Booking options
£1,599

£1,599
On-Demand course
12 months
All levels
Leadership and Management for Children's Social Work (Accredited)
Overview
Are you a children's social care professional ready to take the next step into leadership? This advanced course in Leadership and Management for Children's Social Work is a comprehensive online course designed to equip you with the skills and confidence to lead teams and improve practice in children's services. Learn how to navigate complex child protection scenarios, manage and motivate your team, and drive positive change in the lives of children and families. Developed by expert practitioners, this 30-hour CPD course combines theory with real-world case studies to enhance your impact as a leader. Enrol today to advance your career and make a bigger difference in children's lives.
What You Will Learn
Leadership and Management: Key responsibilities of effective leaders in child and family social work – from safeguarding leadership to quality assurance
Legal Framework: How to apply UK legislation, policy, and best practices in decision-making and service management
Team Development: Strategies for supervising and developing social work teams, improving performance and staff well-being
Multi-Agency Working: Techniques for collaborating across agencies (police, health, education) to protect children
Change Management: Skills to manage change, implement new initiatives, and foster positive, inclusive team culture
Reflective Practice: Ethical leadership practices that promote continuous learning and high standards of care
Who Is This Course For?
This qualification is ideal for:
Aspiring or New Team Managers in children's social care looking for structured development
Senior Social Workers/Practitioners wanting to progress into management roles (e.g. Deputy Manager, Practice Supervisor)
Current Managers (Team Leaders, Service Managers) seeking to formalise and enhance leadership skills
Child Welfare Professionals in related leadership roles (e.g., Designated Safeguarding Leads, Residential Children's Home Managers)
Learners should have a background in children's social work or a related field.
Requirements
Device with internet access (to view online modules and videos)
Basic proficiency in English (written assignments are part of assessment)
Prior experience in child and family social work recommended
Level 3 qualification or above in social care or related area beneficial
Commitment to approximately 30 hours of study (self-paced)
Enthusiasm for learning and improving leadership practice
Course Content
15 modules covering all aspects of Children's Social Work Management, including: Leadership Principles, Legal Frameworks, Safeguarding, Team Management, Communication & Partnership Working, Quality Assurance, Diversity & Inclusion, Risk Management, Staff Development, and Reflective Leadership. Each module features multimedia lessons, practical case studies, and a quiz to reinforce your learning. You'll also complete a portfolio of brief assignments to solidify your understanding through real-world application.
Duration and Delivery
Duration: 30 hours of guided learning (typically completed over 4–8 weeks part-time)
Delivery: 100% online, self-paced. Study when it suits you
Access: 12 months access to course content for review after completion
CPD Certification: CPD certified (30 CPD points). Digital certificate awarded upon completion
Assessment
No exams! To pass the course, you will complete end-of-module quizzes and submit a short written portfolio (1 reflective assignment). This assignment is scenario-based and reflective, directly relevant to children's social work leadership. You'll receive personalised tutor feedback on your work. The emphasis is on practical application – by the end, you will have a toolkit of plans and ideas ready to use in your workplace.
Tutor Support
You won't be learning alone. Our experienced tutors (seasoned children's services managers) are available for support via email and discussion forums. They will guide you through the content, answer questions, and provide feedback on assignments.
Career Path
Enhancing your leadership skills opens doors to senior roles in children's services. Graduates can progress to positions such as Team Manager, Practice Supervisor, Deputy Manager or advance to Service Manager/Head of Service over time. The course also strengthens skills for specialist roles like Independent Reviewing Officer or Child Protection Conference Chair. Additionally, it's a stepping stone toward further qualifications (like a Master's in social work management).
How to Enrol
Enrol online through our website or Reed Courses page. Limited time offer: Enjoy a 20% discount for enrolments this month. Once enrolled, you can start immediately. Remember, you can learn at your own pace – there are no fixed class times.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this course accredited? Yes. This advanced course in Leadership and Management for Social Work is CPD Group UK accredited and provides 30 CPD hours, which can be used to evidence ongoing professional development.
Who is this course designed for? This course is designed for qualified social workers who are current managers, team leaders, practice supervisors, or aspiring to leadership roles within children's social work. The content focuses specifically on social work leadership and management.
Do I need to be in a management role to enrol? No. You do not need to currently hold a management position. The course is suitable for aspiring managers and senior practitioners preparing for leadership responsibilities, as well as those already in management roles.
Is this qualification regulated? This is a CPD-accredited professional qualification, not an Ofqual-regulated diploma. It is designed for continuing professional development, leadership capability and career progression.
How is the course delivered? The course is 100% online and self-paced. You can study at a time and pace that suits you, making it ideal for working professionals.
How long does the course take to complete? The course provides approximately 30 hours of guided learning. Most learners complete it in 8–12 weeks, but you will have up to 12 months access to complete the course if needed.
How am I assessed? There are no exams. Assessment consists of short knowledge-check quizzes at the end of modules and a final reflective leadership portfolio, where you apply learning to practice. All assessment is practical and reflective.
Will I receive tutor support? Yes. You will have access to experienced tutors with a background in social work leadership. Tutors provide guidance and feedback on your reflective portfolio to support your development.
Does this course meet Social Work England CPD requirements? Yes. The course is suitable for Social Work England CPD evidence. You can log your learning and reflections as part of your CPD record.
Is this course suitable if I work outside local authority social work? Yes. The course is applicable across local authority, voluntary, independent and community social work settings, as it focuses on leadership, governance, supervision, quality and workforce development.
What support is available during the course? You'll have access to experienced tutors via email and discussion forums, comprehensive study materials available 24/7, and personalised feedback on assignments.
Can I use this qualification for career progression? Absolutely. This diploma demonstrates leadership capability and commitment to professional development, making it valuable for progression to senior management roles in children's services.
What makes this course different from other management courses? This course is specifically tailored for children's social work leadership, includes real-world case studies from children's services, and focuses on the unique challenges of child protection and safeguarding leadership.
Are there any additional costs after enrolment? No. The course fee includes all materials, tutor support, assessments, and digital certification. Only the optional printed certificate incurs an additional cost.
