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.
It covers a wide range of topics including:
- leadership and management
- governance and regulatory processes
- quality assurance
- safeguarding, protection and risk
- communication, relationships and partnership working
- person-centred practice for positive outcomes
- managing personal wellbeing
- professional development, supervision and performance management
- decision-making skills
- entrepreneurial skills and innovation
- the management of specific services
Overall Programme Outcomes
On completion of this programme, learners can progress to a degree in a related discipline. On completion learners can also progress to a wide range of job roles. The following list is not all-inclusive, but gives an idea of the opportunities available in residential childcare and respite care settings:
- manager
- deputy manager
- assistant manager
- care broker
- case manager
Assessments
This qualification must be assessed in line with Skills for Care and Development assessment principles. All units are internally assessed by the centre. Methods used could include:
- interpretation of knowledge from direct observation of practice in the workplace
- witness evidence
- professional discussion
- reflection on own practice in real work situations
- written assignments
- learner’s own plans and written records
- learner log or reflective diary
- observation
- portfolio of evidence
- scenario or case study
- oral questioning
Entry Requirements
- 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
- There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification but learners will need to be at least 19 years of age. It is also recommended that they hold a level 3 qualification or above in a related area.
Mode of Delivery:
Fully Online Mode
| SELF INSTRUCTURAL LEARNING MATERIAL | ONLINE DISCUSSIONS |
| Students are given a complete set of learning materials to facilitate independent study which can be downloaded from the designated Learning Portal | Learners are encouraged to participate in online discussions with other learners and their tutors for at least 18 hours per module |
Credits
Learners must achieve 65 credits. 57 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.