Qualification Overview

The NCFE CACHE Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare (England) is a nationally recognised qualification designed for managers, leaders and senior practitioners in children’s residential care settings.

It develops the knowledge, skills and leadership expertise required to manage care homes for children and young people aged 5-19 in line with the Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and Ofsted requirements. This mandatory qualification replaces the Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care (Residential Pathway) and is required for Registered Managers of children’s homes.

Aims and Objectives

The Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare aims to:

• Develop strategic leadership and management skills in residential childcare
• Enable learners to manage safeguarding, quality assurance, and compliance
• Support children and young people’s development, well-being, and independence
• Prepare learners to become Registered Managers of children’s homes
• Ensure compliance with Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand child development and trauma-informed care
• Implement safeguarding, risk management, and behavioural support strategies
• Lead staff teams, supervision, and professional development
• Manage partnership working, compliance, and multi-agency collaboration
• Oversee financial, operational, and regulatory responsibilities in children’s homes

Course Duration

Standard Completion: 12-24 months
Fast Track: 9-12 months (for experienced managers)

Entry Requirements

• Minimum Age: 19+
• Work Environment: Learners must be working in a real leadership or management role in a children’s residential care setting.
• Skills: Strong literacy, numeracy and IT skills are required.
• Prior Learning: Ideally, learners should have a Level 3 or Level 4 qualification in Residential Childcare or Leadership & Management.
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Who is this Course for?

• Registered Managers and Deputy Managers in children’s residential homes
• Senior Residential Childcare Practitioners seeking promotion
• Individuals responsible for leading teams and ensuring compliance in residential childcare
• Professionals looking to register with Ofsted as a Children’s Home Manager
• Those aiming to progress to Level 7 Strategic Leadership or University Degrees

Qualification Structure

To achieve this Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare (England), learners must complete 57 mandatory credits and at least 8 credits from optional units, totalling 65 credits.

Mandatory Units (All Must Be Completed – 57 Credits)

• Lead Practice for Communication and Information Management in Residential Childcare Settings 
• Understand Support for Children and Young People Who Are Vulnerable and Disadvantaged 
• Lead Practice to Achieve Positive Outcomes for Children and Young People in Residential Childcare
• Lead a Service That Can Support Children or Young People Who Have Experienced Harm or Abuse 
• Undertake Professional Development in Residential Childcare Settings
• Manage Risk in Residential Childcare 
• Lead and Manage Group Living in Residential Childcare 
• Lead and Manage a Team Within a Residential Childcare Setting 
• Lead Practice in Safe Use of Digital, Internet and Mobile Technology With Children and Young People 
• Understand Children and Young People’s Development in Residential Childcare 
• Lead Practice to Support the Safeguarding and Protection of Children and Young People in Residential Childcare 
• Lead Networks and Multi-Agency Work to Benefit Children and Young People in Residential Childcare 
• Implement a Positive Relationship Policy in Residential Childcare 
• Lead Practice to Promote the Rights, Diversity and Equality of Children and Young People in Residential Childcare 
• Lead Practice to Support the Well-Being and Resilience of Children and Young People in Residential Childcare

Learners must demonstrate leadership skills and regulatory compliance in a real work setting.

Assessment Methods

Workplace Observations – Assessors observe learners leading teams and managing services. Reflective Accounts – Learners document experiences of leadership and service improvement.
Professional Discussions – Assessors conduct discussions on key management topics.
Written Assignments – Learners complete structured theoretical tasks.
Portfolio of Evidence – Compilation of assessments, action plans and compliance reports.

Career Progression & Pathways

• NCFE CACHE Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Leadership in Health & Social Care
• University Degrees in Social Work, Child Psychology, or Leadership & Management

Career Opportunities

• Registered Manager (Children’s Home) – Managing services, safeguarding and compliance.
• Deputy Children’s Home Manager – Assisting with operational and team leadership.
• Compliance or Quality Assurance Manager – Ensuring regulatory standards in residential childcare.
• Children’s Services Operations Manager – Overseeing multiple children’s homes.
• Early Years & Social Care Consultant – Advising on best practices in residential childcare.

Salary Expectations

• Deputy Manager: £35,000 – £42,000 per year
• Registered Manager (Ofsted Registered): £45,000 – £60,000 per year
• Operations Manager: £60,000+ per year