-to-day development and wellbeing
• Taking a lead on specialist areas or service improvement projects
• Working as part of an integrated childcare team
• Maintaining professional standards, confidentiality, and dignity in all interactions with residents

To apply, upload your CV and a supporting statement via the Apply Now button. East Sussex County Council will use your supporting statement to shortlist, so set out clearly how you meet each criterion in the person specification, drawing on relevant work or life experience, education, or personal interests. Interviews will take place in person in Eastbourne within two weeks of the closing date. 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 genuinely interested in working with children and young people, and who are committed to treating residents with dignity and respect. You do not need to hold a Level 3 qualification to apply at entry level — a funded apprenticeship pathway is available.

The ideal candidate will:

• Have experience working with children and young people in a 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
• Already hold the Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or equivalent) if seeking to progress to single status 8, and be prepared to take on additional responsibilities at that grade

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 its community, recognising the unique skills, experience, and perspective each individual brings.

This post is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check or Enhanced check for Regulated Activity. Evidence of an overseas police check is required if you have lived or worked abroad. Candidates must have the right to work in the UK; the council is currently unable to progress applications from those who require visa sponsorship.

East Sussex County Council's Offer to You

Children's homes at East Sussex County Council provide a comprehensive induction process so that new practitioners gain the skills and knowledge they need from the start. The council funds the Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare via an apprenticeship, covering all course fees and providing off-the-job training time. For those who want to develop further, there are additional apprenticeship and career development opportunities available.

'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

Benefits include:

• Funded Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare apprenticeship with all course fees paid
• Off-the-job training time built into the role
• Comprehensive induction programme
• Further apprenticeship and career development pathways
• A diverse range of employee benefits — click Apply Now to find out more