MCA COURSE OUTLINE · 610/0247/1
iCQ Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare (England)
Managers, deputies and leaders within residential childcare settings.
Qualification at a glance
- Qualification number
- 610/0247/1
- Awarding organisation
- iCQ Awards (iCan Qualifications Limited)
- Minimum credits
- 90
- Guided learning hours
- 639
Entry requirements and assessment access
The published specification requires learners to be over 19. Your role must allow evidence of leadership and management in residential childcare. MCA checks experience, employer support and assessment opportunities.
What you will learn
- Lead safeguarding, relationships, wellbeing and group living
- Manage teams, professional development, communication and risk
- Lead quality improvement, partnership working and positive outcomes
Qualification structure and unit choices
Structure: achieve a minimum of 90 credits overall. 78 credits must be achieved from the 15 mandatory units. Learners must also complete a minimum of 2 units from the optional units to achieve a minimum of 12 credits.
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/650/0952 | Lead practice to promote the rights, diversity and equality of children and young people in residential childcare | 5 | 4 |
| A/650/0999 | Lead own and others professional development | 5 | 6 |
| D/650/0944 | Lead and manage a team within a residential childcare setting | 5 | 7 |
| D/650/0953 | Lead practice that supports positive outcomes for children and young people in residential childcare | 5 | 6 |
| F/650/0945 | Lead practice to support the safeguarding and protection of children and young people in residential childcare | 5 | 8 |
| J/650/0947 | Lead and develop practice for communication and information management in residential childcare settings | 5 | 5 |
| J/650/1008 | Lead and manage quality and improvement in residential childcare | 5 | 7 |
| K/650/0948 | Manage health, safety and risk in residential childcare | 5 | 5 |
| L/650/0949 | Lead and manage a service that supports children or young people who have experienced harm or abuse | 5 | 3 |
| M/650/1000 | Lead and develop practice to support the well-being and resilience of children and young people in residential childcare | 5 | 4 |
| T/650/0941 | Understand children and young people's development in residential childcare | 5 | 5 |
| T/650/0950 | Lead and manage group living for children and young people in residential childcare | 5 | 5 |
| T/650/0997 | Lead and manage positive relationships with children and young people | 5 | 4 |
| Y/650/0942 | Understand the needs of vulnerable children and young people experiencing poverty and disadvantage | 4 | 5 |
| Y/650/0998 | Work in partnership with others in residential childcare | 5 | 4 |
Group B: Optional Units (7 units)
| Unit code | Unit title | Level | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| A/650/1004 | Lead practice of others to understand models of disability and their effects on working practice with children and young people in residential childcare | 4 | 3 |
| D/650/1005 | Lead practice to support children and young people leaving care | 5 | 4 |
| F/650/1006 | Lead and manage the safe use of technology and online activity | 5 | 4 |
| H/650/1007 | Undertake a research project within residential childcare services | 5 | 10 |
| K/618/4217 | Understand the care system and its impact on children and young people | 4 | 3 |
| T/650/1002 | Lead a residential childcare service that engages with the youth justice system | 5 | 5 |
| Y/650/1003 | Understand complex disabilities or conditions for children and young people within residential childcare | 4 | 4 |
How you are assessed
Portfolio of authentic leadership practice, observation, service documentation, reflective accounts and professional discussion. Select optional units that match your service.
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
Strengthen leadership practice and prepare evidence relevant to management roles; an Ofsted registration decision remains separate.
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.