Approach Social Work / Frontline as a Mum

[Marj123]

Are there any mums here who have qualified on this programme? I’d love to hear your experiences - good and bad.

I’m opened minded about whether this is the career for me. I’m based in London and I fully expect to be overworked, underpaid and have a challenging caseload. My question is, is it worth it? Do Social Workers feel fulfilled - or do they all end up hollow and burnt out?

I have two children aged 7 and 9, and fortunately we can make arrangements for flexible childcare.

If you’re currently on the course or a past participant, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Please be honest! Thank you 🙏

I love social work and I have an ASYE step up graduate in my team now - she doesn't have children though. I had a 4 year old when I trained via the masters route and have worked in CP ever since. It's the career for me! But it's not for everyone.

Thanks for your reply. Out of interest, how are the step up & frontline programmes viewed by those already in the profession? Are they broadly seen as positive and successful? Do the graduates doing their AYSE seem well prepared? Any insight appreciated, thank you,

I don't hear any negative chat about students or ASYE who have come from step up. I would prefer a mature step up student than a 20 year old on the BA any day. My ASYE is very good but she's in her 30s and has lots of relevant experience prior to doing the course.

I’m a social worker. I currently support a social work apprentice, which I think is a really good route.
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I used to support Frontline Social Workers - I think there are pros and cons, like with any programme I guess.
However, I found the SW’s were much better prepared for practice in Frontline - purely because they spent the whole year immersed in their team.

Step up have a 70 day and a 100 day placement like other university routes. And I didn’t find that they were as well prepared as the Frontline (Approach Social Work).

As a consultant SW for Frontline, I also got some of the systemic training the students got, which was amazing and changed my practice forever.
The students said they found the teaching hit and miss!

I also wouldn’t worry about what others think of how you train. There are so many different ways to train now and if anyone has an opinion on it, that says more about them than it does you!