Residential Activities and Child Care Officer

• Priory School

• Address: Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP32 7BH

• Salary: £27,255 - £29,541 per annum (pro rata), Actual £21,888 - £23,716 per annum

• Hours: 35 hours per week, 39 weeks per year

• Contract: Maternity Cover until July 2027

• Reference: 5637

We are seeking a Residential Activities and Child Care Officer (RACCO) to join our dedicated team supporting children and young people with complex moderate learning difficulties, including ASD, in a safe, structured, and nurturing residential setting.

The role involves supporting students’ wellbeing, personal development, independence, and emotional resilience through key working, care plans and risk assessments, daily routines, meaningful activities, and residential curriculum activities. You will also contribute to student reviews, termly reporting, and ensuring compliance with academy policies and Ofsted standards.

A Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare is desirable but not essential, although you will be required to work towards this qualification following successful completion of your induction and probation. The role includes rota-based sleep-in duties, with additional payment provided.

This is an excellent opportunity to gain residential childcare experience within a strong and dedicated team, with access to a range of training and professional development opportunities.

Hours:

• Monday: 2pm - 9pm

• Tuesday: 1.30pm - 9pm

• Wednesday: 7am - 9.30am and 2pm - 9pm

• Thursday: 2pm - 9pm

• Friday: 7am - 9.30am and 2pm - 3.30pm.

We offer a wide range of staff benefits including:

• membership into Local Government Pension Scheme

• family friendly policies and flexible working

• access to our Employee Assistance Programme

• employee wellbeing initiatives

• free parking 

• company events 

• access to various memberships and discount schemes

• learning and development opportunities, including staff development days

• funded subject course development for your role 

• range of staff communities, including EDI and neurodiverse communities 

• career progression opportunities. 

Plus, an additional £1,500 Joining Bonus!**

Eastern Education Group is a dynamic and forward-thinking education provider committed to delivering high-quality learning experiences across multiple institutions. Our group encompasses a diverse range of educational settings, including schools, further education colleges, and specialist learning provisions, ensuring that learners of all ages and backgrounds receive the support and opportunities they need to succeed.

At the heart of our mission is a dedication to excellence, inclusivity, and innovation in education. We strive to create an environment where students can thrive academically, socially, and professionally. Through strong partnerships with local communities, businesses, and industry leaders, we ensure our curriculum remains relevant, equipping students with the skills and knowledge required for future careers.

At Eastern Education Group, we believe sustainability is everyone's responsibility. We are committed to developing the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed for a more sustainable future while reducing our environmental impact and supporting the transition to a low-carbon economy.

Our group also prioritises supporting students with additional learning needs, offering specialist provisions for those with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities), SEMH (Social, Emotional, and Mental Health needs), and vocational training to empower every learner. We take a holistic approach to education, combining academic excellence with pastoral care, safeguarding, and wellbeing initiatives to foster a safe and supportive learning environment.

As a collective, Eastern Education Group is committed to continuous improvement, innovation, and maintaining high standards across all our institutions. We work closely with regulatory bodies, including Ofsted, to ensure compliance and the highest quality of teaching, learning, and student support. Our leadership team, educators, and support staff are dedicated to shaping the future of education, driving positive change, and enabling learners to realise their full potential.

As a Group, our Character Strengths and Mission Statement underpin our expectations of all our students and employees. Please familiarise yourself with these and incorporate them into your personal statement; this will be of benefit if you are invited to attend for an interview. 

This is an opportunity to join a hugely supportive organisation where we value, support and facilitate your professional development, as well as offering many other benefits including an attractive pension scheme, staff wellbeing initiatives and employee assistance. 

The Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. 

To find out more

For further information please contact our recruitment team at: [email protected].

Alternatively, please download the Job Description (pdf).

How to apply

Completed application forms should be made via our recruitment portal. 

If you have not heard from a member of the HR Team within 14 working days of the closing date, please presume your application has not been successful on this occasion. 

Closing date: 8am, 3 November 2026

Interview date: 6 November 2026

Promoted as SPJ (Standard Plus Job) on Suffolk Jobs Direct.

We reserve the right to appoint prior to listed closing date; early applications are encouraged. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, gender, gender reassignment, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age in accordance with the requirements of the Equality Act 2010.

The Group is committed to safeguarding children and safer recruitment practices and will undertake all the required pre-employment checks on the successful candidate including an enhanced DBS Disclosure.

All data will be processed in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018. For more information about how we access and use your information please visit our website.

** Bonus will be paid as £750 at the end of first month of employment and £750 after six months completed service. The entire sum will be repayable if you leave within the first two years of service. This only applies to direct applicants and not to those staff who come through an agency. Internal college policy applies.