NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare (England)

NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare (England)

What does the qualification cover?

This qualification is part of the new children’s homes regulations which came into force in April 2015.

It has replaced the Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People’s Workforce (Social Care Pathway) as the required qualification for those working in children’s homes. All new starts must be registered on the new Residential Childcare qualification from April 2015.

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.

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.

What are the entry requirements?

You should be at least 18 years old.

Do you need to be working to take the 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.

How many credits are required to complete it?

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.

How is it assessed?

All units will be internally assessed using standard methods: coursework, portfolio of evidence, practical demonstration / assignment.

What related qualifications can you progress to?

Learners can progress onto the Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare (England), or a Foundation Degree in a related discipline.

Which type of job roles can learners apply for on completion?

Learners can progress to become:

• 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).