Education /Child Protection / safeguarding

[Ld30]

Hello. I’m new so not sure this is in right section? Here I am, anyway.

I’ve always worked in some sort of childcare (mostly less ‘hard’ skills - as in, I don’t have a qualification, but I was a nanny for ten years and worked as a nursery assistant post college) and always had interest in that field. But hearing about horrific abuse / neglect stories involving children recently, (particularly affected by the dear Kaylee-Jade Priest, Logan Mwangi in Wales, and the 18months old baby girl left to starve by her mum in Brighton - all under 5, same as my own.) I feel so strongly about looking at a career that really actively helps protect children. Its just affected me so much, and I’m wondering what advice anyone would give on the best place to start? I’ve never been 100% sure if I have the guts for child social work, but I’m open to anything that could have really positive affect on childrens care and life.

Have you looked at organisations like Barnardo’s, children’s society, spurgeons etc for jobs. There are so many different types of roles with children out there from projects working with children who have experienced domestic abuse, to projects working with children with a parent in prison, to early mental health projects for children. There are so many great projects working doing important work with children. Maybe just have a browse or the charity job section…that how I found my job doing family work in a prison.

I used to be a social worker and, although I loved it and may return to it one day, it was very stressful and totally consumed my life. Also I think if you’re someone who feels they want to do their best for children it can be hard when you feel like you or the system are failing them because the resourcing of social care is so poor.

You could look at roles alongside child social workers, some areas call them ‘family support workers’ or social work assistants.
Doing the direct work supporting families who are struggling eg. Going in the morning and helping them get into a routine for getting kids to school.
You’d see the work up close and be in a good position to then go for the social work training if you thought that’s what you’d like

I am a child protection social worker and it is all consuming. I think the idea of going in and working as a social work assistant before qualifying is a good one, as you can still make a real difference before committing your time to studying for a social work qualification, should it turn out you don’t enjoy the stress that comes with a safeguarding role.

This is all great advice, thank you.

‘Also I think if you’re someone who feels they want to do their best for children it can be hard when you feel like you or the system are failing them because the resourcing of social care is so poor.’

I was looking at the spending figures for children’s services and social care in general: it makes for depressing reading. I do not get how the hell anyone in gov (local & national) expects anyone to do their jobs 100% in such a critical underfunded sector. I just really can’t express how much rate anyone who is doing the best they can as a SW. I can imagine it feels mostly a thankless task?!

Primary Teaching was something I’ve also considered, but can’t apply for PGCE until next year anyway, so wanted to explore other areas.

OP, I work in schools as a Designated Safeguarding Lead. (Alongside other titles i.e Family Support Worker/Pastoral Lead etc) This could be right up your street. I got into it as I did a masters in social work, but never qualified to be a social worker.

@MeredithMae ok yes this is definitely along the right lines. Did you do any sort of teacher training as well?

Thanks again for the advice

@MeredithMae

OP, I work in schools as a Designated Safeguarding Lead. (Alongside other titles i.e Family Support Worker/Pastoral Lead etc) This could be right up your street. I got into it as I did a masters in social work, but never qualified to be a social worker.

Are you a teacher too?

No, but I did an Education Studies degree.