07 – 12 Months
ATHE
Overview
This is a Level 3 qualification (RQF) intended for people working—or preparing to work— in residential childcare settings in England. It has been designated under the Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015 as the required qualification for those taking up roles in children’s homes.
It aims to develop the knowledge and skills needed to support children and young people living away from home, including aspects such as development, attachment, health, and safeguarding.
Equivalences
The NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare (England) is regulated on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) at Level 3, which is equivalent in academic level to:
- A Level qualifications
- Level 3 BTEC Diplomas
- Access to Higher Education Diplomas
UCAS Points
This qualification carry UCAS tariff points. Applicants are advised to consult the official UCAS website for confirmation of the current points allocation and to obtain the most up-to-date information regarding university entry requirements.
Delivery Methods
To cater to different learning styles and preferences, the London College of Professional Studies (LCPS) offers a range of flexible delivery methods, allowing learners to study in a way that suits their needs and schedules.
Learners will be able to:
Access all course materials – including online modules, study guides, and written assignments.- Receive expert tutor support throughout the course.
- Use the LCPS Online Learning Portal – available 24/7, providing a user-friendly platform for all study resources.
- Obtain detailed assignment briefings to guide assessment preparation.
- Access high-quality study notes designed to support learning and understanding.
- Receive assignment feedback and marks to monitor progress and improvement.
- Earn a fully accredited UK qualification upon successful completion.
- Get dedicated customer support via chat, telephone, or email (Monday to Friday).
- Enjoy full academic and administrative support from enrolment to course completion.
Duration
Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare is available in 2 modes:
- 07 Months (Fast Track)
- 12 Months
Accreditation
Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare is accredited by Ofqual awarding body.
Course Delivery
- Online
Entry Requirements
- Learners must be 18 years and above.
- There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification, but learner must have background in residential childcare to complete this course.
Do you need to be working to take this qualification?
Learners will need to be working, volunteering or on practical placement in a residential childcare setting, as they need to show competence in both knowledge and skills.
Who is it suitable for?
The NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare (England) is suitable for individuals who are working, or aspire to work, with children and young people in residential care settings.
It is ideal for those who wish to:
- Develop the skills and knowledge required to provide safe, high-quality care and support to children and young people living away from home.
- Meet the qualification requirements set out in the Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015 for staff working in residential childcare.
- Progress in their career towards supervisory or leadership roles within children’s homes, residential care, or other social care environments.
Module Structure
- 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.
Required Units
| Unit title | Level | Credit | Unit Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Understand the development of children and young people in residential childcare | 3 | 3 | Knowledge |
| Understand how to safeguard and protect children and young people in residential childcare | 3 | 7 | Knowledge |
| Understand how to support children and young people who have experienced harm or abuse | 3 | 3 | Knowledge |
| Promote effective communication and information handling in residential childcare settings | 3 | 3 | Knowledge/ Skills |
| Support risk management in residential childcare | 3 | 2 | Knowledge/ Skills |
| Assessment and planning with children and young people in residential childcare | 3 | 3 | Knowledge/ Skills |
| Support group living in residential childcare | 3 | 3 | Knowledge/ Skills |
| Understand how to support positive outcomes for children and young people in residential childcare | 3 | 2 | Knowledge |
| Support attachment and positive relationships for children and young people in residential childcare | 3 | 4 | Knowledge/ Skills |
| Support the well-being and resilience of children and young people in residential childcare | 3 | 3 | Knowledge/ Skills |
| Support children and young people in residential childcare to achieve their learning potential | 3 | 4 | Knowledge/ Skills |
| Support children and young people in residential childcare to manage their health | 3 | 2 | Knowledge/ Skills |
| Support the development of socially aware behaviour with children and young people in residential childcare | 3 | 5 | Knowledge/ Skills |
| Engage in professional development in residential childcare settings | 3 | 3 | Knowledge/ Skills |
| Support the rights, diversity and equality of children and young people in residential childcare | 3 | 3 | Knowledge/ Skills |
| Participate in teams to benefit children and young people in residential childcare | 3 | 3 | Knowledge/ Skills |
Optional Units
| Unit title | Level | Credit | Unit Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Understand the care system and its impact on children and young people | 4 | 3 | Knowledge |
| Understand the youth justice system as it relates to residential childcare | 4 | 3 | Knowledge |
| Support young people leaving care | 3 | 6 | Knowledge/ Skills |
| Understand residential childcare for children and young people with complex disabilities or conditions | 3 | 3 | Knowledge |
| Understand support for young people with complex disabilities or conditions making the transition into adulthood | 3 | 3 | Knowledge |
| Work with the families of children and young people in residential childcare | 3 | 2 | Knowledge/ Skills |
| Support use of medication in social care settings | 3 | 5 | Knowledge/ Skills |
What could this qualification lead to?
Learners undertaking this qualification may work in job roles such as:- Residential Childcare Worker
- Children’s Home Support Worker
- Residential Support Worker
- Care Assistant for children and young people
- Key Worker in residential or semi-independent living services
- Senior Support Worker
- Team Leader
- Deputy Manager
- Children’s Home Manager (with further study and experience).
- The University of Sunderland
- The University of Portsmouth
- The University of Northampton
- The University of Central Lancashire (UCLan)
- Buckinghamshire New University
Progression
Learners may progress to higher-level qualifications such as the:- Level 4 Certificate in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare
- Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare
- Foundation Degree or BA (Hons) in fields such as Health and Social Care, Childcare, Youth Work, or Social Work.
Assessment
All units will be internally assessed using standard methods:- Coursework
- Portfolio of evidence
- Practical demonstration/assignment.
