A qualification aimed at raising the status of children’s residential care workers has launched in England, with experts calling it a major step towards long-overdue reform.
The Graduate Diploma in Residential Work (Children’s), created by Kingston University and Lighthouse Pedagogy Trust, is the first university-accredited programme of its kind in the UK. Set to begin this autumn, the course is part-time and has been created to reflect the complexity of residential care – an aspect often overlooked – and offer new pathways for professional development.
The course is spread over 18 months and combines academic teaching with in-practice learning, allowing for people who already work in children’s homes to continue their job while studying. What’s more, the course also incorporates emerging technologies such as virtual reality and AI-driven simulation to ensure students are prepared for modern residential work.
Speaking at the course’s launch, Isabelle Trowler CBE, chief social worker for children and families in England, said: ‘One key shift we want to see across the practice system is much more skilled and knowledgeable direct work with families, underpinned by evidence and practice-based methodology. This course can help systematise the individual brilliance we see across the 46,000 talented residential care practitioners in England.’
On the subject of brilliance, Isabelle also highlighted the efforts of Kingston University and Lighthouse Pedagogy Trust.
‘Both organisations have come together and decided to do something different, undeterred by the barriers that might be placed in their way – they’ve marched on regardless and are making change happen,’ she said. ‘The first cohort of students that start could be the vanguard of a nationwide systemic shift in how we develop our practice alongside children and young people, and their families, and it’s incredibly exciting.’
The course has been developed in consultation with care-experienced young people, local authorities, and residential care providers. It is underpinned by a social pedagogical approach that emphasises relational practice and child-centred care.
Graduates will achieve a Level 6 qualification, opening new routes into leadership and specialist roles. The programme has also been endorsed by the Social Pedagogy Professional Association.
Applications are now open for the first intake, of which can you find more information here.
Image of the launch event of the graduate diploma.
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