Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare

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

It has replaced the Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care and Children and Young People’s Services (Children and Young People’s Residential Management Pathway) as the required qualification for those working in children’s homes.

This qualification provides the skills and knowledge needed to manage practice and lead others in residential childcare settings for children and young people. The qualification enables you to gain essential skills and knowledge for leading in a residential childcare setting, including leading and managing a team; leading and managing group living; leading practice to support children and young people; and implementing policies and procedures.

NCFE Awarding Body Certificate

Hard copy certificate - Included

• Course Brochure - > download

### Course Description for Advanced Leadership in Residential Childcare Settings

This advanced-level course is designed for professionals who are currently in leadership roles or aspiring to such positions within residential childcare settings. The curriculum is structured to deepen understanding and enhance skills across a broad range of critical areas, from communication and risk management to safeguarding and the use of technology. Leaders will be equipped with the tools necessary to drive positive outcomes and uphold the highest standards of care and protection for vulnerable children and young people.

As part of this qualification, you will cover the following 15 mandatory units:

1. Lead Practice for Communication and Information Management in Residential Childcare Settings (A/506/7585) - Focus on leading practices that enhance communication systems and information management to ensure confidentiality, accuracy, and accessibility in line with regulatory requirements.
2. Understand Support for Children and Young People Who Are Vulnerable and Disadvantaged (A/506/7652) -Gain insights into the specific needs of vulnerable and disadvantaged children, including strategies to support them effectively and compassionately.
3. Lead Practice to Achieve Positive Outcomes for Children and Young People in Residential Childcare (F/506/7619) -Learn to lead and design practices and interventions that aim to secure positive life outcomes for children and young people in care.
4. Lead a Service That Can Support Children or Young People Who Have Experienced Harm or Abuse (F/506/8365) -Develop leadership strategies to create supportive environments for children who have experienced harm or abuse, focusing on recovery and resilience.
5. Undertake Professional Development in Residential Childcare Settings (H/506/7791) -Manage and lead professional development initiatives within teams, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and learning.
6. Manage Risk in Residential Childcare (J/506/7590) - Lead risk management processes to ensure the safety and security of the residential setting, including crisis management and routine safety practices.
7. Lead and Manage Group Living in Residential Childcare (L/506/7591) -Oversee the management of group living environments, promoting cooperative, supportive, and harmonious living conditions for all residents.
8. Lead and Manage a Team Within a Residential Childcare Setting (L/506/7607) -Develop leadership skills specific to the residential childcare context, focusing on team dynamics, motivation, and effective management.
9. Lead Practice in Safe Use of Digital, Internet and Mobile Technology With Children and Young People (L/506/8367) -Guide the implementation of safe and effective practices regarding the use of technology, ensuring digital safety and responsible online behaviour.
10. Understand Children and Young People's Development in Residential Childcare (M/506/7650) - Enhance your understanding of developmental psychology within the context of residential childcare and its implications for practice.
11. Lead Practice to Support the Safeguarding and Protection of Children and Young People in Residential Childcare (M/506/8362) -Spearhead safeguarding initiatives, creating robust frameworks that protect children from abuse and neglect within the residential setting.
12. Lead Networks and Multi-Agency Work to Benefit Children and Young People in Residential Childcare (R/506/7608) -Coordinate and lead collaborative efforts with various agencies to provide holistic support and services to children in care.
13. Implement a Positive Relationship Policy in Residential Childcare (R/506/8192) -Formulate and implement policies that foster positive relationships among children, staff, and external stakeholders, promoting a nurturing environment.
14. Lead Practice to Promote the Rights, Diversity and Equality of Children and Young People in Residential Childcare (T/506/7584) - Champion the rights of children and promote an inclusive environment that values diversity and ensures equality for all residents.
15. Lead Practice to Support the Well-Being and Resilience of Children and Young People in Residential Childcare (T/506/7620) - Develop strategies to enhance the well-being and resilience of children and young people, fostering emotional strength and personal growth.

Each unit within this course is strategically crafted to equip leaders with advanced competencies required to drive excellence and ethical practices in residential childcare settings.

You 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).

We have no formal entry requirements for this course, however, due to some practical evidence requirements by the awarding body, you should be currently working in a role, volunteering or have a placement in a setting to allow you to complete all practical aspects of the course. If you are not sure, please contact our enrolment team.

Learners can progress to the following job roles:

• registered residential childcare managers, deputies and assistant 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).