At a Glance
- Tasks: Support vulnerable children in care and help them thrive.
- Company: East Sussex Council, dedicated to making a difference in children's lives.
- Benefits: Comprehensive training, paid apprenticeship, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with strong support and safeguarding focus.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on children's lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience with children and a passion for child development.
Do you want to make a difference to the most vulnerable children in care and help them flourish and achieve their potential? If so, this could be the role for you! As a Residential Childcare Practitioner, you will work with the children who often have complex needs as well as their families. You will support the children’s development and wellbeing. You can also take a lead on specialist areas and projects such as healthy eating to support improvements across the service. This role gives you the opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of some of the most vulnerable children in East Sussex.
We have positions available in both Eastbourne and Seaford. We understand that the great care we provide is down to the great staff we have. We provide a comprehensive induction process to teach you all the skills and knowledge you need. We also provide an apprenticeship in the level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare, with off the job training time and all course fees paid for by the Council. If you want to develop a career working with children there are also a range of development opportunities, including further apprenticeship opportunities to support your career aspirations.
We are looking for people who:
- Have experience working with children and young people
- Are interested in child development and eager to learn
- Can work effectively as part of an integrated childcare team
- Treat residents with dignity and respect, maintaining confidentiality at all times
Progression to Single Status 8 requires that you already have a level 3 qualification in Residential Childcare or equivalent, and that you will take on additional responsibilities.
To apply for this role, please follow the ‘Apply Now’ button above and upload your CV and a Supporting Statement. We will be using your Supporting Statement to shortlist so please be sure to address how you meet all the criteria in the person specification, drawing on any relevant work/life experience, education, or personal interests.
Unfortunately, we are unable to progress applications of people who are on a visa or require sponsorship at this time. Interviews will take place in person in Eastbourne on the 19 June 2026. Candidates who meet certain criteria are given priority when we shortlist.
All staff are trained and supported to deliver their roles professionally, with a strong focus on safeguarding. You’ll work in a role where your vigilance, respect, and professional curiosity help keep children safe, supported, and able to thrive.
We offer a diverse range of benefits to help and support you during your employment. More information can be found on our benefits page.
For an informal discussion about this opportunity contact Mandy McDonald – Mandy.Mcdonald@Eastsussex.gov.uk or Natalie Dardashti – Natalie.dardashti@Eastsussex.gov.uk.
For putting your skills to good use, choose East Sussex!
Residential Childcare Practitioner - Open Homes in Eastbourne employer: East Sussex County Council
East Sussex Council is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of vulnerable children. With a strong commitment to staff development, including comprehensive training and apprenticeship opportunities, employees are empowered to grow their careers while working in a supportive and respectful environment. Located in the beautiful coastal areas of Eastbourne and Seaford, our team enjoys a rewarding work culture that prioritises safeguarding and the wellbeing of children, making every day fulfilling and impactful.
Contact Details:
East Sussex County Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Residential Childcare Practitioner - Open Homes in Eastbourne
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Research East Sussex and their approach to childcare. Understanding their values and mission will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend local events related to childcare. This can give you insider info about the role and might even lead to a referral, which can boost your chances of landing that job.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions. Think about scenarios where you've made a positive impact on children’s lives or worked as part of a team. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit for the Residential Childcare Practitioner position.
We think you need these skills to ace Residential Childcare Practitioner - Open Homes in Eastbourne
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Supporting Statement:Make sure to customise your Supporting Statement to highlight how you meet the criteria in the person specification. Use specific examples from your experience that showcase your skills and passion for working with children.
Showcase Relevant Experience:When detailing your work/life experience, focus on roles or activities that relate directly to childcare. Whether it’s volunteering, previous jobs, or personal experiences, let us see how they’ve prepared you for this role.
Be Genuine and Personal:We want to get to know the real you! Share your motivations for wanting to work with vulnerable children and how you plan to make a difference in their lives. Authenticity goes a long way in making your application stand out.
Follow Our Application Process:Don’t forget to apply through our website by clicking the ‘Apply Now’ button. Ensure you upload both your CV and Supporting Statement as instructed. Following our process helps us keep everything organised and makes it easier for us to review your application.
How to prepare for a job interview at East Sussex County Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the role of a Residential Childcare Practitioner. Familiarise yourself with child development theories and the specific needs of vulnerable children. This will help you answer questions confidently and show your genuine interest in making a difference.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experience working with children and young people. Think of specific examples where you've made a positive impact or handled challenging situations. This will demonstrate your capability and readiness for the role.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
Since this role involves working as part of an integrated childcare team, be ready to talk about your teamwork skills. Share examples of how you've collaborated with others in past roles, highlighting your ability to treat residents with dignity and respect.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask insightful questions about the role and the organisation. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if the position aligns with your career aspirations. Consider asking about the induction process or opportunities for further training.
