44 Childcare jobs in the United Kingdom

LAW Absolute is recruiting on behalf of a Local Authority based in Berkshire for a Childcare Lawyer on a temporary basis. The contract will be for 3 months in the first instance with potential to extend.

You will work in a team of child protection lawyers, managing your own caseload of matters including care proceedings, DOLS, inherent jurisdiction, and EPOs.

The client is looking for someone who is local enough to Berkshire to attend essential in-person team meetings. Experience of and willingness to conduct advocacy in court is highly desirable.

To apply you will be:

• An England and Wales qualified solicitor, barrister, or CILEX lawyer
• Able to demonstrate previous experience within children’s social care in a local authority
• Able to attend the office/court in the Berkshire area as necessary on a hybrid-working basis
• Available on no more than a 4-week notice period

The salary for this role will be £35-£50/hour depending on experience.

For more information and/or to apply, please begin by sending your CV to Louise at LAW Absolute:

Please note our advertisements use PQE/salary levels purely as a guide. However we are happy to consider applications from all candidates who are able to demonstrate the skills necessary to fulfil the role.

At LAW Absolute we endeavour to respond to all applications within 48 hours. However due to the volume of applications we receive we may not be able to respond to every candidate individually.

If you have not heard from us within a 48 hour timeframe your application has not been successful and your details have not been retained. LAW Absolute acts as an employment business for temporary recruitment and as an employment agency for fixed term contract and permanent recruitment.

Child Care Solicitor

• £50,000 - £70,000 pa Dependent on Experience
• Opportunity to progress to Partner level – Equity Potential
• Bonus Structure – Paid on % of departmental profits
• Covering the Bradford/Leeds Area
• Professional Support: Access to MBL Training Portal, Professional Fees and Subscriptions Paid.
• Work-Life Balance: 35-hour work week, with some hybrid working options.
• Must be UK resident with full UK working rights residing within local area.
• Please note we cannot offer visa sponsorship for overseas candidates.

If you’re a motivated and experienced Child Care Solicitor with The Law Society Children Law Accreditation , knowledge and relationships with the local guardian panel, and keen to explore potential career development opportunities then please get in touch.

The Role

This role comes with the opportunity to shape the future of this business and take ownership of the Care/Family department. With opportunities for a Partner title and equity potential, this is not something to be missed!

Key Responsibilities:

• Representing children and guardians, focusing on child protection and welfare cases under both private and public law.
• Managing a full caseload of complex care proceedings, collaborating with social workers, family members, and court-appointed guardians to prioritise the best interests of the child.
• Working closely with the Head of Family and contributing to the growth and strategic direction of the care department.
• Providing competent advocacy in both Magistrates and County Court settings.
• Maintain high standards of case management and adhering to legal aid protocols.

Key Skills and Experience:

• Children Panel/Children Law Accreditation is essential.
• A track record of success in care proceedings with strong knowledge and relationships in the local area.
• Proven experience managing a caseload in family and care proceedings , with private law experience being advantageous.
• Experience handling sensitive guardian cases.
• Experienced and competent advocate in Magistrates and County Court .
• Proficient knowledge and experience with Legal Aid and Case Management Systems .
• Excellent Communication Skills: Ability to clearly convey complex legal issues with empathy and professionalism.

Our Client

Our client is a well-established practice, spanning over 20 years in business and a reputation for excellence across multiple disciplines, including Commercial & Residential, Probate, Litigation, Family and Child Care Law. Located in Bradford with a network across Leeds, this firm is known for its strong client relationships and commitment to professional growth within the business. This position is part of the firm’s vision for growth, offering the successful candidate a rare opportunity to progress into a leadership role and help shape the future of the family care department.

We’re seeking a highly motivated, ambitious and experienced Child Care Solicitor to join our client’s family care team, focusing on representing children and supporting guardians. This well-established and respected practice have a strong presence across the Bradford & Leeds area and are looking to further enhance their reputation across the industry.

If you feel you are suitable, please apply today by submitting your CV. Alternatively, if you have any questions or would like to discuss the opportunity further, please contact Jonny McPartland directly on / 07375 675 049 / 0113 332 0678.

Thank you for taking an interest in the role advertised. We'd like to confirm that each CV received is read thoroughly by a trained consultant; if your application is shortlisted then you will be contacted via telephone in the first instance. If we have not contacted you within 5 working days of your application, please understand that the CV received, and the information provided does not meet the requirements of the role. However, we endeavour to consider all applicants for future opportunities; should you wish to speak to the named consultant about your application, please contact us directly.

Job Opportunity: Solicitor (Child Care)

Location: Worcester

⏳ Duration: 6 Months

We are seeking an experienced Child Care Solicitor to join our client’s Legal Services team in Worcester. This is an excellent opportunity to work on complex and meaningful cases that directly impact children’s services and related education matters.

