Your Path to Leadership in Children’s and
Family Services
Level 5 Diploma for Children,
Young People and Families Manager
Lead teams, inspire practice, and make a lasting difference in the lives of children, young people, and families through high-quality care and support.
The Level 5 Diploma for Children, Young People and Families Manager is designed for experienced practitioners ready to take on leadership roles across residential or community settings.
You’ll learn to lead, manage, and inspire teams to deliver effective, evidence-based support that improves outcomes for children, young people, and their families. The course strengthens your professional leadership skills and deepens your understanding of multi-agency collaboration, safeguarding, and reflective practice.
You’ll learn how to:
Lead and manage care teams to deliver person-centred, outcomes-focused support
Build strong partnerships across agencies and services
Promote safeguarding, equality, and inclusion in every aspect of care
Use research and evidence to inform and improve practice
Develop staff performance through coaching, supervision, and reflective leadership
Manage resources effectively to achieve better outcomes
Level:
5 Apprenticeship Standard
Typical Duration:
24–30 months
Assessment:
Observation, professional discussion & portfolio
Study Mode:
Work-based learning
Specialisms:
Residential Care or Community Practice
Minimum Age:
16+
Who Is It For?
This qualification is ideal for:
Residential Childcare Managers and Deputy Managers
Senior practitioners working with children, young people, and families
Community-based managers overseeing early years, youth, or family services
Professionals leading multi-agency or partnership projects
Course Content
You’ll cover the core knowledge and leadership principles required to manage teams and services, then specialise in either Residential Care or Community Practice.
Core Learning Areas:
Leadership, Management, and Team Development
Safeguarding and Risk Management
Equality, Diversity, and Human Rights in Practice
Supervision and Reflective Practice
Partnership and Multi-Agency Working
Research and Evidence-Based Improvement
Managing Quality and Compliance
Residential Care Pathway:
Principles of Long-Term Care and Support for Children and Young People
Residential Childcare Legislation and Compliance
Behaviour Management and Safe Restraint Practices
Creating a Safe, Nurturing, and Therapeutic Environment
Community Pathway:
Partnership and Early Intervention in Community Settings
Multi-Agency Practice and Joint Budget Planning
Social Welfare and Local Service Provision
Leading Early Help and Family Support Interventions
How You’ll Be Assessed
Assessment combines workplace practice with professional reflection and leadership evaluation.
Observation of leadership and management practice
Professional discussions and reflective accounts
Case studies and improvement projects
Portfolio of evidence demonstrating applied skills and knowledge
End-point assessment (EPA) including observation and professional discussion
Progression & Careers
After qualifying, you can work as:
After qualifying, you can work as:
Children’s Residential Manager or Deputy Manager
Community Family Services Manager
Early Help or Youth Support Lead
Team or Service Manager within local authorities or charities
Progression routes include:
Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership
Foundation Degree or BA (Hons) in Social Care, Youth Work, or Early Childhood Leadership
Specialist training for Ofsted Registered Manager status
Entry Requirements
Learners must be aged 16 or over
Employed in a relevant childcare, youth, or family support setting
Enhanced DBS check required
Level 3 qualification in a related field (e.g. Early Years, Youth Work, or Residential Childcare)
English and Maths at Level 2 (or achieved before completion)
Why Choose Accacia Training?
Delivered by experienced social care and education professionals
Practical, work-based learning built around your role
Strong focus on leadership, reflective practice, and quality improvement
Expert tutor support with extensive sector experience
Aligned with Ofsted and Skills for Care standards
Support Hub
Can I specialise in residential or community settings?
Yes — you can choose between the Residential Care or Community Pathway depending on your role.
Do I need to be in a management position?
Yes — you’ll need to lead a team or service to apply your learning effectively.
Is this qualification recognised by Ofsted?
Yes — it’s aligned to Ofsted standards for leadership in children’s services.
How long does it take?
Typically 24–30 months depending on your pathway and experience.
What comes next after Level 5?
You can progress to Level 7 Strategic Management or a degree in Leadership or Social Care.
