Children, Young Peopl and Families Practitioner - Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship

Summary

For employers looking to develop existing employees or recruit individuals with previous experience working in the residential childcare sector, the Level 4 Children, Young People and Families Practitioner Apprenticeship (Residential Childcare pathway) provides a structured framework to develop competencies which will, on successful completion, allow these employees to deepen their experience and take on greater responsibility in their role.

This apprenticeship develops the knowledge, skills, and behaviours required to support children and young people with complex needs, helping them to lead positive and fulfilling lives. As part of the programme, apprentices will also complete the NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare, which supports their learning but is only one element of the full apprenticeship.

Next course dates

Start date Location Duration / Fees
Anytime
Bispham Campus
/ £0
Anytime
Bispham Campus
/ £0

Where can this subject lead?

Career progression

Completing the Level 4 Children, Young People and Families Practitioner Apprenticeship (Residential Childcare pathway) opens the door to a range of meaningful and impactful roles within the childcare and social care sectors. 

Here are some potential career roles which would be available to individuals who successfully complete the apprenticeship

  • Residential Childcare Practitioner
    Provide direct care and support to children and young people in residential settings, helping them develop life skills and emotional resilience.
  • Key Worker or Senior Support Worker
    Take on additional responsibilities such as care planning, mentoring junior staff, and liaising with external agencies.
  • Family Support Worker
    Work with families to promote the welfare of children and young people, offering practical and emotional support.
  • Youth Support Worker
    Engage with young people in residential or community settings, supporting their personal and social development.
  • Progression to Leadership Roles
    With experience, you may progress to a Level 5 apprenticeship in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare or move into roles such as team leader, deputy manager, or safeguarding lead.

This apprenticeship is designed for those already working in the sector and looking to advance their skills and responsibilities. It provides a strong foundation for long-term career growth and specialisation in areas such as child protection, therapeutic care or education support.

Next steps at B&FC

The following options are potentially open to individuals who successfully complete this apprenticeship:

Level 5 Children, Young People and Families Manager Apprenticeship Ideal for those looking to move into leadership and management roles within residential childcare or broader family support services.

Foundation Degree in Health and Social Care Prepares learners for roles in various care settings or further academic study.

BA (Hons) in Social Work This degree provides comprehensive training in social work theory and practice, including placements in real-world settings..

Employment Opportunities

On completing the apprenticeship, apprentices can pursue various job titles in the childcare and social care sectors. Here are some potential roles:

  1. Residential Childcare Worker
  2. Youth Support Worker
  3. Family Support Worker
  4. Social Care Worker
  5. Childcare Practitioner
  6. Support Worker in Children's Homes
  7. Assistant Residential Childcare Manager
  8. Deputy Manager in Residential Childcare Settings

These roles offer opportunities to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and young people, providing essential care and support in various settings.

Key information

Entry Requirements

For the apprentice:

Although specific entry requirements are set by individual employers, the following entry requirements will apply to all applicants.

Minimum Age: 18 years old

Entry Requirements:

  • Initial Advice and Guidance: Our team will conduct a professional discussion to assess suitability.

Additional Non-Qualification-Based Entry Requirements:

  • DBS Check: A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be required to ensure the safety and suitability of individuals working with children and young people. This will usually be undertaken by the employer.
  • Apprentices must be working in a residential childcare setting to demonstrate competence in both knowledge and skills.

These requirements ensure that apprentices are adequately prepared and suitable for the responsibilities involved in residential childcare.

Fees and funding

For the apprentice

The apprentice will receive a wage which will be agreed as part of their contract of employment but which must meet the statutory minimum rate set by the government, details of which can be found here. There are no fees charged to the apprentice in relation to the off-site training and other costs such as the DBS check and a uniform will usually be paid for by the employer. However, should the apprentice fail to complete their apprenticeship, their contract of employment might state that the employer is entitled to recoup these costs. Apprentices should check their contract of employment to ensure they are aware of any financial responsibilities in this regard.

For the employer

The employer will need to cover the cost of off-site training either via the Apprenticeship Levy (if they contribute to this) or directly with B&FC. The government currently contribute at least 95% of the funding for non-levy employers and you may also be entitled to a further £1000 depending on the age and personal circumstances of the apprentice you hire. For full details, please visit Employing an apprentice: Get funding for apprenticeship training - GOV.UK or ask speak to a member of our Business Development Team by calling 01253 352352 or emailing business@blackpool.ac.uk

Extra costs and equipment

There are no additional costs associated with this apprenticeship.

