NCFE CACHE qualifications · Online
Online residential childcare courses and qualifications
Orvanta Open College is an NCFE approved centre (centre number 11000895) delivering NCFE CACHE residential childcare qualifications online, with tutor and assessor support and workplace assessment.
The Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare (England) is the practitioner qualification for staff working in children's homes. The Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare (England) is the leadership qualification for registered and deputy managers. For managers of fostering services and other children's services, the Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care and Children and Young People's Services (Children and Young People's Management pathway) is the qualification named in the Fostering Services National Minimum Standards.
Compare all qualificationsCompare the qualifications
| Qualification | Level | Typical duration | Fee | Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare (England) (RQF) | Level 3 | 12–18 months | £899.00 or £359.60 + 6 × £89.90 | Learners must be aged 18 or over (due to children's homes regulations). |
| NCFE CACHE Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare (England) (RQF) | Level 5 | 15–24 months | £1,250.00 or £500.00 + 6 × £125.00 | Must be aged 19 or over. |
| NCFE CACHE Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care and Children and Young People's Services (England) – Children and Young People's Management (RQF) | Level 5 | 12–18 months | £1,250.00 or £500.00 + 6 × £125.00 | You need to be working in, or moving into, a leadership role in a service for children and young people. |
NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare (England) (RQF)
The Level 3 residential childcare course named in England's children's homes regulations for staff in care roles, alongside permitted equivalent qualifications. Learn child development, trauma-informed practice, safeguarding, and positive relationships.
Who it is for
- Residential Childcare Workers and Support staff.
- Key workers and advocates in children's homes.
- Trainee residential carers aiming to meet Ofsted regulations within the legally required 2-year window.
Assessment
- Written tasks, reflective statements, and analysis of children's care logs.
- Direct workplace observations by a qualified children's home assessor.
NCFE CACHE Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare (England) (RQF)
The Level 5 residential childcare leadership course named in England's children's homes regulations for managers, alongside permitted equivalent qualifications. Develop leadership, safeguarding governance, team management, and residential childcare practice.
Who it is for
- Registered Managers or aspiring managers of residential children's homes.
- Deputy Managers or Senior Residential Care Workers looking to progress.
- Owners and directors of residential children's services.
Assessment
- Portfolio of management evidence, system audits, and professional discussions.
NCFE CACHE Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care and Children and Young People's Services (England) – Children and Young People's Management (RQF)
The leadership diploma for registered managers and senior leaders in fostering agencies, children's homes and children's services (qualification number 601/4312/5). Built around your own service and studied in the Orvanta online learner portal.
Who it is for
- Registered or deputy managers of independent or local authority fostering services.
- Children's home managers and deputy managers.
- Senior leaders in children's services, or those moving into a leadership role in a service for children and young people.
Assessment
- A portfolio of tasks for each unit that together cover every assessment criterion. There is no written exam.
- Written assignments, workplace evidence, professional discussions, direct observation and reflective accounts, all anonymised.
- A qualified, occupationally competent assessor reviews your evidence, gives feedback and confirms achievement of each unit.
Guides
- What Qualification Do You Need to Work in a Children's Home in England?
- Level 3 vs Level 5 Residential Childcare Courses: Which Qualification Do You Need?
- Residential child care in 2026: new law, a delivery plan, and an Ofsted consultation that closes this month
- What Good Looks Like in a Children's Home
- How to Become a Children's Home Manager in England: Level 5 Qualification and Experience Requirements
Recruiting staff?
We also arrange standard and enhanced DBS checks and BPSS screening for employers.
Buying for a council or combined authority?
See bulk qualification pricing for councils and combined authorities, with volume discounts of up to 25%.
Talk to admissions
Call 0161 641 5819 or email info@orvantaopencollege.co.uk. Orvanta Open College is operated by Orvanta Group Ltd (company number 16554536) and is an NCFE approved centre (centre number 11000895).