Children, young people and families manager
Level 5 · HigherCare services 2 yr typical
About this apprenticeship
What it involves
The Children, Young People and Families Manager apprenticeship is a management-level programme for those leading services that support children, young people and their families, such as social care, youth work, early years, or family support. Apprentices develop the skills to lead teams, manage safeguarding risk and oversee service delivery. It leads to team manager, service lead or centre manager roles.
On the job
What you’ll learn
Child development and family systems theories
Safeguarding frameworks and statutory responsibilities of managers
Leadership and staff supervision models in children's services
Performance management and quality assurance of services
Partnership working across health, education and social care
Legislation including Children Act 1989 and Working Together guidance
Resource management, commissioning and budget oversight
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Supervise and support practitioners in a children's or family service
Review and authorise safeguarding decisions and referrals
Lead team meetings and practice development sessions
Monitor service quality through case audits and data analysis
Liaise with partner agencies on complex family cases
Manage budgets and contribute to service planning
Implement policy changes and communicate them to teams
The deal
How this apprenticeship works
You earn a wage from day one. You are a paid employee, not a student. There are no tuition fees - the training is funded by your employer and the government.
About 20% is “off-the-job” training. Roughly a day a week is spent learning away from your normal duties - at a college, training provider, or online - working towards a recognised qualification.
It ends with an end-point assessment (EPA). Near the end, an independent assessor checks you can do the job to the national standard - through tests, a project, a portfolio or an interview. Pass it and you are fully qualified.
How to get there
What you need to start
Level 5 (Higher) - roughly Foundation-degree level. Usually needs Level 3 (A-levels, a T-Level, or an Advanced apprenticeship) or relevant experience.
What’s next: Can lead to a Level 6 (Degree) apprenticeship or a senior role.
Entry requirements are set by each employer and can vary - always check the specific vacancy.
Hear from employers
What it’s really like
No employer videos yet for this apprenticeship. Employers offering it can add one to show young people what the role is really like.