A bold new qualification designed to elevate and professionalise the children's residential care workforce has been launched by Kingston University.

The 18-month Graduate Diploma in Residential Work (Children's) is an innovative programme and the first of its kind in the UK, developed in partnership with a range of children's home providers.

Associate Professor of Social Work Yvalia Febrer, who co-created the course, said the wide breadth of study reflects the importance of the roles played in a child's life.

She added: "We strongly believe the work carried out in children's homes is complex and significant work.

"We wanted that to be recognised in the training; in the way we practice and in society. We're raising the level of teaching to match the requirements of one of the most important jobs that exists in our society."

 Until recently, the standard qualification for children's residential care workers has been a Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare, a qualification broadly viewed as being outdated, insufficient and lacking in relevant and appropriate delivery modes.

In contrast, the new Graduate Diploma offers a rigorous, evidence-based curriculum that reflects the true complexity of residential care.

It also raises the level of the qualification from a level 3 to level 6, the same level as a degree, creating greater opportunities for career progression.

 Upon graduating, the qualification can lead to several career pathways including working as residential staff in a children's home, a children's home registered manager, a social pedagogy practitioner and a support worker for young people.

 Launching this September, the course has been designed to be employment-based and highly flexible, combining online learning, in-person sessions, and immersive technologies so that professionals can study while continuing to work in children's homes and related settings.

It reflects the most pressing needs of children in residential care and has been created with input from care leavers, local authorities, government agencies and children's social care professionals.

 It will also harness virtual and augmented reality technology and artificial intelligence for its teaching – giving students fully experiential, hands-on learning for working successfully in residential care.

Ideal for professionals aiming to excel in residential care roles, the programme's content is grounded in child development, trauma-responsive care and relational practice, with modules covering key areas such as child protection, therapeutic intervention, advocacy and leadership.

A dedicated manager pathway is also available, providing an alternative to the current Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for those aspiring to become Registered Managers.

 The course is rooted in social pedagogy (a holistic practice model that prioritises strong, authentic relationships) and is being endorsed by the Social Pedagogy Professional Association for the UK and Ireland (SPPA) who promote social pedagogy practice across the five nations.

Senior lecturer of social work Kelly Gittens, who worked with Ms Febrer on developing the programme, wanted to create a course to help make real change in the sector.

She said: "The really skilled people who already work in children's homes are the people who have the right heart and spirit – we want to help our students become the best residential care workers they can be.

"The course creates a career pathway to fit in around shifts and recognises the fantastic work that is already being done. Students will be the vanguard of social pedagogy practice in residential care and are at the forefront of the latest thinking and positive developments in children's social care."

 Director of Lighthouse Pedagogy Trust Emmanuel Akpan-Inwang said the course marked a milestone for British residential care work with children.

The Director added: "This is a groundbreaking course and the first of its kind for British residential care work with children.

"We chose to partner with Kingston University because of their renowned expertise in social pedagogy expertise and proven track record in developing social care practitioners. This diploma will ensure practitioners are equipped with the practical skills and applied knowledge that truly makes a difference in the sector."

 The course is accessible to all, with no A-Levels or prior university education required. Applications are open now and can be made through the Kingston University website.