NCFE CACHE qualifications · Online
The Level 5 management qualification for fostering service registered managers
Standard 17.2 of the Fostering Services National Minimum Standards (Department for Education, 2011) sets the qualifications and experience expected of a fostering service's registered manager, including a relevant professional qualification and a management qualification. Its footnote names the Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care and Children and Young People's Services for qualifications started after January 2011. The same footnote says managers who already hold the Level 4 Leadership and Management for Care Services or Health and Social Care qualification do not need to take the Level 5 diploma.
Orvanta Open College delivers that diploma online on the Children and Young People's Management pathway (qualification number 601/4312/5): six modules, 18 units and 91 credits, assessed through a portfolio of your own work with no written exam. Managers of children's homes in England should also look at the Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare (England), the qualification named in regulation 28 of the Children's Homes (England) Regulations 2015.
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| Qualification | Level | Typical duration | Fee | Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 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)
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.
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.
Guides
- 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
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).