Level 3 Residential Childcare Course. Work-based training at your workplace. You study while working, volunteering, or on placement in a residential childcare setting. The course builds knowledge of child and young person development alongside the practical skills needed in a residential environment. Under The Children's Homes (England) Regulations 2015, this is the required residential childcare qualification for the sector. You must be at least 18. The course typically takes 12 months.
Who this course is for
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. Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare (England) serves as the required qualification under The Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015.
Entry requirements
Minimum age of learner is 18 years old. 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. For those learners who have no previous experience of working in residential childcare, it is recommended that 400 hours be spent in a Real Work Environment.
What you will learn
You'll develop your understanding of child and young person development in residential settings.
You'll learn how to support the health, wellbeing, and safety of children and young people.
You'll build skills in safeguarding and child protection within a residential childcare context.
You'll understand how to support positive behaviour and relationships with children and young people.
You'll learn how to work within relevant legislation, regulations, and professional standards.
You'll develop skills in planning and reviewing care to meet individual needs.
You'll understand how to communicate effectively with children, families, and colleagues.
How you will learn
Learning takes place in your residential childcare workplace. You'll build a portfolio of evidence drawn from your day-to-day practice, demonstrating both knowledge and competence. Assessment includes observations in the workplace, professional discussions, and written tasks. Learners with no previous residential childcare experience are advised to complete at least 400 hours in a real work environment before or during the qualification.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Yorkshire Training Partnership will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Residential childcare worker. Supporting children and young people in a children's home.
Senior residential childcare worker. Leading shifts and mentoring junior staff.
Key worker. Holding lead responsibility for named young people in residential care.
Children's home deputy manager. Stepping into a supervisory management role.
Support worker. Working with young people with additional needs in residential settings.
Leaving care worker. Supporting young people transitioning out of residential care.
What you could study next
Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare (England). Required for registered managers of children's homes under Ofsted regulations. The natural next step if you want to move into management.
Level 4 Certificate in Leading and Managing Residential Childcare. A stepping stone toward the Level 5 for those moving into senior or deputy roles.
Level 3 Award in Supervising Food Safety or First Aid qualifications. Short add-on awards that strengthen your practice in a residential setting.
