Undertake a research project within services for health and social care or children and young people
This element equips learners to independently design, conduct, and analyze a research project within health, social care, or children and young people’s settings. It emphasizes ethical considerations, robust methodology, and the translation of findings into evidence-based improvements in service delivery.
Assessment criteria
Quick Revision Summary (Key Takeaway)
The City & Guilds Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care Services (Children and Young People's Residential Management) Wales equips managers with advanced skills to lead residential childcare settings in Wales. It covers regulatory frameworks, safeguarding, staff leadership, and outcome-focused practice, preparing leaders to manage services for children and young people in residential care.
Topic Overview
This qualification is designed for managers and leaders in residential childcare services for children and young people in Wales. It builds on previous experience and knowledge, focusing on the strategic and operational leadership required to run a residential setting effectively. The diploma covers areas such as managing resources, leading teams, ensuring compliance with Welsh regulations, and promoting the rights and well-being of children and young people.
The course is essential for those aiming to become registered managers in Wales, as it meets the requirements of the Regulation and Inspection of Social Care (Wales) Act 2016. It emphasises the importance of a child-centred approach, where every decision is made in the best interests of the child. Learners develop skills in critical analysis, reflective practice, and evidence-based decision-making, which are crucial for improving outcomes for vulnerable children.
Within the broader Health and Social Care sector, this diploma ensures that leaders are equipped to handle complex challenges such as safeguarding, mental health, and transitions. It aligns with the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014, promoting well-being and the voice of the child. By completing this qualification, you demonstrate your commitment to high-quality care and your ability to lead with confidence and integrity.
Key Concepts
Core ideas you must understand for this topic
- →Regulatory framework in Wales: Regulation and Inspection of Social Care (Wales) Act 2016, Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW), and National Minimum Standards.
- →Leadership vs management: inspiring and developing staff, creating a positive culture, and strategic planning.
- →Safeguarding and child protection: Wales Safeguarding Procedures, the role of the designated safeguarding lead, and multi-agency working.
- →The Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014: well-being duty, voice of the child, and prevention.
- →Outcome-focused practice: measuring and improving outcomes for children and young people in residential care.
Learning Objectives
What you need to know and understand
- Be able to justify a topic for research within services for health and social care or children and young people, Understand how the components of research are used, Be able to conduct a research project within services for health and social care or children and young people, Be able to analyse research findings
Assessment Criteria
Key criteria assessors look for in your portfolio
- Award credit for producing a clear research proposal that justifies the topic's relevance to the service setting and aligns with organizational priorities.
- Award credit for demonstrating a critical understanding of research methodology, including appropriate selection of qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods.
- Award credit for conducting the research in compliance with ethical guidelines, safeguarding, and data protection legislation (e.g., GDPR).
- Award credit for presenting a thorough analysis of findings using suitable analytical techniques, leading to actionable recommendations.
Assessment Guidance
Guidance for achieving higher grades
- 💡Structure your research report according to a clear framework (e.g., introduction, literature review, methodology, findings, discussion, conclusion) and ensure all sections are logically connected.
- 💡Explicitly link your research findings to both your initial research questions and relevant professional standards or legislation, demonstrating a critical understanding of practice implications.
- 💡Document all stages of the research process meticulously, including reflexive notes on your role as a researcher, to strengthen the credibility of your study.
- 💡Always use Welsh-specific terminology and cite Welsh legislation, such as the Regulation and Inspection of Social Care (Wales) Act 2016, to show your knowledge.
- 💡In leadership questions, use real theories (e.g., transformational leadership) and give practical examples from residential settings.
- 💡For any question about children's outcomes, link your answer to the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 and the principle of 'voice of the child'.
Common Mistakes
Common errors to avoid in your coursework
- Proposing a research topic without a clear link to service improvement or without addressing real-world constraints (time, resources, access).
- Neglecting to obtain necessary ethical approvals or failing to consider the potential impact on vulnerable participants.
- Confusing research methodology with methods, e.g., claiming a 'qualitative methodology' but only using a questionnaire without justification.
- Presenting data without meaningful analysis or interpretation; merely describing findings rather than evaluating them against existing literature.
- Misconception: The same laws apply across the UK. Correction: Wales has its own legislation and inspection body (CIW), so you must refer to Welsh laws and standards.
- Misconception: Leadership is the same as management. Correction: Management focuses on tasks and processes, while leadership involves inspiring and developing people to achieve a shared vision.
- Misconception: Safeguarding is only about reporting abuse. Correction: It also involves promoting the child's welfare, preventing harm, and ensuring a safe environment.
