Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare (England) - RQF

• Access Duration: 12 Months
• Awarded by: NCFE CACHE  
• Guided Learning Hours: 466
• Total Qualification Time: 610
• Qualification Level: 3
• Qualification Number: 601/4852/4 
• UCAS Points: 32 

• Gain in-depth knowledge of physical, emotional, social, and cognitive development in children and young people. Emotional and social development is also a key focus, as you explore how children form relationships, manage their emotions, and interact with others.
• Learn to support children and young people in developing resilience, self-confidence, and emotional well-being. Be able to support children and young people in overcoming adversity and developing a sense of self-worth.
• Understand the importance of secure relationships and attachments in a residential childcare setting. Explore the significance of forming positive and consistent relationships with children, which provide them with a sense of safety, trust, and emotional support.
• Develop the skills to identify and respond to safeguarding concerns, ensuring a safe and protective environment for children. Gain awareness of the risks and signs of exploitation and learn how to implement protective measures.
• Develop effective communication techniques to build trust and positive interactions with children. Learn how to listen actively, use language that is age-appropriate, and provide emotional support through empathetic and understanding dialogue.

• Residential childcare workers – residential childcare workers are directly involved in the day-to-day care of children in residential settings, such as children’s homes, foster care agencies, and residential schools.
• Childcare workers – childcare workers will learn how to provide consistent care, establish trust with the children, and help promote their emotional and physical well-being.
• Childcare managers – for individuals in or aspiring to managerial roles within childcare settings. It also develops leadership and managerial skills.
• Deputies and assistant managers – gain the skills to step into leadership roles, support the professional development of teams, and contribute to improving the quality of care in their setting.

The Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare (England) opens up a wide range of rewarding career prospects within the childcare and social care sectors. This qualification prepares you to work with children and young people in residential settings, where they can provide essential care and support. You are equipped with the skills to pursue roles such as Residential Childcare Worker, Support Worker, and Childcare Practitioner, often working in children’s homes, residential care facilities, or supported living arrangements. You will gain a solid foundation to work with vulnerable children, ensuring their safety, well-being, and development through nurturing care practices. If you’re seeking to progress further, this Residential Childcare (England) Diploma will enable you to step into more senior roles, becoming a Team Leader or Residential Care Manager. Furthermore, you can choose to continue your studies in areas such as social care, youth services, or psychology.

Here are some career prospects you can explore, once you’ve achieved the Level 3 Diploma.

• Residential Childcare Supervisor
• Residential Childcare Manager
• Childcare Practitioner
• Childcare Worker
• Deputy Manager in a Residential Childcare
• Assistant Manager in a Residential Childcare

• Learners over the age of 18 years are eligible to enrol for the course.
• It is recommended that learners have a Level 2 qualification or equivalent.
• Learners will need to be working, volunteering, or on practical placement in a residential childcare setting, as they need to show competence in both knowledge and skills.

• This Level 3 Diploma can be completed over the course of one year. Some learners may complete the course quicker, depending on their personal circumstances and available study time. We will accommodate your pace, providing unlimited support for 12 months.
• The NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare (England) requires approximately 466 guided study hours. This figure is an estimate and depends on how much time you can dedicate to your studies and how quickly you grasp the teaching, learning concepts, and course materials.

Written Assignments: You will complete written assignments to showcase your understanding and application of relevant knowledge. These assignments will be evaluated by a qualified assessor. You will receive detailed, constructive feedback and guidance from your personal tutor to help you improve and succeed.

Workplace Observations: You will be required to undergo direct observation in a residential care setting to demonstrate your practical skills. For those learners who have no previous experience of working in residential childcare, it is recommended that 400 hours be spent in a Real Work Environment.

Portfolio of Evidence: You will compile a portfolio that includes documentation and other proof of your competency.

Witness Testimonies: You may also provide witness testimonies or statements from your supervisor, line manager, or another qualified individual who is familiar with your role and the standards required to achieve this qualification.

Assessor Support: You will have full access to your assessor for guidance and support through telephone, WhatsApp, online discussions, email, and web chats.

For further details or any specific questions about the assessment process, please click the ‘Enquire Now’ button below to get in touch with us.

A possible next step of Academic Progression Pathway:

• Step 01: Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare (England)
• Step 02: Foundation Degree in Social Work, Childhood Studies, or Youth Studies
• Step 03: Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, Childhood Studies, or Youth Studies

Additional qualifications you can progress to:

• Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care and Children and Young People’s Services
• Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS)

Ofqual-regulated qualifications are overseen by the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual) in England. Ofqual is England’s main government-appointed regulatory body regulating school, college, and vocational qualifications in the UK. Ofqual ensures these qualifications meet high standards of quality and rigour, providing assurance they are recognised and respected by employers, educational institutions, and professional bodies. This oversight guarantees the qualifications maintain consistency, transparency, and credibility, meaning potential employers and organisations will have confidence in the individual’s skills and abilities, making them competitive candidates. They support professional development and compliance with industry standards, particularly in regulated fields such as healthcare, education, and public services. Ofqual-regulated qualifications are accepted abroad or can be easily converted to the country’s equivalent.

RQF

The Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) is a system used in England, Northern Ireland, and Wales to categorise and regulate qualifications based on their level of difficulty and size. RQF is jointly regulated by England’s regulator Ofqual, Wales DCELLS, and Northern Ireland’s CCEA. The RQF ensures qualifications are standardised, making it easier for learners, employers, and educational institutions to understand the value and level of each qualification. The framework consists of nine levels, from Entry Level to Level 8, with each level indicating the complexity and depth of learning. For a qualification to be recognised as part of the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF), it must be created or approved by an awarding body that is acknowledged by one of the government-appointed regulatory bodies.