Benefits of working in children's care

Make a difference

You will have the opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of children and young people in Norfolk. You can help them achieve the bright future they deserve.

If it wasn't for the home I am in and my key workers, I don't think I would still be here now. They have helped me get into education and build relationships I have never had before.
- Child currently in care

Working in the children's care service can mean working with vulnerable children and families to:

Provide specialised care and support
Ensure their safety and wellbeing
Work to keep families together wherever possible

It is a rewarding career for those passionate about supporting children and young people to thrive.

Within my team we are all driven by the same aim, we are always prepared to respond to the ever-changing requirements of the role with a positive attitude. Our ethos is ensuring that children and young people with disabilities have a fun safe stay which they are respected and valued. There is never a dull moment, lots of fun, and the privilege of spending time with some inspirational young people and colleagues. I enjoy my job so much that I have worked within this service for 10 years.

Training opportunities

Induction training

When you start a role in the children's care service, you will receive a robust induction over the first few weeks. This will include time in the office to meet your team and your manager and complete the induction pack. This induction pack includes:

Essential online learning
Reading to understand more about your new role
Planning any required training
Setting up access to any systems you will need to do your job

You will spend time shadowing shifts with an experienced colleague. This will help you understand your day-to-day tasks, observe other colleagues and build your confidence.

There is also an induction for working in Children's Services in Norfolk you can access.

Required training

Your manager will support you to complete any required training. This will take place over the first few months of starting in role. You will complete all training as part of your working day.

Training is likely to include:

Level 3 or 4 qualification in residential childcare (depending on training route chosen and course availability)
Safeguarding
Fire safety
First aid
Medication
Driving assessment
Food preparation and hygiene
De-escalation training

This will vary depending on your role and the needs of the children you support.

We will continue to offer further training while you work for us.

Further training

There are some training courses that you must refresh regularly. They include compulsory updates for all colleagues. This is to maintain the highest standards of care and meet the needs of the children we work with.

Your manager will discuss with you what extra training you need or would like to access to support your development. Further training opportunities could include:

Shadowing or working in a different home. This is to gain more experience of working in a different setting or with different children.
There is a Level 5 in Leadership and Management NVQ. This is for colleagues who are ready to progress within the service and where it is relevant to their role.
Some colleagues may wish to work towards a social work qualification. There are various routes available to support this pathway. This includes a social work apprenticeship programme. It has a set number of places each year ringfenced for colleagues in the children's care service. Visit our Routes into social work webpage for more information.

I am given opportunities to grow and develop each day, and have built up confidence in the outcomes we achieve as a service for young people, and in myself as a practitioner who can make a difference to young people's lives each day.

High quality support

You will get high quality support to deliver the best service for children and young people.

Colleagues in the service receive a comprehensive support package. This is to ensure that they can effectively care for children to the highest standard.

This includes:

Access to essential resources to help you do your job well. This includes technology, policies and case files.
Direct access to management support at all times
Regular face to face supervision with your line manager. This is an opportunity to discuss what's going well and any concerns you may have. It is a chance for mentorship and to discuss current cases and challenges.
Team meetings. These provide an opportunity to keep up to date with colleagues.
Funded external support services
Regular performance reviews focused on building your strengths. This will make sure you have the support you need and allow you to discuss your career progression.
Full induction during your first 6 months with regular meetings with your manager. These are designed as review points to make sure you feel supported and equipped to do your job well. You can discuss any further training or support you need, or any extension to your probation period if needed.

We support colleagues to feel confident so that they can:

Create a safe and nurturing environment
Meet children's individual needs
Work closely with families
Promote independence and life skills
Maintain accurate records
Adhere to ethical standards

I feel supported by senior leadership and through monthly supervision I'm able to reflect on my practice and explore learning curves as well as positive goals. The team I work within is a small family, and I have formed relationships I carry into the present.

Progression pathways

We designed our progression pathways to provide opportunities you can access to develop your career in children's care in Norfolk

The service continues to expand with positions available countywide, at different levels. There are opportunities to progress with a progression pathway to support you to develop your career.

Many team members have remained with the service for many years or moved to other roles within wider Children's Services teams. There are opportunities to progress to more senior roles with support and training at each stage.

"I have worked for Norfolk County Council children's residential for 14 years. I am proud of the development of the service, the child focused mentality and support in place between and for the teams to do their jobs and reach their potentials.
- Residential Children's Practitioner, Norfolk

You don't need to have direct experience of working with children. We welcome people with transferable skills who are keen to start a new career with Norfolk County Council (NCC).

View our current children's care vacancies or complete the expression of interest form.

Financial benefits

Some roles in the children's care service include the opportunity to access extra payments. This is on top of the salary listed in the job advert. For example:

Your role may include a sleep-in allowance or weekend enhancement. For example, Level 1 Residential Practitioners can earn an extra £500 or more per month.
Social Care colleagues are eligible for a Blue Light Card which offers discounts on a range of items
Access to the Norfolk Rewards employee discounts programme. This helps you save money on almost anything. From everyday groceries and clothes, to holidays, new technology, gym membership, trips to the cinema and days out
As part of your role, there is access to a wealth of training and time to complete formal qualifications. These are fully funded for you.

Working for Children's Services in Norfolk

Children's Services are rated Good by Ofsted in all areas. Read the Children's Services Ofsted feedback.

Children in care in Norfolk are provided with 'exceptional services by compassionate, warm and committed workers and carers'. Find out more about supporting children in care in Norfolk.