Students studying outside

Qualifications to work in residential child care

Professionals working in child and youth care require dedication, commitment, heart, soul and a whole range of practical and personal skills to help them meet the challenges and enjoy the rewards a career can bring. They also need to achieve the correct educational qualifications for working in the sector, and receive on-the-job learning to advance their knowledge and expertise.

Registering to work in residential child care 

Residential child care workers are required to register with the Scottish Social Services Council. We know that some new workers, supervisors and managers within the sector will need to gain qualifications to register. Here's some short guidance to help you:

Our courses

Alongside our partners in higher education, we deliver qualifications at degree and Masters level, and we are proud to contribute our own experience and skills to the delivery of learning for the sector.

By sharing our knowledge and expertise in theory and practice-based work, and by championing an innovative approach to working in child and youth care, we aim to promote a level of formal education that is above and beyond mandatory requirements.

Degree and postgraduate courses for looked after children

Residential child care

Scottish Journal of Residential Child Care Vol 24 No 1

Welcome to the spring 2025 issue of the Scottish Journal of Residential Child Care (SJRCC). It is a very full issue, with the usual mix of long-form o…

Scottish Journal of Residential Child Care Vol 23 No 2

Welcome to the autumn 2024 issue of the Scottish Journal of Residential Child Care (SJRCC). We introduce this issue by saying a big ‘thank you’ from t…

News

New legislation introduced in Scotland to support children with care experience

The Children (Care, Care Experience and Services Planning) (Scotland) Bill which aims to improve services and support for children and young people wi…

Care experienced children struggling to access right to education in Scotland

A new report commissioned by the Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland, Nicola Killean, has highlighted significant concerns over the amou…