Children's Residential Practitioner

Children’s Residential Practitioner

Working Pattern: Full time, permanent, rota-based shifts including sleeping-in duties

Location: Eastgate Children’s Home, Sleaford

Closing Date: 30th October 2026
Do you want to work in a friendly and welcoming environment that has a positive impact on children’s lives? Whether you have years of experience or are just starting out, we can help you build a rewarding career in children’s residential care at Eastgate Children’s Home, Sleaford.

About the Role

As a Children’s Residential Practitioner (known locally as a Residential Care Officer Level 1) no two days are the same and you will have the pleasure of working with children and young people to prepare them for an independent life.

This role also includes:

• Holistic Approach: You’ll work within multidisciplinary teams to meet the needs of children.

Salary: £31,015 - £33,673 plus a sleeping-in payment of £43.12 and mileage reimbursed at 45p per mile. Overtime is paid at time-and-a-half.

Shift Pattern: Full time, permanent, you will have a good work/life balance with a rota split between different shifts, some will include sleeping at the home. Rota’s are given in advance to ensure this balance is met.

About you

No prior professional care experience is required for this position, as we offer comprehensive training. Qualities we seek include:

• Caring and Playful Demeanour: Children are full of energy and love to explore and play
• Kindness and Compassion: Essential for creating a secure, nurturing environment
• Passion for welfare: An advocate for children’s wellbeing
• Boundary Settings: Establishing boundaries gently but firmly
• Qualifications and Skills: Basic IT skills and knowledge / experience of the caring profession, along with a willingness to obtain a QCF qualification in working with children.

A driving licence is desirable but is negotiable, for some of the homes.

Our offer

We are offering a competitive salary with an excellent local government pension scheme, along with a comprehensive benefits package, career progression opportunities and a generous annual leave entitlement.

We provide

• High quality induction
• Training and professional development
• Trauma training
• Therapeutic support enabling children to feel safe
• A strong leadership team to support you in your new role

Along with a competitive salary we are offering:

• “Green book” Local Government terms and conditions
• Access to Local Government Pension scheme
• Comprehensive benefits package including salary sacrifice for cars, cycles, plus excellent discount schemes
• 37 hour working week (as full time) including flexible and hybrid working
• A generous leave entitlement with a minimum of 25 days plus bank holidays and the option to buy more
• Free financial wellbeing advice

Lincolnshire County Council Children’s Services are one of the best in the country and have an overall Outstanding rating from Ofsted. Lincolnshire has been chosen by the Department of Education as one of the three national Families First for Children Pathfinders which will run between September 2023 and 2025. This is an exciting time to join Children’s Residential Services and help us shape the future of Social Care.

At Lincolnshire County Council, we believe our people are at the heart of everything we do. That’s why we offer a rewarding package designed to support your work–life balance, health and wellbeing, financial security, and career growth. Find out more about our offer to you in the attached brochure.

Contact Us

If you would like an open and informal discussion regarding any of these vacancies please email and a member of the Residential Homes Management Team will contact you.

Applications close on 30th October 2026.

Please refer to our Job Information Pack here to support you in your application.

Interviews will be arranged on a flexible basis with candidates who have evidenced in their application that they meet the essential criteria for the role. Interviews may take place before the closing date.

We wish you the best of luck with your application!

Please be advised that this position may be subject to a criminal record check.

PLEASE NOTE: It is imperative that your personal statement clearly states why you have applied, how you meet the essential and desirable criteria for the role as set out in the Job Description (attached) and what you feel you can bring to this role, the team and the wider County Council.