Revision Plan
How to revise this topic in 1–2 weeks
- 1Week 1: Focus on the regulatory framework. Read the Regulation and Inspection of Social Care (Wales) Act 2016 and the National Minimum Standards. Make notes on key requirements.
- 2Week 2: Study leadership theories and how they apply to residential childcare. Reflect on your own leadership style and write examples of how you have led a team.
- 3Week 3: Dive into safeguarding and child protection. Review the Wales Safeguarding Procedures and practice writing a safeguarding report.
- 4Week 4: Revise the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 and its impact on service delivery. Practice answering exam questions on outcome-focused practice.
- 5Week 5: Take mock exams and review mark schemes to understand what examiners look for. Focus on using correct terminology and Welsh context.
Exam Question Types
How this topic typically appears in the exam
- 📋Case study questions: You will be given a scenario and asked to analyse and evaluate the leadership and management actions. Tip: Use a structured approach (e.g., identify issues, apply legislation, propose solutions).
- 📋Short answer questions on legislation: These test your knowledge of specific Acts and standards. Tip: Memorise key dates and requirements, and always mention the Welsh context.
- 📋Essay questions on leadership: You may be asked to discuss leadership styles or how to manage a team. Tip: Use theory and examples from practice.
- 📋Calculation questions: These may involve ratios, percentages, or budgeting. Tip: Show your workings and check units.
Command Word Expectations (CITY AND GUILDS OF LONDON INSTITUTE)
What examiners look for when using specific command words in this specification
In City & Guilds exams, 'evaluate' requires you to make a judgement based on criteria. You must weigh up strengths and limitations, consider evidence, and come to a reasoned conclusion. For example, evaluate the effectiveness of a leadership style in a residential setting.
Provide a detailed account of a concept or process, showing understanding of cause and effect. For example, explain the steps in a safeguarding referral. You need to give reasons and examples.
Break down a topic into its components and show how they relate. For example, analyse the impact of the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 on residential childcare. You must identify key points and discuss their implications.
How Students Lose Marks (Examiner Pitfalls)
Common mark loss traps and how to write 100% full-mark answers
Step-by-Step Worked Solutions
Detailed solution breakdown for typical exam problems
Question: A residential home for children in Wales has a staff team of 10. The manager needs to ensure that at least 50% of staff are qualified to Level 3 or above. Currently, 4 staff have Level 3, 2 have Level 4, and the rest have Level 2. Calculate the percentage of staff qualified to Level 3 or above and determine if the home meets the requirement.
- 1.Step 1: Identify the total number of staff: 10.
- 2.Step 2: Count staff with Level 3 or above: 4 (Level 3) + 2 (Level 4) = 6.
- 3.Step 3: Calculate percentage: (6 / 10) * 100 = 60%.
- 4.Step 4: Compare to requirement: 60% ≥ 50%, so the home meets the requirement.
Question: Explain the steps you would take to manage a safeguarding concern about a child in your residential setting, in line with Welsh safeguarding procedures.
- 1.Step 1: Immediately ensure the child's safety and provide any urgent medical attention if needed.
- 2.Step 2: Follow the setting's safeguarding policy and report the concern to the designated safeguarding lead (DSL) without delay.
- 3.Step 3: The DSL will refer the concern to the local authority's children's social care team, following the Wales Safeguarding Procedures.
- 4.Step 4: Document all actions and observations accurately, maintaining confidentiality.
- 5.Step 5: Support the child and staff throughout the process, and cooperate with any investigations.
Active Recall Memory Test
Test your memory before revealing the key facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions students ask about this topic
Pass / Merit / Distinction Evidence Checklist
How your portfolio evidence is graded for CITY AND GUILDS OF LONDON INSTITUTE Undertake a research project within services for health and social care or children and young people
Every vocational unit is marked against named criteria rather than an exam percentage. Your tutor's brief lists the exact codes for this unit — here is what each band is asking you to do.
Demonstrate baseline knowledge, accurate terminology, and core practical application.
Provide detailed analysis, structured explanations, and clear workplace reasoning.
Deliver thorough evaluation, original problem solving, and fully justified recommendations.
Before You Start
Prior knowledge that will help with this topic
- •Understanding of the basics of health and social care, such as communication, equality, and safeguarding.
- •Experience working in a residential childcare setting, ideally in a supervisory role.
- •Knowledge of the Children Act 2004 and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).
Coursework AI Review
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Key Terminology
Essential terms to know
- Be able to justify a topic for research within services for health and social care or children and young people, Understand how the components of research are used, Be able to conduct a research project within services for health and social care or children and young people, Be able to analyse research findings
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