Course Overview
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Assessment methodPortfolio of evidence
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Credit value90
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Guided learning hours (GLH)586
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Learning aim reference60142650
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Qualification number601/4265/0
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Total qualification time (TQT)900
Course Overview
The Highfield Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care and Children and Young People’s Services (RQF) – Children and Young People’s Advanced Practice (90 Credits) is a nationally recognised qualification tailored for experienced practitioners working in children and young people’s services. Designed for those in or progressing to leadership and advanced practice roles, the qualification equips learners with essential strategic, operational, and reflective skills to improve service quality and outcomes for children and families.
Objectives
- Build specialist leadership capacity in children and young people’s care environments.
- Enhance skills in safeguarding, inclusion, policy development, and partnership working.
- Enable learners to lead change and quality improvements across settings.
- Support learners in developing the professional resilience and knowledge required for advanced practice.
Entry Requirements
- Learners must be employed in a relevant role where they influence or lead care practice.
- A Level 3 qualification in a related subject is recommended.
- Level 2 Functional Skills in English and Maths (or equivalent).
- An enhanced DBS check is required.
Course Structure
Mandatory Units (Group A) | 30 Credits
Unit Ref | Unit Title | Level | Credits |
---|---|---|---|
F/602/2335 | Use and develop systems that promote communication | 5 | 3 |
L/602/2578 | Promote professional development | 4 | 4 |
Y/602/3183 | Champion equality, diversity and inclusion | 5 | 4 |
K/602/3172 | Develop health and safety and risk management policies and procedures | 5 | 5 |
A/602/3189 | Work in partnership in health and social care or children and young people’s settings | 4 | 4 |
J/602/3499 | Undertake a research project in health and social care or children and young people’s services | 5 | 10 |
Subtotal: 30 Credits
Mandatory Core (Group D1) | 26 Credits
Unit Ref | Unit Title | Level | Credits |
F/601/9449 | Understand children and young person’s development | 5 | 6 |
J/601/9369 | Lead practice that supports positive outcomes for child and young person development | 5 | 6 |
A/601/9370 | Develop and implement policies and procedures to support safeguarding | 5 | 6 |
J/602/2577 | Lead practice in promoting well-being and resilience of children and young people | 5 | 8 |
Subtotal: 26 Credits
Optional Units | 34 Credits
Unit Ref | Unit Title | Level | Credits |
J/602/2336 | Develop procedures and practice to respond to concerns and complaints | 5 | 6 |
R/602/2338 | Recruitment and selection in health and social care | 4 | 3 |
L/602/2547 | Facilitate coaching and mentoring of practitioners | 5 | 6 |
R/602/2758 | Manage quality in health and social care | 5 | 5 |
T/602/3188 | Understand partnership working | 4 | 1 |
F/602/2863 | Lead provision for babies and young children outside of the home | 5 | 5 |
T/602/2859 | Lead and manage provision for children and young people with special educational needs | 5 | 5 |
J/602/2581 | Lead and manage effective transitions for children and young people | 5 | 5 |
R/602/2861 | Lead and manage integrated and multi-agency working | 5 | 6 |
Subtotal: 34 Credits
Total Credits: 90
Course Content (Topics)
- Child development, resilience, and trauma-informed practice
- Safeguarding and child protection policy and implementation
- Inclusive leadership and multi-agency working
- Creative learning, SEN provision, and transition planning
- Communication systems and policy leadership in children’s services
Assessment
- Assessed through a Portfolio of Evidence developed from real workplace practice.
- Evidence types include:
- Direct observation
- Reflective accounts
- Work products
- Professional discussion
- Expert witness testimony
Duration
- Typical Completion Time: 12 to 18 months depending on experience and delivery method
Pathway Summary
This pathway supports experienced childcare professionals in developing advanced-level practice, leadership, and mentoring capabilities. With a strong focus on safeguarding, wellbeing, and inclusion, learners will develop the confidence and competence to lead change and drive quality improvement across a range of services for children and young people.