About children's social work

What does a social worker do?

Children’s social workers help to establish safe and stable environments for children. They assess risk, protect children, provide support to parents. They also establish relationships with all family members.

Social workers play a key role in improving the lives of families in need. It’s a fantastic career for people who want to make a real difference to people’s lives.

Children’s social workers can work children and families in different ways, such as: 

• children in care (also known as ‘looked-after children’) 
• young offenders
• children who have experienced or are at risk of abuse
• children with health and mental health needs – and with their families
• families experiencing difficulties to resolve problems 
• child protection concerns within a family or from elsewhere. 
• adoption and fostering teams and processes
• children with a disability

What you'll do in a day

As a social worker, you could:

• meet children and families to review needs and make support plans
• keep children and young people safe and take action to protect them when necessary
• work closely with communities, health professionals and other agencies
• keep records, write reports and discuss cases with your supervisors

Routes into social work

There are a few different ways to get into children’s social work. Each route may suit different people at different stages of their lives. You’ll need to gain a qualification recognised by Social Work England. There are a few ways to do this:

1. Study at university

You can do an undergraduate degree in social work. If you already have an undergraduate degree, you can study for a master’s in social work. 

2. Work and study programmes

If you already have a degree in a different subject, you can apply for a fast-track programme. These are intensive work-based training programmes. You get your qualification on the job. Frontline and Step Up to Social Work are on offer for children’s social work. 

3. Apprenticeships

You don’t need to go university to become a children’s social worker. You could take an  apprenticeship, where you can start working and earn while you qualify. It takes around three years to complete. 

What if I qualified outside the UK?

You can apply to join the Social Work England register. You need to do this to practice social work in England. You may also need to: 

• evidence your knowledge of the English language
• provide a translated copy of any documents to support your application

Career path and progression for children’s social work

Professional development

Newly qualified social workers have the support of the Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE) programme.

This includes extra support like:

• regular supervision
• a training and development plan
• time to meet your training and development needs

Progression

With experience you could:

• study for a postgraduate MA in Advanced Professional Practice with a local authority
• research or study for a PhD
• move into management
• become a practice educator and train and mentor students