️ Key Responsibilities:

• Provide specialist legal advice and representation in Family Court, High Court, and County Court on child protection and education-related cases.
• Manage and conduct complex care proceedings to meet statutory 26-week timescales.
• Support the Principal Solicitors (Child Care) and deputise when required.
• Act as an advocate in contested hearings and multi-day cases, minimising external counsel use.
• Supervise and support junior solicitors, legal assistants, and clerks.
• Contribute to the development of policies, systems, and procedures to ensure effective legal service delivery.
• Maintain strong stakeholder relationships and represent the Legal & Governance team at key meetings.
• Keep up to date with changes in child care and education law, advising on implications and best practices.

Requirements:

• Qualified Solicitor or Barrister with substantial experience in child care and family law .
• Proven track record of handling complex child protection cases .
• Strong advocacy and negotiation skills across multiple court forums.
• Ability to supervise junior legal staff and contribute to team development.
• Excellent knowledge of local government law and related education law.
• Strong case management, organisational, and communication skills.

What’s on Offer:

• 6-month contract role with potential for extension.
• Opportunity to make a real impact in safeguarding children and supporting education services.
• Collaborative team environment with professional development opportunities.

Interested? Apply now to join a dedicated legal team committed to protecting children and delivering high-quality legal services.

• Has at least 3 years' experience in children's social care or residential settings.
• Holds a QCF Level 4 or NVQ Level 3 or 4 in a relevant field.
• Confident in leading shifts, mentoring staff and managing risk.
• Understands children's legislation and safeguarding practices.

• Generous annual leave allocation, 25 days (rising to 32 days after five years' service) plus eight days bank holidays and two extra statutory days
• Comprehensive Local Government Pension Scheme
• Flexible Working arrangements
• Health and Wellbeing Initiatives including wellness programs and other services including Occupational Health Services, Cycle to work scheme, Eyesight test contribution and our Employee Assistance Programme
• Generous annual leave, maternity, paternity, and adoption leave policies.
• Access to various discounts (e.g. Viv Up) on products and services, including local businesses, national retailers, and car purchase schemes.
• Free parking and all meals/drinks included when on shift
• Stable experienced management team and dedicated Head of Service
• Extensive training programme, including funded apprenticeships up to degree level

• Supervising and supporting Children at all times- nothing gets by without you noticing!
• Ensuring the Club V environment is a safe, attractive and welcoming environment for all children
• Having a friendly, calm and approachable nature is crucial along with the ability to act quickly and effectively
• Adhering to all company and government policies & procedures
• You love working in a team, and have the drive to inspire and motivate others
• Having excellent communication skills, and always willing to support both staff and members, and can effectively build relationships with parents and care givers

• You have a minimum Level 2/3 qualification in a child related field, alongside previous experience working with children (please note Health and Social Care does not cover the required qualification)

• 30 days (including bank holidays) annual leave - and we want you take them
• Access to The Peoples Pension, with our contributions at 3%
• Complimentary Virgin Active membership for you and a buddy. You can also get free membership for your children too, ability to take advantage of our Club V
• We want you to love Virgin Active like we do, so you get discounts across Virgin active - everything from guest passes and PT sessions to discounts on health and beauty treatment and products
• We have more discounts to offer across the Virgin Group, from Virgin Media to Virgin Atlantic - who doesn't love a discount!
• Financial fitness is just as important as physical, so we offer access to Salary Finance. They can support you with loans and savings plans, as well as help you become a personal finance expert
• Mental health is a cornerstone of wellbeing. Our BUPA employer assistance programme is there when you need a helping hand with 4 free counselling sessions
• We know finding a new home to rent can be stressful. We partner with Dexters who offer complimentary corporate letting services - meaning no tenant charges
• Access to ePoints, offering loads of online discounts to retailers such as Amazon, ASOS and Adidas
• Always wanted to take that Nutrition course? Well VA offer discount on all their Academy courses, trained by the very best

• Junior Activities Assistant.pdf (508.24 KB)

• Supervising and supporting Children at all times- nothing gets by without you noticing!
• Ensuring the Club V environment is a safe, attractive and welcoming environment for all children
• Having a friendly, calm and approachable nature is crucial along with the ability to act quickly and effectively
• Adhering to all company and government policies & procedures
• You love working in a team, and have the drive to inspire and motivate others
• Having excellent communication skills, and always willing to support both staff and members, and can effectively build relationships with parents and care givers

• You have a minimum Level 2/3 qualification in a child related field, alongside previous experience working with children (please note Health and Social Care does not cover the required qualification)

