NCFE CACHE level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare

Course Description

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 the learner 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.

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 19 years old.

We do not set any other entry requirements but colleges or training providers may have their own guidelines.

Do you need to be working to take the qualification?

Learners 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).

How many credits are required to complete it?

Learners must achieve 65 credits. 57 credits must be achieved from Mandatory Group A, and at least 8 credits from Optional Group B.

How is it assessed?

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

What related qualifications can you progress to?

Learners can progress onto a Degree in a related discipline.

Funding for our qualifications

Find out more about funding for this and other qualifications on the funding page.

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

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).

Certification Guaranteed

The NCFE CACHE Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare (England) is a nationally recognised, Ofqual-regulated qualification, awarded by NCFE — an educational charity with over 170 years of experience. It’s a mandatory qualification for Registered Managers, Deputy Managers, and Senior Leaders in children’s residential homes in England, aligned with the Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015. Learners build strategic leadership, safeguarding, and governance skills, preparing them for Ofsted registration and senior roles in the sector.