Provider's Course Overview

The QCF Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare (England) is an Ofqual regulated qualification and accredited by City and Guilds, a top UK awarding body. Nationally recognised, this course is a distance learning course which is designed to develop the knowledge and skills required when caring for children in residential childcare settings. 

New residential care workers will need to achieve the NVQ Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare (QCF) qualification within two years from employment.

What to expect from this Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare distance learning course:

• Once you make the payment, you will automatically be emailed your student log-in details
• You can immediately begin enrolment
• Once we have everything we need, you will have your course induction over the telephone 
• You will then be allocated an assessor who will put together an assessment plan
• You begin your coursework on the online learning system
• You can track your course progression on the progress bar
• Receive support and feedback from your assessor. You will communicate via a messaging system, email and phone calls. They will also mark your coursework
• Observations will take place on arranged dates with your assessor 
• Upon course completion, we will claim your Level 3 DIploma for Residential Childcare from City and Guilds.

Entry Requirements: Is the course right for you?

Learners must be at least 18 years old, and they must secure a relevant work placement for observations to take place during the course. This can be paid or voluntary, and on a part-time or full-time basis. During the course, you should be working in a residential care setting with children up to 19 years old. 

How the Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare course is assessed:

The Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare requires assessment of both competence and knowledge. Throughout your course, you will be assessed through a variety of methods:

• Written assignments and coursework

• Having a manager or colleague complete a witness testimony of tasks completed in a workplace

• Direct observations of you carrying out work-related tasks

• Professional discussions over the phone

• Supplying us with work product evidence. 

Qualification handbook: What units and pathways there are:

We recommend reading the course specification to go through the units, guided learning hours and credits. This will outline exactly what you will be expected to study in order to achieve the Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare (QCF). 

How will you upload your coursework?

You will be part of our newly developed Online Learner Management System which has been designed to ensure you receive quick responses to your work submissions and requests for support from one of our dedicated assessors or mentors. Our learner management system will help you to keep track of all of your assignments and clearly outlines through a progress bar how much you have remaining to complete your Level 3 Diploma for the Residential Childcare (QCF) distance learning course. Our assessors will be happy to guide you to resources which will help you to gain a more thorough understanding of your assignments and ensure you complete your course with as much ease as possible.

How do instalment plans work?

There is an option to create a monthly payment plan if you cannot pay in full. You may pay in instalment for up to 12 months.

Career progression

There is a huge range of opportunities for people with the Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare QCF. You may work in various roles in residential care settings. After you've gained more experience, you may also move on to a management position. When you do, you may enrol onto the Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare (QCF).