Learners should be able to follow verbal and written instructions in English at Level 1 and above, have a basic level of IT skills. All learners will complete an initial assessment (BKSB) at the start of the course to measure literacy skills to ensure the course is at the right level.
Start date:
Sep 2026
Course Overview
The aim of this programme is to support and prepare learners for employment as a Residential Child Care Worker in a variety of settings across Lancashire, working with Lancashire County Council.
The course is designed to help learners understand what it takes to work in a residential childcare setting while supporting them to gain relevant qualifications for the role of a Residential Child Care Worker.
As part of the programme, learners will complete short courses in a range of subjects to develop their skills and increase their knowledge of sector-specific topics, improving their opportunities for progression.
The programme has been developed in collaboration with Lancashire County Council to ensure it effectively prepares learners for working in a children’s home. Learners will also benefit from employability sessions, providing valuable insights into the expectations of employers and supporting them through the job application process. Additionally, the programme includes a short visit to a residential children’s home, offering first-hand experience of the working environment.
What will I learn?
Over the course of the programme, learners will complete a series of shorter subject specific subjects, developing knowledge in the following areas:
– Introduction to Residential Childcare and different types of settings – Confident Participation and Personal Resilience – Exploring opportunities in childcare, – Roles and responsibilities of a childcare worker – Children’s social and emotional development – Safeguarding and Protection – Adverse Childhood Experience and challenging behaviour – Understanding and Managing Anger and Aggression
A short work shadow visit and interview for those who successfully complete the course.
How is the course delivered?
Learners attend all sessions and engage in learning activities to support the learning outcomes. Learning will be structured towards completing both individual and group activities to increase knowledge and understanding which will be assessed using a range of methods.
Further support and learning can be accessed through the Teams page, which will support specific aspects of the course with activities and resources.
How will my learning be assessed?
– Regular submission of work that will be assessed and reviewed weekly. – Learners will receive feedback in order to further develop their knowledge – Learners will assess their knowledge at the start of the course and again at the end against the learning outcomes. This allows them to identify how much they have learnt and where they might need to do further study or research. – Learners will also be supported to set an individual target(s) for the course based on starting points, personal goals and career aspirations. – Learners accessing online learning/assessment can view their progress in the progress bars indicating what has been completed and what is still to submit.
Additional Information
Whether accessing assessment materials online or paper-based, learners will complete work associated with the course/qualification they are undertaking. This will be a range of activities from answering open questions, case studies, research activities and practical skills will be assessed throughout the programme. Some multiple-choice exams are also included in some of the subjects studied.
Potential Careers
Following completion of this course the following progression option(s) are available: – Progression into employment as a Grad 5 or 6 Residential Child Care Worker
Progression to level 2 programmes which include: – Certificate in Understanding Children and Young Peoples Mental Health – Certificate in Supporting Children and Young People – Certificate in Understanding Safeguarding and Prevent – Certificate in Common Childhood Illnesses – Residential Childcare Apprenticeship Level 3
Course Facilities
The total programme is planned to run for 6 weeks.
Weeks 1-3: Class based sessions attending 3 days per week 9.30am – 3.00pm
Weeks 4-5: *Work shadow placement (will be one day placement in one of the facilities)
Week 6: Application and preparation for interview.
*Learners who successfully complete the course in weeks 1-3 will be offered a placement on weeks 4 or 5, and application and interview preparation in readiness for interview for a grade 6 Residential Child Care Worker during week 6.
As part of the programme, we will also fund the application of an Enhanced DBS (Disclosure Barring Service) Certificate, the mandatory requirement for working in any health or social care setting, which includes your work shadow placement. You will be also required to provide personal information (ID, references, employment history and any Qualifications for example) in accordance with Schedule 2, of the Children’s Homes (England) regulations (2015). You will also be required to produce a number of ID documents to assist with the application, which will be discussed as part of your induction to the programme.
We will fund the upgrade to the online update service once your certificate arrives.
