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Welcome to the Approach Social Work bulletin

A bulletin series to keep you up to date on everything you need to complete before starting the programme.

Please read each bulletin carefully. They will often include actions you need to take. You will receive a new bulletin every fortnight. This webpage contains an archive of all emails so far.

Thursday 5 February

Welcome to the 2026 cohort

Congratulations on securing your place on Approach Social Work. 
Whether you recently passed your assessment centre or deferred from last year, we are pleased to welcome you to the 2026 cohort.

Approach Social Work is delivered by Frontline, a children’s charity working to make life better for children at risk of harm. We do this by improving the services that support them, including developing confident, skilled social workers who can make sound decisions and build strong relationships with children.

Demand for children’s social workers continues to grow, and the role is both challenging and vital. By joining the programme, you are preparing for a career where your work will make a meaningful difference to children’s lives.

Your applicant portal

The portal will be your central source of information throughout the programme and will include:

  • guidance documents and policies
  • key programme information
  • previous bulletins

We will let you know through future bulletins when new content is added. Please keep the portal link confidential. It is for the 2026 cohort only.

Frontline Awards 2026: nominations open

Now in its fourth year, the awards recognise excellent practice, leadership and innovation in children’s services, as well as the achievements of young people who have been supported by a social worker.

You can submit a nomination for someone whose work or experience you think deserves recognition.

Award categories

  • The Frontline Award for Leadership
  • The Frontline Award for Practice
  • The Frontline Award for Innovation
  • The Frontline Award for Team of the Year
  • The Frontline Award for Multi-Agency Partnership of the Year (new for 2026)
  • The Frontline Award for Young People

Submitting a nomination is free, and the ceremony is free for winners to attend. Nominations close on Friday 27 February 2026.

If you have any questions, please email events@thefrontline.org.uk

Recommended for you

In each bulletin, we will share optional resources for those who want to explore social work further before the programme begins.

  • Listen: The Relational Social Work podcast. Featuring Frontline’s Chief Social Worker, Lisa Hackett, discussing the Families First reforms and multi-agency child protection teams.
  • Watch: The Children Act. A film following a high court judge presiding over a complex case involving a child with leukaemia.
  • Read: That Reminds Me. A novel exploring identity, mental health and trauma through the experiences of a young person in foster care.

We look forward to supporting you as you prepare to start the programme.

Thursday 19 February

Allocation timeline

One of the biggest milestones before the programme begins is finding out which local authority you will complete your placement in.

Reviewing preferences

Over the next few months, our placements team will review the information you shared in your placement survey. To make the best decisions for both you and our local authority partners, we may contact you to discuss your circumstances.

Confirming placements

Throughout April and May, we will begin confirming placements in batches. We do not release all placements for a local authority at the same time. However, we usually communicate hub allocations together so you can meet your local authority and fellow hub members.

Placements are confirmed at different times for different people. This is planned due to the high volume of applicants. Please do not worry if others hear before you.

Scheduling your shadowing days

Once you receive your hub introduction email, you can begin arranging your shadowing days in May and June with your local authority. We will send further guidance later in the season.

Avoid making key decisions

Please do not make significant decisions, such as handing in your notice or signing a tenancy agreement, until you have received confirmation of your placement and been introduced to your consultant social worker.

Your choice

While we aim to match your preferences, we cannot guarantee a specific placement. In rare cases, if no suitable placement is available, you will have the option to defer to the following year’s cohort.

Financial guidance

For many of you, starting the programme means returning to full-time study and receiving a bursary to support living and travel costs in year one.

To help you plan ahead for July, we have created a bursary and finance guide. It includes payment dates, what the bursary covers and answers to frequently asked questions.

We strongly encourage you to read this now and plan ahead. In year one, you will be classed as a full-time student. This may make you eligible for different government support than if you were in full-time employment.

You can find the guide under the information guide section of the portal. If you have questions after reading, please get in touch.

Go to the portal

Webinar: a day in the life of a social worker

In the run-up to the programme, we are hosting a series of webinars to help you prepare for social work.

Our first session, a day in the life of a social worker, takes place on 5 March, 6.00pm – 7.00pm.

Register now

Experienced social workers will discuss:

  • what their day-to-day work looks like

  • the agencies they work alongside

  • the direct work they do with children

You will also have the opportunity to ask questions and begin to picture what your role could look like this time next year.

If you cannot attend, we will upload a recording to the applicant portal.

