Introduction to the service
Suffolk County Council's Children's Homes provide care and support for young people aged 11-16 with social, emotional, and mental health difficulties.
In our 5 homes across the county, we strive to create a nurturing environment where each child feels safe, cared for, and empowered. We work closely with the young people, their families, and other professionals to address issues affecting them and help them build self-esteem and self-determination.
Partnership is key. By collaborating and building trust, we develop placement plans tailored to each child's unique needs. Our goal is to equip them with the tools to overcome challenges and realise their potential.
You could play an integral role in making a positive impact on these young people's lives, and help our homes feel like a safe place where they can learn, grow, and thrive.
Job Roles
Though challenging at times, this is a deeply rewarding career path for those passionate about positively impacting young lives.
Training and Qualification opportunities
All new home staff receive robust training within their 6-month probation period, including restraint techniques, medication administration, our online system, safeguarding protocols, and first aid certification.
New practitioners also complete a 2-week shadowing phase with experienced staff before working independently.
After passing probation, we provide in-house training for the Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare. Staff are assigned an assessor who conducts observations while practitioners’ complete coursework independently outside of work hours. This nationally recognised qualification develops key skills in caring for children in residential settings.
For ambitious practitioners looking to progress, we offer the Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare. This advanced qualification equips candidates with expertise in areas like people management, finance, project management, and more to prepare them for management roles.
Our wide-ranging professional development opportunities enable staff to gain new skills and knowledge to benefit the children under our care. We invest in our teams so they can provide the best possible nurturing environment.