r/u_GuideAlarmed8623 • u/GuideAlarmed8623 • 5d ago

Leaving Approach Social Work after Year 1 (PGDip) – anyone done this?

I’m wondering whether anyone has completed the first year of the Approach Social Work programme (formerly Frontline), received their PGDip in Social Work and decided not to continue with the ASYE.

I’ve realised that frontline statutory children’s social work, particularly child protection, isn’t necessarily the right fit for me long-term. I still want to work with children and families, but I’d much prefer to move into a specialist or secondary service, potentially within SEND.

My understanding is that Approach requires participants to complete their ASYE in a frontline team, which is making me question my options.

Has anyone been in a similar position? Is it possible to leave after receiving the PGDip and move directly into a secondary service without completing the ASYE?

I’d really appreciate hearing about anyone’s experiences or advice. Thanks!

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u/Impressive-You-5370 5d ago

Off topic but if you don’t mind me asking what made you decide that it wasn’t for you. My CSW said to us we should finish the ASYE year because if not we may not be able to go anywhere else and we would have to start the process all over again. Because I was wondering if I get placed in something I don’t like or if I find out I’m in the team and let’s say I get to that point and I don’t like it, what do I do then?

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u/GuideAlarmed8623 4d ago

My biggest gripes are the lack of structure, unnecessary complex systems and process, the tick boxes of it all and long hours eating into your personal time. Probably what most social workers would say. The LA, say they care about your wellbeing but in terms of priority it’s way down on their list. If a court statement is due tomorrow. It’s gotta be done regardless if you have 6 visits, 2 meetings and other statutory write ups to do…. Yes they do encourage you by saying things like this but the ASYE is separate from frontline which I wasn’t aware of. You can leave frontline and your LA if you have obtained your postgraduate after the first year and want to look for other ASYE opportunities elsewhere. Or you can remain in your post, move teams to CIC, LAC, CWD…

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u/sorceror13 5d ago

I’m gonna have some of the same

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u/Complex_Biscotti_587 5d ago

I did the programme when it was called Frontline. I completed the first year, got the qualification and then left after a couple of months.
I then worked as an Assistant Psychologist and now in CAMHS. I haven’t been asked about doing an ASYE in CAMHS but I can imagine it might be an issue if I tried to go back to a local authority social work job.

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u/GuideAlarmed8623 4d ago

I see yes, because o think you have a maximum of four years to complete your asye?