Are you passionate about making a real difference in the lives of children and young people?
At Able Health Care, we provide safe, therapeutic homes for children with learning disabilities, Autism, and additional needs, guided by our Secure Base model and our values of Aspire, Belong, Love, and Empower (A-B-L-E).
We are looking for caring, resilient, and enthusiastic people to join our team of Residential Childcare Practitioners in Sudbury. You’ll be part of a supportive, multi-disciplinary team, helping children feel safe, build confidence, and achieve their goals. Every day you’ll be creating the conditions where children can heal, grow, and flourish.
A Day in the Life of a Residential Childcare Practitioner
No two days are ever the same. You might begin your shift helping a child get ready for school, encouraging independence and celebrating small but meaningful achievements. Later you could join in with cooking, music, or art, or support a trip into town. Evenings might include games, outdoor activities, or simply being a trusted adult when a child needs support.
Throughout the day you’ll provide consistency, structure, and warmth, creating the stability that children need to thrive.
Your Role Will Include
- Supporting children with learning disabilities and additional needs to develop life skills and achieve personal goals
- Acting as a positive role model and helping create a safe, stable, and nurturing home environment
- Implementing personalised care plans and behaviour support strategies in line with our Secure Base therapeutic approach
- Working closely with families, colleagues, and professionals to meet children’s needs holistically
- Contributing to safeguarding, care planning, and record-keeping in line with Ofsted regulations
- Helping with daily routines, household tasks, and activities that promote independence, wellbeing, and belonging
What We’re Looking For
- Enthusiastic, compassionate individuals who want to help children thrive
- Experience with children or young people is desirable, but we also welcome applicants from adult care or education who want to transfer their skills
- Resilience and the ability to manage challenging behaviour in a caring, trauma-informed way
- A commitment to safeguarding and promoting children’s welfare at all times
- A valid driving licence is preferred
Training & Development
Under Regulation 32 of the Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015, staff must have the appropriate skills and qualifications for their role. You don’t need to hold the Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare when you join us, but you must be willing to work towards it (we will fully fund and support you to achieve it within two years).
We invest in you through:
- A full, supportive induction
- Ongoing training, reflective practice, and supervision
- Opportunities for career progression within a growing organisation
- A therapeutic culture where staff are encouraged to learn, develop, and innovate
What We Offer
- Enhanced DBS check (paid for)
- Competitive salary with overtime opportunities
- Company pension
- Blue Light Card
- Employee discounts at hundreds of UK companies with Blue Light Card and an additional discount scheme
- Casual dress
- Free meals while on shift
- Free parking
- Employee Assistance & Wellbeing Programme (24/7 confidential counselling, advice, and support)
- Refer a Friend scheme
- Genuine career progression opportunities
Please note
We are unable to offer visa sponsorship.
All applicants must be able to evidence their right to work in the UK.
Apply Today
If you’re ready to start a rewarding career where you can make a real difference every day, we’d love to hear from you.
Join us at Able Health Care and be part of a team that is shaping brighter futures for children.
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Permanent
Pay: £12.26-£13.11 per hour
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company pension
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
- Free parking
- Health & wellbeing programme
- On-site parking
- Referral programme
Application question(s):
- We are unable to offer Visa Sponsorship.
Do you require Visa Sponsorship?
YES or NO
Experience:
- working with children in a regulated setting: 1 year (preferred)
Licence/Certification:
- Driving Licence (preferred)
- Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (preferred)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
