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, rogression 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.
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.
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
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
As a children s social worker, you ll learn how to build relationships, make difficult decisions and advocate for children s safety and wellbeing. Visiting a child at home or school
Writing reports and helping decide what s safest for a child
We particularly encourage people underrepresented in the sector, including men and those from racialised minority backgrounds.
You don t need experience in social work. This role is open to graduates in their final year, or you may already have an existing undergraduate degree and be working in a related role such as a youth worker, support worker, family support worker, teacher, learning support assistant, teaching assistant, counsellor, care worker, key worker, charity worker or social work assistant.
Have at least a 2.2 (predicted or obtained) in an undergraduate honours degree (or international equivalent)
Have obtained GCSE English Language at Grade C/4 or above (or approved equivalent qualification)
Not be a qualified social worker
Delivered by children s charity Frontline.