Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare
The senior leadership qualification required to become a Registered Manager of a children's home in England. Mandated under the Children's Homes (England) Regulations, this diploma equips current and aspiring Deputy and Registered Managers with the strategic leadership skills to run a compliant, high-quality residential setting.
15
Mand. units
66
Credits
Portfolio
Assessment
In person
Observation
19+
Minimum age
What you'll study
This unit provides the underpinning knowledge required to understand the development of children and young people in residential childcare.
Unit ref M/506/7650 · Level 5
This unit provides the knowledge required to understand support for children and young people who are vulnerable and disadvantaged.
Unit ref A/506/7652 · Level 4
This unit provides the knowledge and skills required to lead and manage a team within a residential childcare setting.
Unit ref L/506/7607 · Level 5
This unit provides the knowledge and skills required to lead practice that supports the safeguarding and protection of children and young people in residential childcare settings.
Unit ref M/506/8362 · Level 5
This unit provides the knowledge and skills required to lead practice for communication and information management in residential childcare settings.
Unit ref A/506/7585 · Level 5
This unit provides the knowledge and skills required to manage risk in residential childcare settings.
Unit ref J/506/7590 · Level 5
This unit provides the knowledge and skills required to lead and manage group living in residential childcare.
Unit ref L/506/7591 · Level 5
This unit provides the knowledge and skills required to lead a service that can support children or young people who have experienced harm or abuse.
Unit ref F/506/8365 · Level 5
This unit provides the knowledge and skills required to lead practice that achieves positive outcomes for children or young people in residential childcare.
Unit ref F/506/7619 · Level 5
This unit provides the knowledge and skills required to implement a Positive Relationship Policy in residential childcare.
Unit ref R/506/8192 · Level 5
This unit provides the knowledge and understanding required to lead practice that supports the well-being and resilience of children and young people in residential childcare.
Unit ref T/506/7620 · Level 5
This unit provides the knowledge and skills required to lead safe use of digital, internet and mobile technology with children and young people.
Unit ref L/506/8367 · Level 4
This unit provides the knowledge and skills required to undertake professional development in residential childcare settings.
Unit ref H/506/7791 · Level 4
This unit provides the knowledge and skills required to lead practice that promotes the rights, diversity and equality of children and young people in residential childcare settings.
Unit ref T/506/7584 · Level 5
This unit provides the knowledge and understanding required to lead networks and multi-agency work to benefit children and young people in residential childcare.
Unit ref R/506/7608 · Level 5
Optional units
Alongside the 15 mandatory units, we deliver these optional units.
This unit provides the knowledge and skills required to lead a residential childcare service that can engage with the youth justice system.
Unit ref Y/506/7609 · Level 5
This unit provides the knowledge and skills required to lead practice to support young people leaving care.
Unit ref Y/506/8114 · Level 5
57 credits from 15 mandatory units, plus your optional units
Unit details taken from the NCFE CACHE qualification specification v5.3 (June 2022). Check the latest version on the NCFE website
Assessment & Requirements
How you'll be assessed
Portfolio of evidence and work-based leadership practice in the residential childcare setting
Teaching methods
Online personal tutoring & face-to-face observation
Entry requirements
Working as a Deputy Manager or Manager (or carrying out equivalent responsibilities) in a residential childcare setting
Who this is for
Current and aspiring Deputy Managers and Registered Managers in children's residential homes
Career Outcomes
With this qualification you'll be eligible for roles including:
Deputy Manager, Children's Home
£32,000–£42,500
per year
Registered Manager, Children's Home
£34,000–£55,000
per year
Career Ladder
See where this qualification fits in your career journey.
Level 3
Diploma for Residential Childcareas Residential Childcare Worker, Senior Support Worker, Deputy House Manager
Level 5
Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare
as Deputy Manager, Children's Home, Registered Manager, Children's Home
What's included
Everything included, whichever pace you choose
Every course comes with full assessor support, materials, and a money-back guarantee — no matter your pace. Choose Fast Track and you also get quicker feedback turnaround, priority support, and flexible pacing.
Fees & Payments
However you'd rather pay
Pay in full, or spread the cost across 18 months — whichever suits you best. No interest, no credit check, and every session with your assessor is included.
September Sale — prices below end 28 September
£1,679 £1,799
Pay in full
£103.33/mo £110
for 18 months
£192.50
Registration fee
14 days
Money back guarantee
- No interest and no credit check, whichever way you pay.
- The registration fee is paid directly to NCFE, not to us — it's included in the total above.
- All support sessions with your assessor are included — no extra charge.
- Your course includes in-person observation. There's no travel fee if you're under 2 hours from London Paddington (one way); beyond that it's £100–£250 per visit, added to your first payment. See how fees work →
- Not sure? You have a full 14-day money-back guarantee from the date of enrolment, no questions asked. See our refund policy →
- Need longer than the standard duration? Extensions are available at an additional cost. Learn more in our Terms & Conditions →
Work out your price
1. Choose your pace
2. Choose how you'd like to pay
3. How far are you from London Paddington?
Your assessor visits you in person. Work out the one-way journey by public transport, travelling in the daytime (10am–4pm). Journeys under 2 hours carry no travel fee. Check your shortest journey on Google Maps →
4. Your price
Ready to get started?
Apply in 4 minutes — your qualification starts here.
14-day risk-free guarantee. Full refund if it's not right for you.