Calling all social workers and those that work in the field - training/qualifications/study advice for someone that wants to get into this. Thanks

[SilveryMoon]

Hi. I am really interested in family support. Working with families, children and young people.
My long term goal is to one day become a qualified social worker when funds allow me to do so , but in the meantime, I'd like to get into the field as some kind of family support worker.
Any advice on steps to take? Training to complete?
I've found a course that results in an NCFE level 4 in Social Work with children and families. Would this help me? Is it relevant? Have you heard of the qualification? What's it equivalent to? Any advice would be greatly appreciated
TIA

To get into family support work, you could do a B-Tec in children's development, which should qualify you to be a FSW. Some areas want level 3, some are happy with level 2. From this you can then go on to do the NVQ and it will stand you in good stead to do the social work degree

hijack squonk you are here! a few people were asking after you a few days ago and were worried you'd disappeared. Hope you are ok.

hey op - if you study full time you can get 85% of your childcare funded. the sw degree has the bursary also plus you get more gov funding anyway if you have dcs. have you looked at doing an access course?

I know they aren't nymph. I used to work with some excellent ones. I was amazed at their work committment and sheer passion for their job even when it wasn't always pleasant.

Perhaps it is knowing what a 'good SW' should look like is what is making me challenge and then become hated by my particular team, making things worse for myself!

OP, just by having had a family you won't make half the assumptions and mistakes my SW's have made, or suggest their ridiculous solutions. You won't, for example, tell a mother is neglectful because her children go to bed at 10pm, don't always eat lunch between 12-2pm exactly, are allowed to go bare feet on grass in the summer, uses a gas fire to hear her house, doesn't always have the dishes washed. You won't offer to chair a meeting between her and her husband to address these issues. You won't find out that she attends the sure start centre and then accuse her of deliberatly witholding that information.

You won't send he a list of playschemes for over 3s when her ds is 2. You won't tell her that she must put toys in her children's bedrooms, when you see only books. You won't tell her that she should take her children to the GP for drugs so they go to sleep earlier, or that untreated cradle-cap is a possible sign of abuse. You won't get professionals to keep a log of what footwear the children are wearing everytime the see them (got into BIG trouble for them wearing sandals in the rain in August).

Hopefull you'll just see a disorganised family with very happy and very loved kids and ask if there is anything that you can find out about that might make their lives easier.

Star Are you seriously saying someone has done all of that? Oh dear!
Thanks everyone else for all the info and advice, so much to look into. I like the idea of getting financial help to pay with childcare. Like mos says, I've been at home too long and it's time to do something for myself now.
Wellmeant What's an ILA account? Your plan sounds great! Goodluck.
Now gonna pop on the website for local college and see what's about there 9again)

Oh, and at the moment, I only have a few GCSE's and a Health and Social care GNVQ. At 18, I started training as a bar manager, completed training at 21 and managed pubs and bars until Ds1 was born.

Yes, and then when I put in a complaint, they added an 'annonymous' call to their records detailing information that only they would know, pretending that someone else had raised those concerns (the kind of details aren't sinister, but too boring to have ever been inclined to share with anyone except them when they asked specific details).

I think this is an attempt to back up what they are saying by 'creating' evidence.

But my situation (I hope) is unique and probably going to Judicial Review, but certainly the Government Ombudsman. I ask too many questions, and questions breed questions.

Sorry, the point of all this is that yes, the nation is crying out for good social workers who have a passion for it and honestly want to make a difference.

PLEASE become a SW and help dilute the numpties!

Thanks Star I think I would be really good in this kind of role.
I have been told by the out-reach workers at my local children's centre that I am well respected by everyone and the families there listen to my advice (only when asked of course) and they have even heard people suggest to others to ask me certain things! This is probably because they know I love the sound of my own voice and every opportunity to talk I will take, but seriously, i already know I will be good at it because I do have a passion for families and children, I do have the relevant life experience and when someone asks for my help/advice now, I do all I can to research for them and help as I can.

Just looked on t5he direct.gov website about childcare and I won't qualify as dp earns over 20,000 a year.

Ok, think I found something about a childcare grant.
Here is my plan, letme know if you think I've forgotten anything:

1. I have left a message about volunteering with homestart which I will chase up on wednesday if not heard back
2. I have a meeting with the local councils volunteer group on wednesday anyway for a few bits
3. On monday morning I will call the local colleges course advise line and speak to them about a BTEC diploma in Health and Social care and also enquire about childrcare
4. Once I have course information and have decided which one I want to do, I will follow liks on direct.gov page re: childcare grant and see where that gets me
5. I will keep an eye on the local councils job page to see what positions are advertised that I'd be interested in and what qualifications are needed
6. I may even call one of the vacancy contacts and speak to them about my interest and see if they have any helpful advice.

That's it for now then!
Oh, and a bit off subject, last week I sent my cv and a covering letter to 21 schools in the area asking if they needed/wanted a volunteer to go in a few hours a week to read with the children.
I have a CRB check going through atm as I joined a teaching assistants employment agency who will look for work for me when that comes through.....

FRight. So I need qualifications to get on a degree course.
Did some mention access courses?
Let's look that up

Right, finally found an access course that's pretty local.I'll call them monday to find out more info.
Wow, headache now.
Plus the ds's have the ump because I've ignored them all day doing this

But you have "achieved" haven't you?

This information is very useful. Is there a way to get it moved from 'Chat' to 'Returning to work', as this will be removed after 90 days.

Sorry, an ILA account is an Individual Learning Account. You can get £250 to put towards a course at college if you are earning under £16,000 or out of work. I used mine to do Higher Psychology last year but you can choose loads of different courses. I needed to check my brain still worked after 8 years gap in studying!

Katy What do you mean?

Well this morning you were going to pay for a course that might not help

Tonight, you have volunteer to 2 organisations, you are thinking about an access course, you have had some great advise from people who know

Not bad for a days work?

Oh, I see! Yes, it has been a great day! This is why I love MN, not only do I get great parenting advice and ideas, but you guys sort out my training and job prospects

I'm feeling really positive about everything.
Going to call a few colleges on monday about access course and just see what happens.

Thanks WellMeant Will look into that tomorrow. Can't do anymore today (Is wine o'clock!)

ATOB I'm glad this is also of help to you
I'll put a thread in site stuff and ask if tech can shift it?

And you have seen what a very bad social worker looks like!

Promise we you won't get ground down by the big caseloads, stupid public sector politics, the arse-covering coverups to hide the fact the service is creaking at the seems, and turn into one!

Promise me you'll add the experience of life, parenting, common sense and keep your enthusiasm!

Star When I get there, I promise you I will do all those things you mention.
I will put my heart and soul into it, and the minute I stop enjoying it or feel I cannot make a difference I will get out of it.
I can't believe some of the things you said earlier.
My ds1 has often worn sandels in the winter and rain, especially through the toilet training stage when he kept pissing over his shoes!

You may or may not be able to tell, I am quite a strong minded, determined person. I will do all I can (funds permitting)

LOL, I can see you in 5 years time remembering this and thinking:

'did I really promise wonderful things to a random internet person, who was claiming her SW was fraud and prolly has some serious issues of her own?'

FWIW though you sound like you'd do a brilliant job so I wish you luck (and a thick skin for when you come up against people like me who ask difficult questions).

Yes. hahaha.
Hopefully I will always remember the help that I got on this day, and you're story will help to keep me reminded of why I want to do this
[cheesy emoticon]

Thanks SilveryMoon