Recommended for you

In each bulletin, we will share optional resources for those who want to explore social work further before the programme begins.

Listen: Relationships in the care system podcast. A conversation between the Children’s Commissioner for England and care leavers about relationships in the care system and what more could strengthen them.

Watch: Knife Crime: what happened to our boys. This panorama episode explores the deaths of two teenage boys and examines how knife crime, gangs and criminal exploitation affect young people at risk of harm.

Read: Supporting children in the UK care system report summary. This report examines whether children with a social worker or in care experienced different outcomes in the criminal justice system, and makes recommendations to improve support.

Thursday 5 March

Claiming Disabled Student’s Allowance (DSA)

If you have already shared a health condition or disability with us, we will soon create a Lancaster University (LU) student number so you can apply early for Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA).

You will receive an email from Frontline with next steps. If you receive automated emails from Lancaster University, please note this does not confirm your local authority allocation or registration.

If you do not receive an email, this means you have not shared a health condition or disability with our admissions and support team.

If you have a neurodivergence, health condition or disability, diagnosed or undiagnosed, we encourage you to tell us now. Sharing this early means we can put support and reasonable adjustments in place from the start of the programme.

Last year, over 50% of conditions were shared after placement began, which led to delays in adjustments and DSA funding.

If there is anything you would like us to know, email recruitment@thefrontline.org.uk. You will be matched with an advisor who will support you one-to-one.

Please note that DSA funding is currently only available to those with a formal diagnosis. However, Frontline and Lancaster University will still work to provide adjustments wherever possible.

Readiness for Practice and programme dates

Your journey on Approach Social Work begins with a five-week stage called Readiness for Practice between Monday 13 July – Friday 14 August. This is where you build the knowledge and skills you need before starting in your local authority.

This stage includes live and self-directed online learning, as well as:

Three-day residential teaching 

  • Tuesday 21 July – Thursday 23 July
  • Arrive Monday 20 July
  • Accommodation and meals provided

Two in-person regional days 

  • Thursday 6 August
  • Thursday 13 August

After this stage: 

  • You will have a three-week break from Monday 17 August – Sunday 6 September
  • Your local authority placement begins on Monday 7 September

Webinar tonight: day in the life of a social worker

Tonight (5 March), 6.00pm – 7.00pm, we are hosting our first pre-programme webinar.

Experienced social workers will talk about:

  • What their days actually look like
  • The agencies they work alongside
  • The direct work they do with children

There will be time for questions.

If you cannot attend, we will upload the recording to the applicant portal.

Register now

Recommended for you

In each bulletin, we will share optional resources for those who want to explore social work further before the programme begins.

Listen: What social work means to us. Social workers Nadia, Fran and Eugene reflect on why they chose social work and what keeps them committed.

Watch: Autism, Schools and Families on the Edge. A Panorama episode examining funding pressures affecting children with special educational needs.

Read: Ashe’s blog for Care Day 2026. A reflection from 17-year-old Ashe on the changes needed to improve the care system.

Thursday 19 March

Finance on Approach Social Work webinar – tonight 

Thank you to everyone who joined our first webinar on a day in the life of a social worker. Florence, Jeneba and Rowchell shared practical insight into the role and answered your questions. 

If you were unable to attend, please watch the recording on the portal. 

Our next webinar takes place tonight: 

  • Thursday 19 April, 6.00pm – 7.00pm 

This session will cover: 

  • programme finances 
  • preparing for changes in your income 
  • managing your money during the programme 

You will hear from Rois, Head of Admissions, Participant Quality and Support at Frontline, and Amanda from Lancaster Money Advice Service. There will also be time for questions. 

Register for the finance webinar 

 

DBS and right to work checks 

From April, we will carry out Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and right to work checks for all applicants through uCheck. 

We will contact applicants from April and throughout spring. Please wait to hear from us and do not be concerned if you are not contacted straight away. 

You will receive an email from uCheck to complete your checks. Once you have completed the digital steps, you will need to attend an identity check call. We will contact you to arrange this. 

All applicants must complete a new DBS check through Frontline. We cannot accept existing DBS checks, including those on the update service. 

Please complete your checks as soon as you receive the email to avoid delays to your start on the programme. 

You must complete all stages: 

  • DBS application 
  • digital ID check 
  • right to work identity check 

If you do not complete these within the required timeframes, your offer may be withdrawn. 

 

Important updates from Frontline 

As you prepare to start the programme, please rely on information shared directly by Frontline. 

