Please note: To qualify for this course, you must be in relevant paid employment for at least 12 hours per week.
Fully funded for residents of Greater London, Buckinghamshire and Surrey, the Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare is specifically designed for learners who will work in residential care with children. Settings include residential care homes, residential special schools, therapeutic communities, secure children’s homes, shared care and short break settings. Learners will develop the knowledge skills necessary to promote a caring, healthy, stimulating, safe, secure environment for children and young people in their care. This qualification can be used as a mandatory qualification for the Children, Young People and Families Practitioner apprenticeship.
The Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare is crucial for child care professionals because it enhances you’re skills and knowledge. It ensures a high standard of care, promoting child well-being and development. The qualification covers safeguarding, communication, and understanding children’s needs. It will equip you with practical insights and theoretical foundations, leading to effective support. It validates competence and compliance with regulatory standards, instilling confidence in parents and authorities. The curriculum emphasises the significance of empathy, cultural sensitivity, and ethical practices. Completing the diploma demonstrates commitment to professional development which is vital for adapting to evolving childcare practices. This qualification is a gateway to career advancement, offering opportunities for leadership roles in residential childcare settings. It promotes a holistic approach, addressing the physical, emotional, and social aspects of child development. As a result, the knowledge gained allows professionals to create safe, nurturing environments that facilitate optimal growth.
Overall, the Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare is an essential credential. It also ensures a competent workforce dedicated to the well-being of children in residential settings.
Learners will be internally and externally assessed using portfolio evidence.
This is a guide to the eligibility criteria for our funded courses. If you are unsure whether you are eligible, please get in touch with our team and we will be happy to help.
If employed, learners must meet the relevant earnings threshold for their area and course level:
Learners can be unemployed to complete our short courses, however Level 2 Mental Health in Early Years and Level 2 Adverse Childhood Experiences must be done in the workplace.
Eligibility is subject to individual circumstances and will be confirmed as part of the enrolment process.
This course is fully free for eligible adults aged 19 and over living in London or Surrey, funded through the Adult Skills Fund. Learners must also be employed in a suitable residential childcare setting so they can complete the practical workplace assessment requirements of the qualification.
Yes, current regulations require residential childcare workers in England to hold or be working towards a relevant Level 3 qualification in Residential Childcare. This nationally recognised qualification meets those requirements and is designed for practitioners working directly with children and young people in residential childcare settings.
This is a nationally recognised qualification that develops the knowledge and practical skills needed to support children and young people living in residential care. It covers safeguarding, child development, communication, behaviour support, trauma informed practice, education, partnership working, health and wellbeing and the legislation that underpins residential childcare.
The qualification can support careers including Residential Childcare Worker, Residential Support Worker, Children’s Residential Care Worker, Key Worker and Senior Residential Support Worker. It is designed for people working in children’s homes, residential schools and other accommodation based services and provides a strong foundation for further training and career progression.
Most learners complete the qualification within 12 to 18 months through flexible blended learning, combining online learning, workplace practice and dedicated tutor support. Assessment includes a portfolio of evidence, workplace observations, assignments and professional discussions, with learners required to be employed in a suitable residential childcare setting.
