Are you a recent graduate and passionate about making a difference to the lives of children and families?
Step Up to Social Work offers an exciting and fully funded route to becoming a qualified social worker in just 14 months. If you're drawn to the challenges and rewards of children's social work, this programme presents a fast-track opportunity to enter the profession with hands-on training in a London local authority, combined with academic study.
Applications for Step Up to Social Work opened on 17 February 2025 and close on 25 March 2025. The programme comes with a range of unique benefits:
- Fully funded training: the Department for Education covers university fees and provides a tax-free bursary of £21,995 to support you during your studies
- Guaranteed interview: upon successful completion of the programme, you'll be guaranteed an interview for any relevant vacancies in your host local authority, providing an excellent chance to transition into full-time employment
- High employment rates: graduates from the programme typically secure social work positions right after completing the programme, thanks to the practical experience and training
- Earn while you learn: the bursary allows you to focus on your studies without the financial burden of tuition fees, giving you peace of mind as you work towards qualification
To be eligible for Step Up to Social Work, you must:
- Hold a minimum 2:2 undergraduate degree (or a predicted 2:2 if you are in your final year)
- Have at least six months of full-time (or equivalent) experience working or volunteering with vulnerable children, young people, or families
- Have a GCSE grade C (or equivalent) in English; some partnerships may also require a GCSE grade C in Maths (check individual partnership requirements when applying)
The programme actively encourages applicants from all backgrounds, with a particular focus on increasing representation from men and ethnic minority communities in children's social work.
Step Up to Social Work in London
In London, Step Up to Social Work is delivered through five regional Social Work Teaching Partnerships, which offer an integrated approach to training and development for social workers.They are:
Each partnership is a combination of local authorities, Higher Education Institutions, and other stakeholders to provide a practical learning experience. Participants on the Step Up programme benefit from this collaborative approach, as it ensures that learning is grounded in both academic knowledge and real-life practice. Through Social Work Teaching Partnerships, students and practitioners receive access to:
- High-quality placements in statutory children’s social work settings, enabling participants to apply theory to practice in real-world situations
- Access to experienced mentors and Practice Educators, who provide enhanced support and guidance as you work with children and families
- A focus on reflective practice and evidence-based approaches, ensuring that your social work practice is informed by the latest research and aligned with national standards
- Regional progression pathways that help you develop a clear career trajectory within children's social work, including access to continuing professional development (CPD) and opportunities for further specialisation
Choosing to become a children’s social worker in London through the Step Up to Social Work programme means you are committing to a career that is both challenging and deeply rewarding.
With 33 councils serving a diverse population, working in children’s services in London means you'll be directly involved in improving outcomes for children and families from varied cultural, social, and economic backgrounds.
London is also home to some of the UK's most innovative and high-performing children's services departments, with over 80% of London’s councils receiving ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted ratings.
With the support of London’s teaching partnerships, you’ll gain practical experience, build strong professional relationships, and develop a deeper understanding of how to make a lasting impact in the lives of children and families.
Key Dates and Application Process
- Applications open: 17 February 2025
- Applications close: 25 March 2025
- Programme start date: January 2026
Register your interest today on the Step Up to Social Work website and begin your journey towards a fulfilling career in children's social work in London.