We know you may be looking for additional information online, but content on social media is not always accurate or relevant to your circumstances. 

If you have questions about the programme or your pre-programme checks, please contact us. A member of the team will be able to support you. 

 

Withdrawals and deferrals 

If your circumstances change and you are no longer able to start the programme, it is important that you let us know. 

You can find more information about withdrawing or requesting a deferral in the guidance on the portal. 

Read the guidance 

 

Recommended for you 

Each bulletin includes optional resources to help you explore social work ahead of the programme. 

Listen: What does the future hold for social work? A podcast from the British Association of Social Workers, exploring current challenges and the future of the profession. 

Watch: Split Up in Care. Ashley John-Baptiste reflects on his experience of the care system and the impact of separation on young people. 

Read: An open letter to the social worker who wrote my case files. Rebekah reflects on her own case records and the importance of accurate, thoughtful recording. Trigger warning: includes references to child sexual abuse and domestic abuse 

Thursday 2 April
Thursday 16 April

Hear from young people and join our latest webinar 

Our latest webinar is now available to watch back. Two members of our young people’s advisory board spoke openly about their experiences of having a social worker. 

They shared how it felt, what could have been better and their advice for you as a future social worker. 

Join us for the final session in our applicant webinar series: a live hub meeting. In this session, you will observe a live case discussion with current participants. 

Register for webinar four: live hub meeting  

You will take part in hub meetings every week during year one. This session is a good opportunity to see how social workers work together to explore complex situations. 

Watch webinar three: how young people experience social work  

 

Financial support if you need it

Frontline offers a hardship fund to support year one participants facing severe financial difficulties, helping them to complete the programme. 

We prioritise individuals and groups more likely to experience hardship, as part of our commitment to equality, equity and inclusion. 

Support is available in two forms: a bursary advance and, in some cases, a non-repayable grant. Full details, including eligibility and how to apply, are set out in the Year 1 participant hardship fund guidance under information guides. 

Read the Year 1 participant hardship fund guidance  

 

What your week could look like in year one 

Social work is a busy role and it can be difficult to picture what your day-to-day life might look like. To support you, we have created an example weekly calendar for a participant in year one of Approach Social Work. 

This is a guide and each week will be different. It gives an overview of how your time might be structured. 

View a typical week 

 

Recommended for you

In every bulletin, we will suggest documentaries, podcasts and books. These are optional but insightful resources for those keen to explore social work before the programme begins. 

Listen: Life after prison. This podcast shares Sabrina’s experiences of exploitation, county lines drug activity and social workers, as well as her work to protect young people at risk of harm. 

Watch: Molly vs the machines. This documentary explores the death of 14-year-old Molly Russell following exposure to harmful social media content, and her father Ian’s campaign for online safety reform. Trigger warning: includes references to self-harm and suicide. 

Read: Children’s social care reforms. This guidance outlines the aims of current reforms, including making sure children receive the help they need and can grow up in stable, loving homes. 

Thursday 30 April
Thursday 7 May

Your assessment centre feedback

Before you begin the readiness for practice stage, you will receive an email with your assessment centre feedback report.

This report is based on observations from the assessors you met on the day. It highlights your strengths and areas for development across the competencies assessed.

We encourage you to review and reflect on your feedback ahead of starting the programme.

Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA)
As the programme start approaches, some of you may be considering applying for Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) through student finance for the first year of the programme, if you have a diagnosed long-term health condition or disability.

The application process can be complex, particularly if you have not applied before. You can join a one-hour workshop for advice and guidance on applying for DSA and arranging funded support.

The session will be led by advisers from Lancaster University’s disability and inclusion service.

This session is optional. If it does not apply to you, you do not need to attend.

Register for the webinar

Affinity groups and community spaces

During the readiness for practice stage, you can join community spaces and affinity groups. We would like to understand which groups you are interested in. Below is a summary of each.

Affinity groups
These are peer-support groups led by participants during the readiness for practice stage. They bring together people with shared experiences or backgrounds to exchange ideas, advice and support across the programme.

Each group is facilitated by volunteer participants, who are given guidance on how to run a group. These groups operate without staff involvement.

Community spaces
These spaces support participants from minority and marginalised backgrounds to build networks and a sense of belonging. They provide a space to share experiences, including discrimination encountered during the programme and in practice.

Community spaces are facilitated by Frontline practice tutors. They aim to support participants to challenge oppression with the support of peers and tutors.

