RCD3 – VTCT (Skillsfirst) Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare (England) (RQF)
This qualification is now closed for Registrations
Certification end date: 31/07/2026
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).
Related Documents:
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 number | Qualification reference |
RCD3 | 601/4840/8 |
Group M Mandatory units
unit no. | Skillsfirst unit no. | Unit title | Unit level | Credit value |
F/506/7653 | RCD01 | Understand the development of children and young people in residential childcare | 3 | 3 |
T/506/8363 | RCD02 | Understand how to safeguard and protect children and young people in residential childcare | 3 | 7 |
A/506/8364 | RCD03 | Understand how to support children and young people who have experienced harm or abuse | 3 | 3 |
A/506/8526 | RCD04 | Promote effective communication and information handling in residential childcare settings | 3 | 3 |
J/506/7587 | RCD05 | Support risk management in residential childcare | 3 | 2 |
L/506/7588 | RCD06 | Support group living in residential childcare | 3 | 3 |
A/506/7618 | RCD07 | Understand how to support positive outcomes for children and young people in residential childcare | 3 | 2 |
M/506/7616 | RCD08 | Support attachment and positive relationships for children and young people in residential childcare | 3 | 4 |
T/506/7617 | RCD09 | Support the well-being and resilience of children and young people in residential childcare | 3 | 3 |
D/506/7594 | RCD10 | Support children and young people in residential childcare to manage their health | 3 | 2 |
R/506/7592 | RCD11 | Support the rights, diversity and equality of children and young people in residential childcare | 3 | 3 |
F/506/7605 | RCD12 | Participate in teams to benefit children and young people in residential childcare | 3 | 3 |
Y/506/8193 | RCD13 | Support the development of socially aware behaviour with children and young people in residential childcare | 3 | 5 |
F/506/7782 | RCD14 | Engage in professional development in residential childcare settings | 3 | 3 |
L/506/7798 | RCD15 | Support children and young people in residential childcare to achieve their learning potential | 3 | 4 |
A/506/7828 | RCD16 | Assessment and planning with children and young people in residential childcare | 3 | 3 |
Group O – Optional Units
RQF unit no. | Skillsfirst unit no. | Unit title | Unit level | Credit value |
H/506/7595 | RCD17 | Understand the care system and its impact on children and young people | 4 | 3 |
J/506/7606 | RCD18 | Understand the youth justice system as it relates to residential childcare | 4 | 3 |
K/506/8540 | RCD19 | Support young people leaving care | 3 | 6 |
R/506/8502 | RCD20 | Understand residential childcare for children and young people with complex disabilities or conditions | 3 | 3 |
L/506/8501 | RCD21 | Understand support for young people with complex disabilities or conditions making the transition into adulthood | 3 | 3 |
K/506/7596 | RCD22 | Work with the families of children and young people in residential childcare | 3 | 2 |
F/601/4056 | HSC3047 | Support the use of medication in social care settings | 3 | 5 |
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