Residential Childcare Practitioner

About the role

East Sussex County Council operates children's homes across the county, 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 provides respite for children and families.

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

The role is available on a contracted full-time basis or as part of the relief team, with flexible working options that fit around term times, holidays, and weekends. The salary of £31,077 to £35,289 per annum includes two increments for weekend working.

Key responsibilities include:

• Supporting children's day-to-day wellbeing and development within a residential setting
• Working as part of an integrated childcare team alongside families and other professionals
• Maintaining vigilance, respect, and professional curiosity to keep children safe
• Leading or contributing to specialist projects within the homes
• Upholding confidentiality and treating all residents with dignity at all times

To apply, upload your CV and a Supporting Statement via the Apply Now button. The Supporting Statement is 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. Interviews will take place in person in Eastbourne within two weeks of the closing date. For an informal discussion, contact Emma Quicke at emma.quicke@eastsussex.gov.uk or Amy Martin at amy.martin@eastsussex.gov.uk.

About You

East Sussex County Council welcomes applications from a wide range of backgrounds, including students, school staff, and those with existing experience in children's services. You do not need to hold a formal childcare qualification to apply — a willingness to learn and genuine commitment to supporting children are what matter most.

All staff receive a comprehensive induction and are trained and supported to deliver their roles professionally, with a strong focus on safeguarding throughout.

The ideal candidate will:

• Have experience working with children and young people in any relevant context, whether paid, voluntary, or personal
• Show a genuine interest in child development and be eager to continue learning
• 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 open to undertaking the Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare via an apprenticeship, with all course fees and off-the-job training time funded by the Council

East Sussex County Council is committed to equality of opportunity. Applications are welcomed from all sections of the community, and candidates who meet certain priority criteria will be given preference at shortlisting — see the priority status page for details.

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. East Sussex County Council is currently unable to progress applications from candidates who require visa sponsorship.

East Sussex's Offer to You

Children's homes across East Sussex are supported by a strong culture of professional development. A comprehensive induction teaches the skills and knowledge needed from day one, and the Council funds the Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare through an apprenticeship — covering all course fees and providing off-the-job training time. For those looking to build a longer-term career, further apprenticeship opportunities are available to support those aspirations.

Flexible working options mean the role can fit around term times, holidays, and weekends, whether you join on a contracted basis or as part of the relief team. 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.' A diverse range of employee benefits is also available — click Apply Now to discover more.