Please complete the expression of interest form by Monday 8 June. This is to help us understand demand and does not commit you to joining a group.

Social media guidance

As you start Approach Social Work, it is important to use social media responsibly. You must not share confidential information about the local authority, children or families.

Your local authority may have its own guidance. You should also follow these principles from the British Association of Social Workers (BASW):

  • Always maintain professionalism online. Even on personal accounts, your behaviour should reflect the standards expected in practice.
  • Keep personal and professional lives separate. Do not connect or communicate with children, carers or families through personal social media accounts.
  • Protect confidentiality at all times. Do not share any information that could identify a child, family or colleague.
  • Check your privacy settings and think before you post. Social media content is public and permanent.

Use social media as a learning tool, but assess information critically and verify sources.

Read the guidance

Recommended for you

In each bulletin, we will share optional resources for those who want to explore social work further before the programme begins.

Listen: Life after prison. A podcast exploring life after release. In this episode, the host speaks with a mother who gave birth shortly before starting her sentence.

Read: Children’s social care reforms. An article on the government’s March 2027 deadline for councils and safeguarding partners to implement the Families First Partnership reforms.

Watch: Jamie’s Dyslexia Revolution. A documentary exploring the lack of support for children with dyslexia in schools.
Thursday 21 May

Join tonight’s DSA session 

If you have a diagnosed long-term health condition or disability, you may be considering applying for Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) through student finance before the programme starts. 

The process can feel difficult to navigate, particularly if you have not applied before, so join tonight’s one-hour session for guidance on applying for DSA and arranging funded support. 

The session will be led by Jo and Beverley from Lancaster University’s disability and inclusion service. 

Please note: this session is optional. If you will not be applying for DSA, you do not need to attend. 

Register for the DSA session 

 

Academic Success Programme 

Returning to study can feel like a big adjustment, especially if you have been out of education for some time. To support you before the programme starts, we have created the Academic Success Programme. 

Three sessions will run throughout June, each focusing on a different academic skill. These sessions are open to everyone, but we strongly encourage those returning to education or less confident with academic study to attend. 

The first session will provide an overview of the academic elements of year one. 

Sessions will be led by Penny, principal academic inclusion lead for Approach Social Work. 

Register for first curriculum workshop  

 

Shadowing: keep your confirmation form safe 

If your local authority placement has been confirmed, you should now be arranging your two shadowing days. 

After completing both days, you and your local authority will need to complete a short confirmation form. This will form part of your first assignment, so please keep it safe. 

You can find the template and a video with tips from our team in the information guides section of the portal. 

 

Accommodation and childcare at the residential 

 If you plan to bring your child to the residential at the University of Warwick, family accommodation will need to be arranged independently. 

A limited number of family-friendly rooms are available on campus at Scarman and Radcliffe on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Frontline will reimburse up to £57 per night towards accommodation costs for families staying on or near campus. Full details, including room options, booking contacts, childcare availability and financial support, are available in the Year 1 readiness for practice residential family rooms document on the portal, under information guides. 

If you plan to arrange your own accommodation, or commute instead of staying on campus, please let us know through the Contact Us page. When submitting your query, select the readiness for practice (RfP) category so it reaches the correct team. 

 

Teaching day locations 

In year one, you will attend 12 in-person teaching days: two during readiness for practice and 10 during the academic year. 

Teaching is delivered regionally in smaller groups to support a more personalised learning experience. 

Regional teaching locations are: 

  • South West – Bristol  
  • Midlands – Birmingham  
  • North East – York  
  • North West – Manchester  
  • London and South East – London  

Your local authority allocation email will confirm your region. 

 

Recommendations 

In every bulletin, we will suggest documentaries, podcasts and books. These are optional but insightful resources for those keen to explore social work before the programme begins. 

Listen:  An introduction to contextual safeguarding. A podcast with Carlene Firmin exploring harms children experience outside the family home. 

Read:  Mobile phone ban in schools. An article exploring proposed legislation on mobile phone bans in schools and child protection. 

Watch: Change the script. A short film by Social Work England shares stories from social workers and the people they support. 

Thursday 28 May

Lancaster registration guidance

When you receive your offer of study, the next step is registering with Lancaster University. Registration is required for all new students to become official members of the university community.

Below is a summary of the process. You can also find full guidance in the registration document linked below.

Step 1: Student record creation 

Student records are created on a rolling basis. Once your record has been created, you will receive an email from Lancaster University’s registration team.

