The NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People’s Workforce (England) (Social Care) is a vocational qualification designed to develop the knowledge, practical competence, and professional skills required for individuals working with children and young people in social care environments.

This qualification prepares learners to work with children and young people from birth to 19 years in a wide range of care settings, helping them support development, wellbeing, safeguarding, and positive life outcomes.

The Social Care pathway is designed for those wishing to work in children’s residential care, fostering support, family support services, youth support, and other children’s social care roles.

The programme combines theoretical understanding with workplace competence, ensuring learners can confidently work with children and young people in real professional settings.

Qualification Details

• Level: Level 3

• Minimum Entry Age: 16 years

• Total Qualification Time (TQT): Approximately 650 hours

• Guided Learning Hours (GLH): Approximately 422 hours

• Credit Value: 65 credits

• Qualification Number: 601/3474/4

The qualification is recognised across England and supports occupational competence within children’s social care services.

Aims and Objectives

The qualification aims to develop the practical and theoretical knowledge required for professional practice in children and young people’s social care.

The key objectives include:

• Developing professional competence in children’s social care practice.

• Understanding child and young person development from birth to 19 years.

• Promoting safeguarding, wellbeing, resilience, and positive outcomes.

• Building communication and partnership-working skills.

• Developing knowledge of equality, inclusion, and diversity.

• Preparing learners to work independently in children’s care environments.

Overall, the programme equips learners with the skills and professional understanding needed to support children and young people in a variety of social care contexts. 

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the course, learners will be able to:

• Support children and young people’s physical, emotional, and social development.

• Apply safeguarding procedures and child protection practices.

• Develop positive professional relationships with children, families, and multidisciplinary teams.

• Promote equality, inclusion, and anti-discriminatory practice.

• Assess needs and plan support interventions.

• Support children and young people through transitions and challenging circumstances.

• Apply professional boundaries, duty of care, and ethical practice.

• Work independently in children’s social care settings.

These outcomes help learners build both occupational competence and professional confidence in children’s services.

Course Duration

The qualification typically takes between 12 and 24 months to complete depending on the study mode, employment status, and workplace assessment arrangements.

Learning commitments generally include:

• Total Qualification Time: Approximately 650 hours

• Guided Learning Hours: Approximately 422 hours

• Workplace practice and competency assessment

• Portfolio development

• Reflective practice activities

• Professional discussions and observations

The course may be delivered through:

• Classroom-based learning

• Apprenticeship delivery

• Blended learning (online and face-to-face)

• Workplace-based assessment

Entry Requirements

Typical entry requirements include:

• Learners must be at least 16 years old.

• Learners should be working, volunteering, or have access to placement in a children’s social care setting.

• Good communication and interpersonal skills are recommended.

• Some training providers may require a Level 2 qualification in childcare, health and social care, or a related subject.

• Learners should demonstrate emotional maturity, professionalism, and the ability to work with vulnerable children and young people. 

Who is this Course for?

This qualification is suitable for individuals who want to work or are already working in children’s social care services.

It is particularly appropriate for:

• Residential Childcare Workers

• Family Support Workers

• Youth Support Workers

• Foster Care Support Workers

• Community Support Workers

• Children’s Services Practitioners

• Social Care Assistants

• Learning Mentors

The qualification is also suitable for professionals looking to progress into supervisory roles within children’s social care services.

Qualification Structure

To achieve the qualification, learners must successfully complete:

• 14 core mandatory units

• Additional optional units to achieve the required 65 credits

The qualification is divided into:

• Shared core units

• Social Care pathway units

• Optional specialist units

This structure allows learners to develop broad professional competence while specialising in social care practice.

Mandatory Units

The qualification includes the following core mandatory units:

• Engage in Personal Development in Health, Social Care or Children’s and Young People’s Settings

• Promote Communication in Health, Social Care or Children’s and Young People’s Settings

• Promote Equality and Inclusion in Health, Social Care or Children’s and Young People’s Settings

• Principles for Implementing Duty of Care

• Develop Positive Relationships with Children, Young People and Others

• Understand Child and Young Person Development

• Promote Child and Young Person Development

• Understand How to Safeguard the Wellbeing of Children and Young People

• Support Children and Young People’s Health and Safety

• Working Together for the Benefit of Children and Young People

• Understand How to Support Positive Outcomes for Children and Young People

• Promote the Well-being and Resilience of Children and Young People

• Professional Practice in Children and Young People’s Social Care

• Assessment and Planning with Children and Young People

These units develop occupational competence required in children’s social care practice.

Assessment Methods

Assessment is carried out through competence-based and knowledge-based assessment rather than formal examinations.

Common assessment methods include:

• Workplace observations

• Written assignments

• Professional discussions

• Reflective accounts

• Witness testimonies

• Case studies

• Portfolio of evidence

• Assessor reviews

Some optional units may include externally assessed components depending on unit selection.

Career Progression & Pathways

After completing this qualification, learners may progress to further study or advanced professional roles.

Possible progression routes include:

• Level 4 qualifications in children’s care or leadership

• Level 5 diplomas in leadership for health, social care, and children’s services

• Higher education programmes in social work, child development, psychology, or youth work

• Specialist safeguarding or family support qualifications

Career Opportunities

Successful learners may progress into roles such as:

• Children’s Support Worker

• Residential Childcare Worker

• Family Support Worker

• Youth Support Worker

• Foster Care Support Worker

• Community Outreach Worker

• Behaviour Support Practitioner

• Social Care Practitioner

The qualification supports learners to work unsupervised in many children’s workforce roles.

Salary Expectations

Salary levels depend on employer, region, experience, and job role.

Typical salary ranges may include:

• Support Worker: £22,000 – £30,000 per year

• Residential Childcare Worker: £24,000 – £35,000 per year

• Family Support Worker: £25,000 – £38,000 per year

• Senior Practitioner or Team Leader: £35,000 – £45,000+ per year

Professionals who progress into management or specialist safeguarding roles may earn higher salaries.

Payment Options

Payment options vary depending on the training provider delivering the qualification.

Common options include:

• Full upfront payment

• Monthly instalment plans