Course Overview
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Assessment methodPortfolio of evidence
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Credit value61
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Guided learning hours (GLH)466
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Learning aim reference60153696
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Qualification number601/5369/6
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Total qualification time (TQT)610
The Highfield Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare (England) (RQF) is the mandatory qualification for individuals working directly with children and young people in residential settings. It supports professional practice in line with statutory requirements and equips learners with the knowledge and skills to deliver safe, supportive, and effective care to individuals aged from birth to 25 years, including those with complex disabilities or conditions.
Objectives
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Develop the core knowledge and skills needed to work in residential childcare.
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Understand child development, safeguarding, trauma-informed support, and inclusive care.
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Promote communication, group living, resilience, and health outcomes.
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Enhance professional teamwork and multi-agency collaboration to improve child welfare.
Entry Requirements
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Learners must be 18+ years old.
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Must be employed, volunteering, or on placement in a residential childcare setting.
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It is advised learners have Level 2 literacy and numeracy.
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It is recommended that learners have undergone an enhanced DBS check.
Practical Requirements
As this is a knowledge- and competence-based qualification, learners must have access to a residential childcare setting to demonstrate competence in both theoretical knowledge and practical skill. Certain units require assessment through direct observation in a real work environment.
Assessment
Assessment Method: Portfolio of evidence assessed in the real work environment.
Assessment methods include:
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Direct observation
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Reflective accounts
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Expert witness testimonies
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Work products
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Professional discussions
Duration
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Typical Completion Time: 9–12 months (depending on delivery model and role)
✅ Course Structure
Mandatory Units (53 Credits)
| Unit Ref | Unit Title | Level | GLH | Credit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| F/506/7653 | Understand the development of children and young people in residential childcare | 3 | 25 | 3 |
| T/506/8363 | Understand how to safeguard and protect children and young people | 3 | 63 | 7 |
| A/506/8364 | Support children and young people who have experienced harm or abuse | 3 | 22 | 3 |
| A/506/8526 | Promote effective communication and information handling | 3 | 21 | 3 |
| J/506/7587 | Support risk management | 3 | 18 | 2 |
| L/506/7588 | Support group living | 3 | 22 | 3 |
| A/506/7618 | Support positive outcomes for children and young people | 3 | 20 | 2 |
| M/506/7616 | Support attachment and positive relationships | 3 | 27 | 4 |
| T/506/7617 | Support the well-being and resilience of children and young people | 3 | 20 | 3 |
| D/506/7594 | Support children and young people to manage their health | 3 | 17 | 2 |
| R/506/7592 | Support rights, diversity and equality | 3 | 24 | 3 |
| F/506/7605 | Participate in teams to benefit children and young people | 3 | 20 | 3 |
| Y/506/8193 | Support socially aware behaviour | 3 | 34 | 5 |
| F/506/7782 | Engage in professional development | 3 | 20 | 3 |
| L/506/7798 | Support children to achieve their learning potential | 3 | 30 | 4 |
| A/506/7828 | Assessment and planning with children and young people | 3 | 20 | 3 |
Optional Units (8 Credits)
| Unit Ref | Unit Title | Level | GLH | Credit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| H/506/7595 | Understand the care system and its impact on children and young people | 4 | 22 | 3 |
| L/506/8501 | Understand support for young people with complex disabilities or conditions making the transition into adulthood | 3 | 24 | 3 |
| K/506/7596 | Work with the families of children and young people in residential childcare | 3 | 17 | 2 |
Total Credits: 61
Course Content (Topics)
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Child development, trauma, and positive outcomes
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Safeguarding and supporting children who have experienced abuse
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Promoting communication and managing risk
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Facilitating group living and relationship-building
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Supporting health, resilience, identity, and equality
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Effective team participation and multi-agency working
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Professional development and reflective practice
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Supporting learning, behaviour, and planning
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Optional focus on: care system, family work, and disability transition
Course Summary
This qualification develops the knowledge and practical capabilities of childcare professionals working in residential settings. The programme covers key areas including child development, safeguarding, risk management, well-being, and inclusive support. Learners will also build competence in supporting learning, managing behaviour, and working within a team and multi-agency context. The selected optional units allow learners to focus on supporting transitions into adulthood, working with families, and understanding the care system—providing a rounded and practical understanding of residential childcare practice.
📈 Progression Opportunities
Upon successful completion of this course, learners can progress to:
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Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare
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Foundation degrees or higher education in social care or childcare disciplines
