Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare
The Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare has been specified by the sector skills council Skills for Care, in consultation with employers, learning providers and those who use services in the Residential Childcare sector. This qualification constitutes part of the children's homes regulations which came into force in April 2015.
About this qualification
This level 3 residential childcare diploma qualification is designed for those working in residential childcare settings. The course covers the knowledge and skills required to work in residential childcare, including safeguarding, supporting children's development, and promoting positive behaviour. The course has a 325 guided learning hours requirement.
Course Structure
To gain this qualification, learners must complete the following units:
| Unit Number | Unit Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Understand the development of children and young people in residential childcare | 3 |
| 2 | Understand how to safeguard and protect children and young people in residential childcare | 3 |
| 3 | Understand how to support children and young people who have experienced harm or abuse | 3 |
| 4 | Support group living in residential childcare | 4 |
| 5 | Understand how to support positive outcomes for children and young people in residential childcare | 3 |
| 6 | Support attachment and positive relationships for children and young people in residential childcare | 2 |
| 7 | Support the well-being and resilience of children and young people in residential childcare | 3 |
| 8 | Support children and young people in residential childcare to achieve their learning potential | 3 |
| 9 | Support children and young people in residential childcare to manage their health | 3 |
Course Delivery and Support
Online (Distance Learning)
Our online distance learning option allows you to complete this course at your own pace from the comfort of your home or workplace. You will be assigned a dedicated personal tutor who will provide expert guidance, constructive feedback, and individual support throughout your course. All learning materials, assignment templates, and study guides are accessible 24/7 via our online learning portal.
Blended Learning
Blended learning combines the flexibility of independent online study with targeted face-to-face or live virtual workshops. This option allows you to work through theory assignments in your own time while benefiting from interactive practical sessions.
How long is this course level 3 diploma in residential childcare?
Key Facts
We expect learners to complete the course within 6 to 12 months depending on study pace and access to workplace evidence.
Entry Requirements
This course is open to anyone working in or aspiring to work in a residential childcare setting. Learners will be expected to have basic numeracy, literacy and IT skills. You are required to have access to the internet, computer and a word processor.
Assessment
The course is assessed by a portfolio of evidence. Assessment methods include prior learning, assignments, reflective accounts, witness statements, questioning, observations of practice and work products.
What can I do after completion?
You can go on to complete the Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare (England) or higher education qualifications.
How This Fits with the Other Childcare and Young People Qualifications
| Qualification | Price | Credits | GLH | Evidence/competency requirement | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People's Workforce | £995 | 65 minimum | 443 | Real workplace evidence: witness statements, observations of practice, work products | 5 to 12 months |
| Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare (this course) | £995 | 29 | 325 | Real workplace evidence within a residential childcare setting specifically | 6 to 12 months |
| Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Children's Services | £1200 | 23 | Not stated | Real workplace evidence in a leadership or management role | 6 to 18 months |
| Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare | £1200 | 65 minimum | 488 | Real workplace evidence in a residential childcare leadership role, the Ofsted-required registered manager qualification | 6 to 12 months |
This Diploma is the residential-specific counterpart to the generic Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People's Workforce, both cost the same and are practice based, but this one focuses specifically on residential settings, safeguarding survivors of harm and abuse, group living support, and attachment and relationships, at fewer credits and GLH than the generic diploma. It leads directly towards the Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare, the qualification Ofsted's regulations require for registered managers of children's homes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to already be working in a residential childcare setting to take this course?
You need to either be working in one already or be aspiring to work in one, since assessment relies on witness statements, observations of practice and real work products from a residential childcare environment. If you're not yet in a residential setting but working towards one, contact us to discuss whether you'll be able to gather the required evidence.
How is this different from the Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People's Workforce?
Both are practice-based qualifications assessed the same way, through witness statements, observations and work products, but this Diploma is specific to residential childcare, covering units like supporting survivors of harm or abuse and group living support, while the generic diploma spans three broader pathways across the wider children and young people's workforce.
Does this qualification lead towards becoming a registered manager?
Yes, it's the natural first step. The Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare, the qualification Ofsted's regulations require registered managers of children's homes to hold, builds directly on the residential-specific knowledge and practice this Level 3 Diploma covers.
What evidence will I need to provide?
A portfolio built from prior learning, written assignments, reflective accounts, witness statements from colleagues or supervisors, questioning by your assessor, direct observations of your practice, and work products from your residential childcare role. This isn't a knowledge-only qualification, real evidence from your setting is central to it.
Enrolment (Costs and Signing up)
Our course fees are fully inclusive and cover awarding body registration, dedicated tutor support, tutorial guidance, access to online learning resources, portfolio assessments, quality assurance and certification. There are no hidden fees. Payment is required within 5 days of booking.
The Full cost of the Level 3 Diploma is £995. This can also be paid by 10 monthly instalments. Each instalment is £105.
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