Senior Therapeutic Childcare Practitioner

Lemontree Recruitment; Fontwell; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Lemontree Recruitment is seeking a Senior Therapeutic Childcare Practitioner for a specialist children’s residential service in Littlehampton & Fontwell, West Sussex. This full-time permanent role delivers therapeutic care to traumatised children aged 4–11 and supports a team in a safe, nurturing home.

You should hold a Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or equivalent), possess a full UK driving licence, and be willing to work shifts including sleep-ins. DBS checks apply.

Qualifications

• Experience in therapeutic residential care or similar setting.
• Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or equivalent).
• Full UK driving licence.
• Willingness to work shifts including sleep-ins.
• DBS checks completed or in process.

Responsibilities

• Lead by example within the home, supporting children and staff.
• Provide consistent therapeutic care to children with complex emotional needs.
• Support the day-to-day running of the home.
• Promote a safe, structured, and nurturing environment.
• Contribute to a reflective, team-based therapeutic approach.

Skills

Calm under pressure

Resilience

Flexibility

Creativity

Childcare experience

Education

Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare

Job description

Senior Therapeutic Childcare Practitioner

Location: Littlehampton & Fontwell, West Sussex | Full Time (Permanent)

Recruiting on behalf of a specialist children’s residential service

Exciting Opportunity in Therapeutic Residential Care

We are currently recruiting on behalf of our client for a Senior Therapeutic Childcare Practitioner to join a specialist children’s residential service supporting traumatised children aged 4–11.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced practitioner looking to progress into a senior role within a therapeutic, relationship-based care environment.

About the Role

As a Senior Therapeutic Childcare Practitioner, you will:

• Lead by example within the home, supporting both children and staff
• Provide consistent therapeutic care to children with complex emotional needs
• Support the day-to-day running of the home
• Promote a safe, structured, and nurturing environment
• Contribute to a reflective, team-based therapeutic approach

You will play a key role in supporting both children and colleagues within a stable, caring environment focused on meaningful therapeutic change.

About the Service

Our client provides specialist therapeutic residential care and education for emotionally vulnerable children aged 4–11.

Their approach is built around:

• Safe and nurturing environments
• Strong, consistent relationships
• Reflective and therapeutic practice
• Supporting emotional development and stability

What We’re Looking For

• Calm, resilient, flexible, and creative
• Passionate about supporting traumatised children
• Confident in leading and supporting a team
• Committed to therapeutic childcare practice
• Ideally with at least 1 year’s childcare experience
• Working towards or holding a Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or equivalent)

Requirements

• Full UK driving licence (essential)
• Ability to work shifts including sleep-ins and on-call duties

Safeguarding

This role is subject to enhanced DBS checks, safeguarding interviews, and full safer recruitment procedures in line with our client’s safeguarding policies.

We are an equal opportunities employer, and all applications will be assessed solely on merit