MCA COURSE OUTLINE · 603/6592/4
iCQ Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare
Practitioners supporting children and young people in residential care.
Qualification at a glance
- Qualification number
- 603/6592/4
- Awarding organisation
- iCQ Awards (iCan Qualifications Limited)
- Minimum credits
- 61
- Guided learning hours
- 460
- Total qualification time
- 610 hours
Entry requirements and assessment access
The published iCQ specification lists the 19+ age category and no formal academic entry requirements. You need a suitable residential childcare setting to demonstrate competence. MCA checks your role and assessment access.
What you will learn
- Support development, attachment, wellbeing and positive relationships
- Apply safeguarding, risk assessment and effective communication
- Support group living, learning, health, rights and positive outcomes
Qualification structure and unit choices
Structure: achieve 53 credits from the Mandatory Group A and 8 credits from the optional units in Group B.
Mandatory units form the core. Optional units, where available, are selected with your assessor to match your role and the rules of combination; the full optional list is not a requirement to complete every unit.
| Unit code | Unit title | Level | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| A/618/4206 | Support group living in residential childcare | 3 | 3 |
| D/618/4201 | Understand how to safeguard and protect children and young people in residential childcare | 3 | 7 |
| D/618/4215 | Participate in teams to benefit children and young people in residential childcare | 3 | 3 |
| F/618/4207 | Understand how to support positive outcomes for children and young people in residential childcare | 3 | 2 |
| F/618/4210 | Support attachment and positive relationships for children and young people in residential childcare | 3 | 4 |
| H/618/4202 | Understand how to support children and young people who have experienced harm or abuse | 3 | 3 |
| J/618/4208 | Support the rights, diversity and equality of children and young people in residential childcare | 3 | 3 |
| J/618/4211 | Support the well-being and resilience of children and young people in residential childcare | 3 | 5 |
| K/618/4203 | Promote effective communication and information handling in residential childcare settings | 3 | 3 |
| L/618/4209 | Engage in professional development in residential childcare settings | 3 | 3 |
| L/618/4212 | Support children and young people in residential childcare to achieve their learning potential | 3 | 4 |
| M/618/4204 | Support risk management in residential childcare | 3 | 2 |
| R/618/4213 | Support children and young people in residential childcare to manage their health | 3 | 2 |
| T/618/4205 | Assessment and planning with children and young people in residential childcare | 3 | 3 |
| Y/618/4200 | Understand the development of children and young people in residential childcare | 3 | 3 |
| Y/618/4214 | Support the development of socially aware behaviour with children and young people in residential childcare | 3 | 3 |
Group B: Optional Units (7 units)
| Unit code | Unit title | Level | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| F/601/4056 | Support use of medication in social care settings | 3 | 5 |
| H/618/4216 | Support young people leaving care | 3 | 6 |
| K/618/4217 | Understand the care system and its impact on children and young people | 4 | 3 |
| K/618/4220 | Understand support for young people with complex disabilities or conditions making the transition into adulthood | 3 | 3 |
| M/618/4218 | Understand the youth justice system as it relates to residential childcare | 4 | 4 |
| M/618/4221 | Work with the families of children and young people in residential childcare | 3 | 2 |
| T/618/4219 | Understand residential childcare for children and young people with complex disabilities or conditions | 3 | 3 |
How you are assessed
A portfolio combining workplace observation, professional discussion, reflective accounts and knowledge assignments. Evidence is mapped to the selected units, with confidentiality protected.
Your assessor records decisions against the unit criteria. All required outcomes must be achieved; assessment evidence is reviewed through internal and awarding-body quality assurance. Prior learning may be considered where permitted and supported by valid evidence.
Delivery and learner support
MCA offers tutor-supported online and blended learning. Your agreed study plan sets the tutorial format, workplace visits or teaching observations, independent study and review arrangements. Practical assessment cannot be replaced by online study alone.
Discuss accessibility needs, reasonable adjustments and learning support with MCA at the application stage.
Duration, start dates and fees
Start dates, fees, payment options and the planned completion period are confirmed in writing before enrolment. Qualification learning hours describe the study requirement; they are not a promise of a fixed calendar duration. Ask MCA for a personalised quotation and timetable.
Progression
Develop residential childcare practice and consider Level 5 when your role includes leadership.
Apply or ask a question
Tell us your chosen qualification, experience and current role so we can check the right pathway.
Request your course planUnit titles, credits and qualification structure checked against the published iCQ specification on 3 October 2026. This MCA outline explains the learner journey; the registered assessment plan controls the exact unit selection and assessment criteria.