Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of vulnerable children and young people? The TQUK Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare is a nationally recognized qualification designed for those working, or looking to work, in residential childcare settings. This course provides learners with the essential knowledge and practical skills needed to support children and young people in care, ensuring their safety, well-being, and development.
This qualification meets the regulatory requirements for those working in children’s homes in England and is essential for residential support workers, care workers, and key workers in the sector.
Description
The TQUK Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare is designed to equip learners with the skills and knowledge to support, safeguard, and promote the well-being of children and young people in residential care. The course covers child development, safeguarding, therapeutic approaches, and managing challenging behavior, ensuring learners are fully prepared for the demands of the role.
This qualification is a mandatory requirement for residential childcare workers in England, in line with Ofsted and Children’s Home Regulations (2015).
Who Is This Course For?
- New or existing residential childcare workers who need a recognized qualification
- Support workers, key workers, and care assistants in children’s homes
- Individuals looking to enter the residential childcare sector
- Foster carers and those working with vulnerable young people in care
Entry Requirements
- Learners must be at least 18 years old.
- Must be working or volunteering in a residential childcare setting, as practical assessments are required.
- A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is mandatory for working with children and young people.
- No formal qualifications are required, but Level 2 English and Maths may be beneficial.
Course Content
The course includes a wide range of topics essential for working in residential childcare settings:
✅ Understanding Child and Adolescent Development – Learn about the physical, emotional, and social development of children and young people.
✅ Safeguarding and Child Protection in Residential Care – Gain knowledge of legislation, policies, and procedures to ensure the safety and well-being of children in care.
✅ Promoting Positive Behavior and Managing Challenging Situations – Learn behavior management techniques to support young people in residential settings.
✅ Building Relationships and Supporting Attachments – Understand the impact of trauma, abuse, and neglect on children’s development and how to provide therapeutic support.
✅ Promoting Health and Well-being – Learn about the physical and emotional well-being of children, including mental health awareness and intervention strategies.
✅ Understanding Legal and Regulatory Frameworks – Gain knowledge of the laws, regulations, and standards that govern residential childcare in England.
✅ Supporting Young People in Education and Transitions – Understand how to support children’s education, career planning, and transitions into adulthood.
✅ Teamwork and Multi-Agency Working in Residential Childcare – Learn the importance of working collaboratively with social workers, healthcare professionals, and education providers.
✅ Developing Professional Practice in Residential Care – Reflect on your role and responsibilities and build professional resilience and self-care strategies.
Career Opportunities
✔️ Residential Childcare Worker
✔️ Support Worker in Children’s Homes
✔️ Key Worker in Foster Care or Youth Services
✔️ Family Support Worker
✔️ Senior Residential Support Worker
Progression Opportunities
Upon completing this qualification, learners can progress to:
✔️ TQUK Level 4 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare
✔️ Higher education in social work, youth work, or child psychology
✔️ Specialized roles in therapeutic care, safeguarding, or social services
✔️ Leadership roles such as Residential Childcare Manager or Senior Support Worker
Induction
As part of your course, you will receive a 1-2-1 induction session with your tutor via Microsoft Teams. This session is designed to help you get started, set clear goals, and ensure you have the right support in place for a successful learning experience.
What to Expect in Your Induction Session:
✔ Individual Learning Plan (ILP) Creation – Your tutor will work with you to develop a personalised learning plan, outlining key milestones and ensuring your studies align with your goals.
✔ Target Setting – Together, you’ll set realistic and achievable targets to help you stay on track and motivated throughout your course.
✔ Additional Support Needs – If you require any extra support or adjustments, this is the perfect opportunity to discuss your needs so we can tailor our support to you.
Assessment
All assessments for your course are set and marked internally to ensure a high standard of learning and feedback. Simply submit your work to your dedicated course tutor, who will carefully review your assessments and provide constructive feedback to support your progress.
Once you have successfully completed all required assessments, your work will go through our Internal Quality Assurance (IQA) process. This ensures that marking is consistent, fair, and meets the required standards. During this process:
✔ Your assessments may be moderated by an internal quality assurer to verify accuracy and consistency.
✔ This additional review helps maintain the integrity and credibility of your qualification.
✔ If any further amendments are needed, you’ll be provided with clear guidance on what to improve.
Once your work has passed through the IQA process and meets all necessary standards, your certification will be issued, officially confirming your successful course completion.
We are committed to maintaining the highest quality of assessment and support throughout your learning journey. If you have any questions about the process, feel free to reach out to your tutor!
Tutor Support
As part of your course, you will receive unlimited email support from a dedicated course tutor throughout your tutor support period, which covers the full duration of your course. Our tutors are here to assist with any questions, provide guidance, and help you stay on track with your learning.
If you require additional tutor support after your course end date, extra support can be purchased to ensure you continue receiving the help you need.
For more information on extending your tutor support, please get in touch with us. We’re here to support you every step of the way!
Optional Extras
Need Extra Support? Book a 1-2-1 Tutor Session!
If you’d like additional guidance, you can book a personalised 15-minute 1-2-1 tutor session via Microsoft Teams for just £20. Whether you need help understanding a topic, want feedback on your work, or have specific questions, our expert tutors are here to support you.
✔ Tailored to Your Needs – Get direct support on the areas you need help with.
✔ Flexible & Convenient – Sessions take place online via Teams at a time that suits you.
✔ Expert Guidance – Benefit from a tutor’s expertise to boost your confidence and understanding.
Make the Most of Your Session
To ensure your tutor is fully prepared and you get the most out of your time, we ask that you send over details of what you’d like to discuss in advance. This helps us tailor the session to your needs and provide the best possible support.
Get the extra support you need to succeed – book your 1-2-1 session today!

Duration Requirements
Up to 18 months
Entry
• Learners should be at least 16 years old.
• A good understanding of English
• Work placement
Assessment
All assessments are set and marked internally. Simply send your work to your dedicated course tutor, who will review it and provide feedback. Once you successfully complete the course, you'll receive your certification.
Purchase Options
Note: The monthly plan includes an initial deposit of £100.00 and 11 monthly payments of £60.00 per month.
Course code:
Monthly payment options available
via GoCardless at checkout