A bit about us:

At Frontline – a charity working in England – everything we do aims to make life better for children at risk of harm.

Each year, our nation’s social workers support hundreds of thousands of children who do not have a safe and stable home. They make a real difference to their lives and to those of their families. Our mission is to create social change for children and families, by developing excellent social work practice, leadership and innovation.

All about the role:

Approach Social Work (formerly known as the Frontline programme)

Looking for a career in children’s social work with purpose and a clear path for development?

Applications to Approach Social Work have re-opened for a limited number of locations. This is the final opportunity to start the programme in summer 2026.

As a children and families social worker, you’ll work directly with children to make sure they are safe, supported and able to thrive. Social work is a career that offers stability, progression and the chance to make a lasting difference.

On this fully funded social work training programme, you’ll be supported from day one and gain the skills, experience and master’s degree to succeed, wherever your career takes you.

About the programme

Approach Social Work is a fully funded social work training programme that helps you become a children’s social worker through hands-on experience, academic study and expert support.

On the programme, you’ll develop a deep understanding of child-focused social work practice and how to build relationships that create real change. You’ll explore anti-discriminatory, anti-oppressive and anti-racist approaches, while working towards a postgraduate diploma and master’s degree in social work.

What to expect

Year one:

• Begin study for your postgraduate diploma in social work
• Learn alongside children and families within a local authority social work team, supported by experienced tutors and practice educators
• Receive a tax-free bursary of £18,000 or £20,000 (depending on location) to help with living and travel costs

Year two and three:

• Move into a paid role as a newly qualified children’s social worker (up to £34,000, or more in some London boroughs)
• Keep working towards your social work master’s degree
• Join the Frontline Fellowship, a national community offering career-long support and development

The role:

As a children’s social worker, you’ll learn how to build relationships, make difficult decisions and advocate for children’s safety and wellbeing. That means:

• Visiting a child at home or school
• Supporting a parent through difficult circumstances
• Working with teachers, health professionals or police
• Writing reports and helping decide what’s safest for a child

It’s a challenging and rewarding public sector career, rooted in empathy, resilience and strong judgement.