Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare
Empowering the future of residential childcare
The Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare is the industry-recognised standard for those supporting vulnerable children and young people in residential settings. Endorsed by Ofsted and developed in line with national care regulations, this qualification ensures your team gains the confidence, skills, and resilience to deliver consistently high standards of care.
Why choose the Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare?
This qualification is a legal and professional requirement for many roles across children’s care settings. It delivers:
- A recognised benchmark: Meets Ofsted and Care Inspectorate Wales standards for residential childcare workers.
Essential skills for sensitive roles: Develops core competencies to manage trauma, mental health, safeguarding, and communication.
Progression into leadership: Builds a foundation for roles such as Team Leader, Key Worker, or Residential Childcare Manager.
Practical and supported learning: Delivered entirely online, with access to tutors, peers, and a flexible learning system.
More than just a qualification
The Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare reflects the emotional intelligence and professional understanding needed to thrive in children’s services. Designed by industry experts and aligned with current care regulations, this diploma blends theory with real-world application, preparing your staff for the complexities and rewards of the sector.
Key information
Funding The Learning and Development Support Scheme (LDSS) can cover full funding*
Title of qualification: Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare
Awarding Body: City & Guilds
How long will this course take to complete: 16 months
Cost: £5,300 + VAT
Our Latest Job Vacancies
Below are our latest apprenticeship opportunities. You can use our job page here to find one near you today.
Peer Support Worker Apprenticeship – Hastings
Rock House 49-51 Cambridge Road, Hastings, TN34 1DT
Minimum Wage
30.0 hrs per week
The Advocacy People are looking for a new People Support Worker Apprentice. You will be studying toward your Peer Worker apprenticeship L3.
Health and Social Care Apprenticeship – Chesterfield
Gables Close Holmewood, Chesterfield, S42 5RJ
£358.05 per week
33.0 hrs per week
Serene Care - Gables are looking for an Apprentice Care Assistant. You will be studying toward your Level 2 Apprenticeship. No experience required. No experience? No worries! If you have a passion for care and want to make a big difference to the lives of our residents, we want to hear from you!
Activities Coordinator (Adult Care) Apprenticeship – Chesterfield
18 Lee Road, Hady, Chesterfield, S41 0BT
£358.05 per week
33.0 hrs per week
Serene Care are looking for a new Activities Coordinator Apprentice. You will be studying toward your Adult Care Worker apprenticeship Level 2
Entry requirements, delivery and assessment
To enrol on the Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare, learners must be aged 18 or over, with a good level of literacy. As the course is delivered entirely online, access to a computer or laptop with a stable internet connection is essential. Due to the sensitive nature of the work, an enhanced DBS check is also required prior to starting the programme.
All learning takes place via Bud, our intuitive online learning platform. Learners complete interactive modules at their own pace, supported by a dedicated tutor. Assessments are submitted digitally, ensuring a flexible and accessible study experience that fits around working life.
Assessment is designed to reflect real-world residential childcare practice. Learners will complete three workplace observations, supported by expert witness testimonies, work-based evidence, question papers, and a professional discussion to demonstrate their competence and knowledge in a variety of care-related scenarios.