• 30 days (including bank holidays) annual leave - and we want you take them
• Access to The Peoples Pension, with our contributions at 3%
• Complimentary Virgin Active membership for you and a buddy. You can also get free membership for your children too, ability to take advantage of our Club V
• We want you to love Virgin Active like we do, so you get discounts across Virgin active - everything from guest passes and PT sessions to discounts on health and beauty treatment and products
• We have more discounts to offer across the Virgin Group, from Virgin Media to Virgin Atlantic - who doesn't love a discount!
• Financial fitness is just as important as physical, so we offer access to Salary Finance. They can support you with loans and savings plans, as well as help you become a personal finance expert
• Mental health is a cornerstone of wellbeing. Our BUPA employer assistance programme is there when you need a helping hand with 4 free counselling sessions
• We know finding a new home to rent can be stressful. We partner with Dexters who offer complimentary corporate letting services - meaning no tenant charges
• Access to ePoints, offering loads of online discounts to retailers such as Amazon, ASOS and Adidas
• Always wanted to take that Nutrition course? Well VA offer discount on all their Academy courses, trained by the very best

• Junior Activities Assistant.pdf (508.24 KB)

• Has at least 3 years' experience in children's social care or residential settings.
• Holds a QCF Level 4 or NVQ Level 3 or 4 in a relevant field.
• Confident in leading shifts, mentoring staff and managing risk.
• Understands children's legislation and safeguarding practices.

• Generous annual leave allocation, 25 days (rising to 32 days after five years' service) plus eight days bank holidays and two extra statutory days
• Comprehensive Local Government Pension Scheme
• Flexible Working arrangements
• Health and Wellbeing Initiatives including wellness programs and other services including Occupational Health Services, Cycle to work scheme, Eyesight test contribution and our Employee Assistance Programme
• Generous annual leave, maternity, paternity, and adoption leave policies.
• Access to various discounts (e.g. Viv Up) on products and services, including local businesses, national retailers, and car purchase schemes.
• Free parking and all meals/drinks included when on shift
• Stable experienced management team and dedicated Head of Service
• Extensive training programme, including funded apprenticeships up to degree level

• Supervising and supporting Children at all times- nothing gets by without you noticing!
• Ensuring the Club V environment is a safe, attractive and welcoming environment for all children
• Having a friendly, calm and approachable nature is crucial along with the ability to act quickly and effectively
• Adhering to all company and government policies & procedures
• You love working in a team, and have the drive to inspire and motivate others
• Having excellent communication skills, and always willing to support both staff and members, and can effectively build relationships with parents and care givers

• You have a minimum Level 3 qualification in a child related field, alongside previous experience working with children (please note Health and Social Care does not cover the required qualification)

• 30 days (including bank holidays) annual leave - and we want you take them
• Access to The Peoples Pension, with our contributions at 3%
• Complimentary Virgin Active membership for you and a buddy. You can also get free membership for your children too, ability to take advantage of our Club V
• We want you to love Virgin Active like we do, so you get discounts across Virgin active - everything from guest passes and PT sessions to discounts on health and beauty treatment and products
• We have more discounts to offer across the Virgin Group, from Virgin Media to Virgin Atlantic - who doesn't love a discount!
• Financial fitness is just as important as physical, so we offer access to Salary Finance. They can support you with loans and savings plans, as well as help you become a personal finance expert
• Mental health is a cornerstone of wellbeing. Our BUPA employer assistance programme is there when you need a helping hand with 4 free counselling sessions
• We know finding a new home to rent can be stressful. We partner with Dexters who offer complimentary corporate letting services - meaning no tenant charges
• Access to ePoints, offering loads of online discounts to retailers such as Amazon, ASOS and Adidas
• Always wanted to take that Nutrition course? Well VA offer discount on all their Academy courses, trained by the very best

• Junior Activities Assistant.pdf (508.24 KB)

• Has at least 3 years' experience in children's social care or residential settings.
• Holds a QCF Level 4 or NVQ Level 3 or 4 in a relevant field.
• Confident in leading shifts, mentoring staff and managing risk.
• Understands children's legislation and safeguarding practices.

• Generous annual leave allocation, 25 days (rising to 32 days after five years' service) plus eight days bank holidays and two extra statutory days
• Comprehensive Local Government Pension Scheme
• Flexible Working arrangements
• Health and Wellbeing Initiatives including wellness programs and other services including Occupational Health Services, Cycle to work scheme, Eyesight test contribution and our Employee Assistance Programme
• Generous annual leave, maternity, paternity, and adoption leave policies.
• Access to various discounts (e.g. Viv Up) on products and services, including local businesses, national retailers, and car purchase schemes.
• Free parking and all meals/drinks included when on shift
• Stable experienced management team and dedicated Head of Service
• Extensive training programme, including funded apprenticeships up to degree level