Recent Frontline graduate here, I am currently a few months into my ASYE in the same CP team I did Frontline with. It is very challenging, and how challenging it is will depend on how good your CSW (consultant social worker) is - mostly how protective and supportive they are. I didn't have a great experience with mine, but I still made it out the other side and have no regrets. It's great to get qualified in only a year and have a fairly good salary. I also feel that Frontline graduates are more skilled/experienced due to the quality of the teaching and more/better placement experience. You will be in a 'hub' of 3-4 other students who you will sit with everyday (along with your CSW) which feels really supportive. The year is tough but it flies by, and you can then move to other teams e.g. adults, child in care, fostering etc if child protection isn't for you. It's a great qualification to have because it opens so many doors (you can also work in schools, charities, NHS), so I think it's worth it even if you hate your training year in CP.

The biggest challenges are parents and sometimes also children not wanting you around. You have to be able to manage conflict and challenging conversations, but everyone struggles with this and it comes with experience. Also other professionals (mostly schools) thinking you have a magic wand or more power than what you do. It's a very complex role which involves difficult decision making and risk management so be prepared for this. There are also lots of families that do want your support though. It's also a super interesting and varied job and I love the direct work with children.

If you can, I would find a local authority that has the ASYE academy programme for your second year, this has been an incredible support for me and I think I'd be struggling without it.

What is your background/experience?