You may also receive a “friend account” email. This gives you access to some university services before you are fully registered.

Step 2: Register as a student

Around one month before the programme starts, you will receive another email inviting you to begin registration. Please check your inbox and spam folder regularly.

To complete registration, you will need to:

  • access the online registration centre using your “friend account” email and the Lancaster University additional login information email
  • activate your Lancaster University IT account by creating a password
  • receive your Lancaster University username and set up Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
  • upload a passport-style photo against a clear background. Photos must not include sunglasses, hats or other people
  • upload an ID document, such as the photo page of your passport or your birth certificate, as a JPEG or PNG image
  • provide supporting documents if the name on your student record does not match your current legal name or ID document

If the name on your student record does not match your current legal name or ID document, you will also need to provide supporting documents, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree or legal name change document.

Additional information 

You have a place on Approach Social Work, a three-year programme leading to an MA in Advanced Relationship-Based Social Work Practice with Children and Families. During your first year, you will register on the PGDip pathway.

Your status will not change to “Studying” until Frontline confirms your programme commencement. This may be delayed if documents are still being reviewed, such as DBS checks or degree certificates.

Access to Moodle and your Lancaster email account 

Once registered, you can access Moodle, your Lancaster University email account and the student portal using your Lancaster username and password.

Please note it can take a few days for Moodle access to become available after registration.

  • For readiness for practice timetabling queries, contact frontlineops@thefrontline.org.uk.

  • For registration queries, contact frontline@lancaster.ac.uk.

Step 3: Attend a registration support session 

Lancaster University is running drop-in sessions to support participants with registration. These sessions include a short presentation followed by time for questions and IT support.

Please only attend if you have questions about the registration process.

Dates and joining links are included in the registration guidance document on the portal under information guides.

Bursary form and pre-programme survey

Before readiness for practice begins, we need some important information from you, including:

  • your bank details for bursary payments
  • any dietary or additional needs for the readiness for practice residential

Some participants have already received the survey link by email. If you have not yet received it, it will be sent soon.

Please complete the form as soon as possible once it arrives.

Inclusive Learning Support Plan (ILSP): action required 

If you have been in contact with Lancaster University’s Disability and Inclusive Practice Service, you may already have received confirmation that an Inclusive Learning Support Plan (ILSP) has been created.

You will receive a copy of your ILSP by email to review. Please reply to confirm that you consent to the plan being shared with Frontline.

Without your consent, Frontline cannot access your ILSP or put recommended adjustments in place.

If you have questions about your ILSP, contact disability@lancaster.ac.uk.

Curriculum workshop: Academic Success Programme

Returning to study can feel like a significant adjustment, particularly if you have been out of education for some time.

To support you before the programme starts, we have created the Academic Success Programme.

The first session will provide an overview of the academic elements of year one and will be led by Penny, principal academic inclusion lead for Approach Social Work.

Register for the first session

Reminder: affinity groups and community spaces

A reminder that the deadline to complete the expression of interest form for community spaces and affinity groups is Monday 8 June 2026.

If you haven’t already, please take a few minutes to let us know which groups you’d like to be part of during the Readiness for Practice stage. This is not a commitment – it’s simply to help us understand your interest.

These groups are optional and are designed to help participants build connections and support networks during readiness for practice.

Affinity groups 🤝 
Participant-led peer support groups for people with shared backgrounds or experiences. These spaces are informal, optional and staff-free.

Community spaces 🌍 
Facilitated by Frontline practice tutors, these spaces support participants from minority and marginalised backgrounds to connect, share experiences and discuss discrimination and oppression in practice and society.

Thank you to everyone who has already completed the form.

Register your interest

Shadowing: don’t lose your confirmation form

If your local authority placement has been confirmed, you should now be arranging your two shadowing days.

Once both days are complete, you and your local authority will need to complete a short confirmation form. This will form part of your first assignment, so please keep it safe.

A template is available in the information guides section of the portal.

Recommended for you

In each bulletin, we will share optional resources for those who want to explore social work further before the programme begins.

Listen: Inside the Manosphere: Our Reflections. An episode of the Social Matters podcast exploring the Louis Theroux documentary and discussing masculinity, online influence and creating space for more thoughtful conversations.

Read: TikTok and YouTube are not safe enough for children. A short article on recent Ofcom findings about online safety for children.

Watch:  Joe Wicks and family addiction. Joe Wicks reflects on the impact of his father’s addiction during his childhood and the coping mechanisms he developed growing up.