NCFE CACHE Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare (England)

Mandatory Units (Group A)

Learners must successfully complete a range of key leadership and childcare practice units such as:

• Understand Children and Young People’s Development in Residential Childcare
• Lead and Manage a Team in Residential Childcare
• Lead Practice to Support Safeguarding and Protection
• Manage Risk in Residential Childcare
• Lead Practice for Communication and Information Management
• Lead Networks and Multi‑Agency Work
• Lead Practice to Promote Rights, Diversity and Equality
• Implement Positive Relationships Policy

(All units together build leadership, management, safeguarding, and practice‑based skills essential for residential childcare management.)

📌 Optional Units (Group B)

Learners also choose optional units (minimum 8 credits), examples include:

• Understand the Youth Justice System related to Residential Childcare
• Support Practice for Young People Leaving Care
• Undertake a Research Project in Health and Social Care/Childcare Services
• Understand the Care System’s Impact on Children and Young People

(Providers help learners choose optional units that fit their role and career goals.)

• Minimum age: 19+ (no central formal prerequisites, but experience and workplace access are essential). 
• Work requirement: Learners should be working as, or have the opportunity to carry out duties associated with, a Deputy or Manager in a residential childcare setting.
• Providers may set additional criteria (e.g., prior Level 3/4 qualification, literacy and IT skills). 

🚀 Progression Opportunities

After completing this diploma, learners can progress to:

• Undergraduate degrees in social work, childhood studies, health and social care, or related fields. 
• Professional roles such as Registered Residential Childcare Manager, Deputy Manager, Team Leader, or Senior Practitioner. 
• Further study at Level 6 or Level 7 (e.g., strategic leadership, advanced management). 

Career Advancement

• This qualification is often required or strongly recommended for leadership roles in children’s residential care under national regulations.
• Enhances professional credibility and competence in managing complex care situations. 
• Provides recognition of leadership and management ability in a highly regulated sector. 

🧠 Skills Development

• Leadership and team management in care environments. 
• Risk assessment, safeguarding, and regulatory compliance.
• Communication, multi‑agency collaboration, and policy implementation.
• Child and young person development and protective practice

This qualification is ideal for:

• Deputy or Assistant Managers in residential childcare settings who need to develop leadership competence.
• Residential Childcare Managers aiming to formalise or enhance their leadership credentials.
• Senior practitioners or team leaders progressing toward management roles. 
• Professionals who need this specific Level 5 qualification for regulatory compliance and job requirements in children’s homes.

Note: Learners must be 19+ and working in, or have access to, a suitable residential childcare environment to gather required evidence.