The Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare is specifically designed for learners wanting to or currently work(ing) in residential care with children in a care role.

​New residential care workers will need to achieve the qualification within two years from employment.

​This qualification will be the accepted qualification for registration and regulation where appropriate and can demonstrate continuing professional development.

​What opportunities for progression are there?

Learners may progress onto the Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare 

​This qualification has been developed as the result of a review of the existing residential childcare qualifications and provision driven by the Secretary of State for Children and Families in light of the recent reports highlighting the shortfalls in residential childcare. It has been developed by the Department for Education, Skills for Care and Development and the employers in the industry.

download guidance on for who and why its a requirement for working in the sector

​To achieve the City & Guilds Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare, learners must achieve a minimum of 61 credits overall.

Learners must also complete a minimum of 3 optional units.

The L3 diploma looks like this;

• 301 Understand the development of children and young people in residential childcare

• 302 Understand how to safeguard and protect children and young people in residential childcare

• 303 Understand how to support children and young people who have experienced harm or abuse

• 304 Promote effective communication and information handling in residential childcare settings

• 305 Support risk management in residential childcare

• 306 Assessment and planning with children and young people in residential childcare

• 307 Support group living in residential childcare

• 308 Understand how to support positive outcomes for children and young people in residential childcare

• 309 Support attachment and positive relationships for children and young people in residential childcare

• 310 Support the well-being and resilience of children and young people in residential childcare

• 311 Support children and young people in residential childcare to achieve their learning potential

• 312 Support children and young people in residential childcare to manage their health

• 313 Support the development of socially aware behaviour with children and young people in residential childcare

• 314 Engage in professional development in residential childcare settings

• 315 Support the rights, diversity and equality of children and young people in residential childcare

• 316 Participate in teams to benefit children and young people in residential childcare

• 317 Understand the care system and its impact on children and young people

• 318 Understand the youth justice system as it relates to residential childcare

• 323 Support use of medication in social care settings

​  Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare qualification here