RCD3 – VTCT (Skillsfirst) Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare (England) (RQF)

Qualification summary

The Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare (England) has been announced by Government as part of the current reform of children’s residential care.

A key driver for reform has been the sexual exploitation of children in care by organised groups in various localities, and the shortfalls in care are highlighted by this. Therefore it is hoped that this qualification will improve the quality of care provided to vulnerable children and young people in residential care by guiding and assessing the development of knowledge and skills and to confirm competence.

In line with the current Children’s Homes and Looked After Children (Miscellaneous Amendments) (England) Regulations 2013, and the new The Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015 from April 2015 new care workers will have two years from commencing the role to completing this qualification. Those unqualified care workers who are already working in the sector will also be expected to achieve this qualification.

Care workers who achieve promotion within the field of residential childcare can progress onto the VTCT (Skillsfirst) Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare (England) (RQF).

Learners who achieve this qualification could progress onto the:

•  Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care and Children and Young People’s Services (RQF).

VTCT (Skillsfirst) Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare (England) (RQF) Handbook

Qualification structure

To achieve this qualification, learners must achieve a minimum of 61 credits.

All 53 credits must be achieved from Group M

Learners must complete a minimum of 3 units in order to achieve the remaining 8 credits required from Group O.

Guided Learning Hours (GLH) are 460

Total Qualification Time (TQT) is 610

Qualification numberQualification reference
RCD3601/4840/8

 Group M Mandatory units


unit no.
Skillsfirst
unit no.
Unit titleUnit levelCredit value
F/506/7653RCD01Understand the development of children and young people in residential childcare33
T/506/8363RCD02Understand how to safeguard and protect children and young people in residential childcare37
A/506/8364RCD03Understand how to support children and young people who have experienced harm or abuse33
A/506/8526RCD04Promote effective communication and information handling in residential childcare settings33
J/506/7587RCD05Support risk management in residential childcare32
L/506/7588RCD06Support group living in residential childcare33
A/506/7618RCD07Understand how to support positive outcomes for children and young people in residential childcare32
M/506/7616RCD08Support attachment and positive relationships for children and young people in residential childcare34
T/506/7617RCD09Support the well-being and resilience of children and young people in residential childcare33
D/506/7594RCD10Support children and young people in residential childcare to manage their health32
R/506/7592RCD11Support the rights, diversity and equality of children and young people in residential childcare33
F/506/7605RCD12Participate in teams to benefit children and young people in residential childcare33
Y/506/8193RCD13Support the development of socially aware behaviour with children and young people in residential childcare35
F/506/7782RCD14Engage in professional development in residential childcare settings33
L/506/7798RCD15Support children and young people in residential childcare to achieve their learning potential34
A/506/7828RCD16Assessment and planning with children and young people in residential childcare33

Group O – Optional Units

RQF
unit no.
Skillsfirst
unit no.
Unit titleUnit levelCredit value
H/506/7595RCD17Understand the care system and its impact on children and young people43
J/506/7606RCD18Understand the youth justice system as it relates to residential childcare43
K/506/8540RCD19Support young people leaving care36
R/506/8502RCD20Understand residential childcare for children and young people with complex disabilities or conditions33
L/506/8501RCD21Understand support for young people with complex disabilities or conditions making the transition into adulthood33
K/506/7596RCD22Work with the families of children and young people in residential childcare32
F/601/4056HSC3047Support the use of medication in social care settings35

To find out more about our registration/certification fees, contact our customer services team on
0121 270 5100 or email us.