At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children and families, ensuring safety and wellbeing through direct engagement.
- Company: Join a leading children's charity dedicated to making a difference.
- Benefits: Fully funded training, tax-free bursary, and career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in children's lives while gaining valuable skills and qualifications.
- Qualifications: Open to all degree backgrounds; resilience and commitment are key.
- Other info: Final chance to apply for the summer 2026 cohort; limited locations available.
The predicted salary is between 1500 - 1800 ÂŁ per month.
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 ÂŁ18,000 or ÂŁ20,000 (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.
Who we’re looking for
You may have studied a humanities, social sciences, education, law or healthcare degree, but we welcome applicants from all degree backgrounds. We particularly encourage people underrepresented in the sector, including men and those from racialised minority backgrounds. You don’t need experience in social work. We are looking for the right values, resilience and commitment to making a difference. 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.
Eligibility requirements
- 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).
- Possess the right to work and study in the UK (including access to public funds) for the duration of the programme (until September 2029).
- Be resident in England by the time the programme commences.
- Not be a qualified social worker.
Places are only available in select locations and will close as they reach capacity. If you are eligible and ready to apply, this is your last chance to join the 2026 cohort.
Real support. Real skills. A career that matters. Apply now. Delivered by children’s charity Frontline. Formerly known as the Frontline programme.
Trainee Social Worker in Darlington employer: FRONTLINE.
Contact Detail:
FRONTLINE. Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Social Worker in Darlington
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current social workers or alumni from the programme. They can give you insider tips and might even help you land an interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interviews by practising common questions. Think about scenarios where you've shown resilience or empathy, as these are key traits in social work.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for making a difference! In your conversations, share why you want to be a children's social worker and how you plan to support families.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed and you’re considered for this amazing opportunity.
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Social Worker in Darlington
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for social work shine through! Share why you want to make a difference in children's lives and how your values align with our mission at StudySmarter.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application for the Trainee Social Worker role. Highlight relevant experiences, skills, and any coursework that relates to social work, so we can see how you fit into our programme.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your writing clear and to the point. Avoid jargon and long-winded sentences. We appreciate straightforward communication that gets your message across effectively!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly and can process your application smoothly.
How to prepare for a job interview at FRONTLINE.
✨Know Your Values
Before the interview, take some time to reflect on your personal values and how they align with the role of a children's social worker. Be ready to discuss why you’re passionate about making a difference in children's lives and how your values guide your decision-making.
✨Research the Programme
Familiarise yourself with the Approach Social Work programme and its objectives. Understand the structure, the support provided, and the skills you'll gain. This will not only show your enthusiasm but also help you articulate how you can contribute to the programme.
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Think of specific situations from your past experiences that demonstrate your resilience, empathy, and ability to work under pressure. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses, making it easier for the interviewers to see your potential.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few insightful questions prepared. This could be about the challenges faced by social workers or the support available during the training. It shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.