What will I learn?

What will I learn?

The Level 4 Apprenticeship for Children, Young People and Families Practitioners – Residential Care equips apprentices with the advanced knowledge and practical skills needed to support children and young people in residential settings. Here’s a concise overview of the key areas:

Promoting Positive Outcomes: Learn how to support children and young people to achieve sustainable, meaningful change in their lives.

Assessment and Planning: Develop skills in assessing complex needs and creating effective, person-centred placement plans.

Safeguarding and Risk Management: Understand how to identify safeguarding concerns and work collaboratively to manage and reduce risk.

Trauma-Informed Support: Gain insight into supporting children and young people who have experienced harm or trauma, helping them to live and grow together in group settings.

Effective Communication: Build strong, empathetic relationships and ensure the voice of the child or young person is heard and respected.

Child Development and SEND: Deepen your understanding of child and adolescent development, including the principles of the SEND Code of Practice.

Professional Parenting: Take on the role of a professional parent, providing consistent care and emotional support in a residential environment.

Teamwork and Ethos: Promote the ethos of the home and model collaborative, reflective team working.

Legislation and Compliance: Apply knowledge of relevant legislation, safeguarding frameworks, and ethical practice in residential care.

Reflective Practice and Development: Engage in supervision and continuous professional development to improve your practice and outcomes for those you support.

These modules combine theoretical understanding with real-world application, preparing the apprentice to make a lasting impact in residential childcare settings.

Industry placement, field trips and guest speakers

All apprentices must be employed in a suitable role that enables them to meet the full requirements of the apprenticeship. This ensures that learning is applied directly in real-world care environments, helping apprentices build confidence and  skills through hands-on experience.
Guest Speakers 

We regularly invite a range of industry professionals to share their expertise on key topics relevant to residential childcare. These sessions cover areas such as safeguarding, trauma-informed practice, mental health, bereavement, and multi-agency working. Guest speakers provide practical insights and real-world perspectives, enriching the learning experience and helping apprentices prepare for the diverse challenges they may encounter in their roles.

How will I learn?

Off-site training for the apprenticeship is taught in hybrid teaching rooms, allowing apprentices to attend live sessions either in person or online. The programme primarily focuses on theoretical knowledge but also includes practical hands-on elements to enhance learning and application. 

Teaching methods include:

Interactive Lectures: Engaging lectures that encourage participation and discussion.

Group Work: Collaborative projects and activities that foster teamwork and communication skills.

Practical Workshops: Hands-on sessions where apprentices can apply theoretical knowledge in practical scenarios.

Online Resources: Access to a wealth of online materials, including videos, articles, and interactive modules.

This flexible approach ensures that apprentices can engage with the material in a way that best suits their needs.

Expert tutors

All tutors involved in the delivery of apprenticeship training within the College are approved to teach the subjects and modules they deliver. The approval process ensures that tutors delivering a given programme are appropriately qualified and, where appropriate, possess relevant technical and industrial experience and professional practice.

How will I be assessed?

How will I be assessed?

Assessment Methods

Apprentices enrolled in the NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare will be assessed using a variety of methods throughout the course to ensure a comprehensive evaluation of their skills and knowledge. These methods include:

  • Coursework: Assignments and projects that allow students to demonstrate their understanding of key concepts and apply their learning in practical scenarios.
  • Portfolio of Evidence: A collection of work that showcases the student's competence in various areas, including written reflections, case studies, and practical demonstrations.
  • Practical Demonstrations: Hands-on activities where students can exhibit their skills in real-world settings, such as their work placements.
  • Assignments: Structured tasks that assess specific learning outcomes and provide opportunities for in-depth exploration of topics.

End-Point Assessment (EPA)

The EPA is a crucial component of the final assessment process, conducted at the end of the apprenticeship to  evaluate the apprentice's overall competence and readiness for the role. The EPA methods typically include:

  • Observation: An assessor will observe the apprentice in their work placement, assessing their practical skills and interactions with children and young people.
  • Professional Discussion: A structured conversation between the student and the assessor to review their portfolio and discuss their learning and experiences.
  • Knowledge Test: A formal examination to assess the apprentice's understanding of theoretical concepts covered in the course.

These assessments contribute significantly to the final grade, ensuring that apprentices are thoroughly evaluated on both their practical abilities and theoretical knowledge. Successfully completing these assessments demonstrates the apprentice's readiness to excel in residential childcare settings.