24 Childcare Jobs in South East

What will you be doing?

Be part of something that truly matters.

Kent County Council is opening a brand-new, small, high-quality children’s home in Sittingbourne as part of Project Athena – a flagship programme designed to transform how we support children and young people with complex emotional, behavioural and/or neurodiverse needs.

We are looking for a dedicated Domestic Assistant to help create and maintain a warm, clean and welcoming home environment where children can feel safe, comfortable and cared for.

Why Athena – and why now?

Our Athena homes are intentionally small (2 children), providing relationship-based, trauma-informed support built around stability, consistency and positive behaviour support.

Creating the right environment isn’t just about care – it’s about the whole home feeling safe, calm and lived in. Your role is central to this.

As a Domestic Assistant, you will:

• Help create a clean, safe and welcoming home environment
• Carry out daily cleaning across all areas of the home
• Support laundry and household routines to a high standard
• Assist with general domestic tasks and kitchen support
• Ensure hygiene and safety standards are consistently maintained
• Understand safeguarding, and always act within the best interested of the protection and experiences for children, and the aims of the home

About the role

This is an important role within the home, ensuring that children live in an environment that feels like a home, not an institution.

You will:

• Maintain high standards of cleanliness and hygiene throughout the home
• Support day-to-day domestic routines to keep the home running smoothly
• Use equipment safely and in line with health and safety standards
• Work flexibly as part of a wider team focused on children’s wellbeing

Who we’re looking for

We are looking for people who care about creating a nurturing environment.

You may have:

• Experience in cleaning or housekeeping (preferred, not essential)
• An understanding of hygiene and health & safety standards
• A respectful, compassionate and reliable approach
• A willingness to learn and be part of a supportive team

Most importantly, you will bring the right values, attitude and pride in your work.

Why Kent County Council?

• Competitive salary and local government benefits
• Pension, generous annual leave and flexible working where possible
• Training and ongoing support
• The opportunity to be part of something new and meaningful

Location

Sittingbourne – Athena Children’s Home

Ready to be part of something special?

Apply now and help create a home that supports children to feel safe, valued and cared for.

Closing date: 26th July 2026

Shortlisting: 27th July 2026

Selection process: w/c 10th August or 26th August 2026 TBC if shortlisted (2 x half days for interview and selection in Sittingbourne)

This post is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure Application to the Disclosure and Barring Service

This post is considered by KCC to be a customer-facing position. The Council therefore has a statutory duty under Part 7 of the Immigration Act (2016) to ensure that post holders have a command of spoken English/Welsh sufficient for the effective performance of the job requirements. The appropriate standards are set out in the Job Description/Person Specification.

Important Information About Start Dates

Please note that we are currently planning for successful candidates (following shortlisting, selection, interview and background checks) for the new KCC Sittingbourne service to join us from late September to early October 2026.

These anticipated start dates reflect the planned opening and registration timeline for this exciting brand-new service. We please ask that all candidates consider this expected onboarding period when applying. Further information and questions around the anticipated start dates can be discussed during the recruitment process with relevant applicants.

We are really excited to bring our new Sittingbourne service to life - and to support amazing outcomes for children and young people and would welcome your application.

About you

Ousman Tunkara
Manager- Homewood House
Tel: 03000416323
Email: Ousman.Tunkara@kent.gov.uk

About us

Work that works for you and us - let's talk flexibility!

KCC is committed to building a workforce which reflects the diversity of the county's working residents, encouraging applications from people of all ages, abilities, genders, sexual orientations, ethnic backgrounds, faiths and those with caring responsibilities, and aspires to create an inclusive workplace where everyone can be themselves at work.

Please note - if you are interested, please apply soon as possible as the closing date for this advert may be earlier than stated should a number of suitably qualified candidates apply.