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Approach Social Work
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The future of children’s social work will be shaped by the people like you.
It’s a time of real change in children’s social work and the profession needs people who are curious, creative and committed to improving outcomes for children. Join through Approach Social Work to build the knowledge and skills to help shape the future of children’s services.
You don't need any prior social work knowledge or experience to join us. We’re looking for people who are motivated to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children at risk of harm and ready to commit to three years of learning, working and growing.
Why Approach Social Work?
- Fully funded master's degree in children's social work; you won't pay a penny in tuition fees.
- Work directly with children and families while you train, putting your learning into practice straight away.
- £18,000–£20,000 tax-free bursary in year one to help with living and travel costs while you train.
- Guaranteed newly qualified social worker role in a local authority when you successfully complete year one.
- Earn £30,000–£39,000 in year two, with salaries up to £44,000 in year three.*
- Join the Frontline Fellowship, a national community offering ongoing support, networking and professional development.
The role of a children’s social worker
You’ll work directly with children and families to make sure children are safe, supported and able to thrive. No two days are the same. Your work might involve visiting a child at home or school, working with teachers or health professionals, or supporting a parent through difficult circumstances. You’ll draw on evidence, weigh up risks, influence decisions and advocate for children, all while showing empathy, resilience and self-awareness.
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There’s never been a more exciting time to join the profession. The government is leading nationwide reforms in children’s social work, which aim to strengthen support for families, increase collaboration between services and improve outcomes for children. As a newly qualified social worker, you’ll not only be supporting children and families, you’ll also help shape the future of social work practice.
How the programme works
Approach Social Work is an intensive three-year programme that combines training and academic study with hands-on practice. From the start, you’ll be helping children and families to make a lasting, positive difference in their lives.
Year One
- Begin study for your postgraduate diploma in social work
- Learn within a local authority social work team, supported by experienced social workers, a tutor and a practice educator
- Work directly with children and families while you train, putting your learning into practice straight away
- Receive a tax-free bursary of £18,000 or £20,000 (depending on location) to help with living and travel costs
Years Two And Three
- Move into a guaranteed paid role as a newly qualified children's social worker
- Continue to receive training and support
- Complete your master's degree while you work
After The Programme
- Earn £30,000–£39,000 in year two, with salaries up to £44,000 in year three*
- Continue your development through the Frontline Fellowship
Salary information is based on self-reported earnings from participants in 2024 and 2025.
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Who we’re looking for
We welcome graduates with any undergraduate degree, except social work. Whether you're in your final year of university or you've already graduated, you don't need any previous relevant experience to apply. What’s most important is that you’re motivated to make a difference and you can demonstrate empathy, resilience, self-awareness and strong judgement.
Many applicants have experience in a paid or voluntary role with children or young people as mentor, youth worker, support worker, learning support assistant, teaching assistant, counsellor or care worker, but this is not essential. We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, ages and ethnicities, especially groups who are underrepresented in children's social work, such as men.
Eligibility requirements
To Apply For The Programme, You’ll Need To
- Have or be predicted to achieve at least a 2.2 in an undergraduate honours degree (or international equivalent)
- Have obtained GCSE English Language at Grade C/4 or above (or approved equivalent qualification)
- Have the right to work and study in the UK (including access to public funds) for the duration of the programme (until September 2030)
- Be resident in England by the time the programme commences
- Not be a qualified social worker
Places are available in selected locations and applications will close as locations reach capacity. If you're eligible, apply early to avoid missing out.
Funded by UK Government. Delivered by Frontline.
Make your work something you’re proud of.
Formerly known as the Frontline programme. Frontline is registered charity no. 1163194
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