NCFE CACHE Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare

Qual No: 601/4845/7

Overview

The Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare (England) is an advanced vocational qualification (RQF Level 5) designed for senior practitioners and managers in children’s residential care environments. It instructs learners in the leadership and management of residential childcare services, teams, and processes for young people and teens.

It is intended to guarantee that individuals in leadership positions possess the requisite knowledge, skills, and professional competence mandated by regulatory frameworks for children’s homes.

Birth to 25 years (extended age range takes account of entitlements for children and young people with complex disabilities or conditions).

Do you need to be working to take this qualification?

Learners will need to be working in the role of Deputy or Manager in an appropriate setting, or have the opportunity to carry out responsibilities associated with these roles, to be able to study for the Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare (England).

Equivalences

The NCFE CACHE Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare (England) is regulated on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) at Level 5.

This means it is academically equivalent to:

• A Foundation Degree
• A Higher National Diploma (HND)
• The second year of a three-year Bachelor’s Degree programme in the UK

Delivery Methods

The London College of Professional Studies (LCPS) offers both online learning and blended learning options. Learners can choose the mode of study that best suits their personal and professional commitments.

Learners are able to:

• Access all course materials, including online modules and written assignments.
• Receive continuous support from qualified tutors.
• Access the LCPS online learning portal 24/7, providing a user-friendly and flexible study experience.
• Obtain detailed assignment briefings and comprehensive study notes.
• Receive assignment marking and constructive feedback.
• Study fully accredited UK qualifications.
• Benefit from dedicated customer support via chat, telephone, or email (Monday to Friday).
• Receive full academic and administrative support throughout the duration of the course until completion.

Duration

Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare is available in 2 modes:

• 09 Months (Fast Track)
• 14 Months

Accreditation

Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare is accredited by Ofqual awarding body.

Course Delivery

• Online

Entry Requirements

• There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification; however, learners are expected to hold a Level 3 or Level 4 qualification in a related field, such as Residential Childcare or Early Years Education.
• Learners should ideally be working in a residential childcare setting or have access to such an environment to demonstrate the required leadership and management competencies.

Module Structure

Learners must achieve 65 credits.

57 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

Optional Units

Who is it suitable for?

The NCFE CACHE Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare (England) is suitable for individuals working, or intending to work, in management and leadership roles within children’s residential care settings.

It is designed for:

• Deputy Managers, Team Leaders, and Residential Childcare Managers responsible for supervising staff and leading practice.
• Experienced practitioners seeking to progress into senior leadership positions.
• Professionals aiming to meet the qualification requirements set by the Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015.

Progression

Learners may progress to higher-level qualifications such as the:

• Level 6 Diploma or Degree in Health and Social Care, Childhood Studies, or Social Work.
• BA (Hons) in Leadership and Management, or BA (Hons) in Working with Children and Young People.
• Top-Up Degree programmes in related fields at recognised UK universities

Assessment

All units will be internally assessed using standard methods:

• Coursework
• Portfolio of evidence
• Practical demonstration/assignment

What could this qualification lead to?

Learners can advance into a range of senior positions within the residential childcare sector, including:

• Registered Manager
• Deputy Manager
• Residential Childcare Leader or Coordinator
• Team Leader or Senior Practitioner

It supports compliance with the Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015, which require all managers in children’s homes to hold a relevant Level 5 qualification.
This qualification strengthens professional credibility and prepares learners to lead, manage, and improve the quality of care and outcomes for children and young people in residential settings.

Learners who complete this qualification with the London College of Professional Studies (LCPS) may progress to further study at a range of recognised UK universities.

Learners may progress to universities such as:

• The University of Sunderland
• The University of Portsmouth
• The University of Northampton
• The University of Central Lancashire (UCLan)
• Buckinghamshire New University