Qualification Overview

The NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare (England) is a nationally recognised qualification designed for individuals working in residential childcare settings. It develops the knowledge, skills and competence required to support children and young people aged 5-19 in residential care environments. This qualification is mandatory for residential childcare workers as required by the Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and aligns with Ofsted and Care Quality Commission (CQC) standards.

Aims and Objectives

The Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare aims to:

• Develop skills to support children and young people in residential settings
• Promote health, safety and well-being in care environments
• Enable practitioners to support young people who have experienced trauma or abuse
• Build competence in safeguarding and promoting positive outcomes
• Prepare learners for leadership and supervisory roles in residential childcare
• Ensure compliance with national standards and regulatory frameworks

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand child development, attachment theories and resilience
• Implement safeguarding procedures and risk management
• Develop skills in communication, therapeutic interventions and trauma-informed care
• Work effectively in multi-disciplinary teams to support young people
• Facilitate education, social development and independence for children in care

Course Duration

• Standard Completion: 12-18 months
• Fast Track: 9-12 months (for experienced professionals)

Entry Requirements

• Minimum Age: 18+
• Work Environment: Learners must be working in a real residential childcare setting.
• Skills: Basic literacy, numeracy and IT skills are required.
• Prior Learning: No formal qualifications required, but Level 2 in Childcare or Health & Social Care is recommended.

Who is this Course for?

• Residential Childcare Workers supporting children in care homes
• Individuals working with children and young people with trauma, abuse, or behavioural needs
• Family Support Workers helping young people transition to independence
• Professionals seeking a career in therapeutic childcare or social work

Qualification Structure

To achieve this Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare (England), learners must complete 16 mandatory units and choose at least 3 credits from optional units.

Mandatory Units (All Must Be Completed)

• Understand How to Support Positive Outcomes for Children and Young People in Residential Childcare
• Assessment and Planning With Children and Young People in Residential Childcare 
• Understand How to Support Children and Young People Who Have Experienced Harm or Abuse
• Promote Effective Communication and Information Handling in Residential Childcare Settings 
• Support Children and Young People in Residential Childcare to Manage Their Health 
• Participate in Teams to Benefit Children and Young People in Residential Childcare 
• Understand the Development of Children and Young People in Residential Childcare 
• Engage in Professional Development in Residential Childcare Settings
• Support Risk Management in Residential Childcare 
• Support Group Living in Residential Childcare
• Support Children and Young People in Residential Childcare to Achieve Their Learning Potential 
• Support Attachment and Positive Relationships for Children and Young People in Residential Childcare 
• Support the Rights, Diversity and Equality of Children and Young People in Residential Childcare 
• Support the Well-Being and Resilience of Children and Young People in Residential Childcare 
• Understand How to Safeguard and Protect Children and Young People in Residential Childcare 
• Support the Development of Socially Aware Behaviour With Children and Young People in Residential Childcare 

Assessment Methods

• Workplace Observations – Assessors observe learners in practice.
• Reflective Accounts – Learner’s document experiences supporting children.
• Professional Discussions – Assessors conduct discussions on key topics.
• Written Assignments – Learners complete structured theoretical tasks.
• Portfolio of Evidence – Compilation of assessments, case studies and reports.

Learners must demonstrate practical childcare skills in a real work setting.

Career Progression & Pathways

• NCFE CACHE Level 4 Certificate in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare
• NCFE CACHE Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care (Residential Pathway)
• Higher Education (Degree in Social Work, Youth Work, or Psychology)

Career Opportunities

• Residential Childcare Worker – Supporting young people in care homes.
• Senior Residential Support Worker – Leading a team in a children’s home.
• Family Support Worker – Helping young people transition into independence.
• Youth Worker – Supporting young people in community and residential settings.
• Children’s Home Deputy Manager – Managing operations and staff in residential care.

Salary Expectations

• Residential Childcare Worker: £22,000 – £28,000 per year
• Senior Residential Support Worker: £28,000 – £35,000 per year
• Children’s Home Deputy Manager: £35,000 – £42,000 per year
• Registered Manager (Level 5+ required): £45,000 – £60,000 per year