Diploma in Residential Childcare

This is the required qualification for staff working within children’s homes and it must be gained within 2 years of starting post.

It’s designed for learners wanting to work in residential care with children in a care role. Settings can include residential care homes (And specialist), residential special schools, therapeutic communities, secure children’s homes, shared care, and short break settings.

This qualification will develop the knowledge and skills needed when working with children and young people in a residential childcare setting, including an understanding of child and young person development.

This diploma is independently funded by the learner or the employer and is not subject to any Government funding or support. 

What is Covered?

The qualification enables the learner to gain essential skills and knowledge to support children and young people in residential childcare settings, including: wellbeing and resilience, positive relationships and attachments, health and safety, sexual exploitation, communication, positive behaviour and positive outcomes.

It also offers the learner the opportunity to cover optional topics which are particularly suited to specific residential childcare and respite care settings. Learners must achieve 61 credits. 53 credits must be achieved from Mandatory Group A. Learners must also complete a minimum of 3 Optional Units from Optional Group B, to achieve a minimum of 8 credits

16 mandatory units covering knowledge and skills including:

Support children and young people in residential childcare to manage their health

Support group living

Assessment and planning with children and young people in residential childcare

Support the well-being and resilience of children and young people in residential childcare

Supporting children and young people who have experienced harm and abuse

All units will be internally assessed using standard methods, such as professional discussions, workplace evidence, observations & assignments. Support given through e-portfolio system, emails/calls and resources.

Who is it For?

This qualification provides plenty of opportunity to develop a career in a fast-paced and rewarding sector. Career progression following this diploma includes: 

• Residential childcare workers
• Registered residential childcare managers, deputies and assistant managers (further professional development / qualification may be required once in post)
• Managers, deputy and assistant managers in other adult or children and young people’s social care settings (further professional development/qualification may be required once in post).

It also offers progression opportunities for careers and employment in teaching or social care.

Learners should be at least 16 years old.