Children's social care in the UK is under increasing strain. Every day, local authorities receive hundreds of new referrals involving children and families in need of urgent support. According to the Local Government Association, there were approximately 621,880 referrals in the year ending March 2024, averaging around 1,700 per day. These aren’t just numbers. They represent real people, real challenges, and real responsibilities.

At the heart of this system are social workers. Whether working with families in crisis, advocating for vulnerable children, or helping navigate the complexities of care, their work is essential. As needs become more complex and services come under more pressure, the demand for skilled, compassionate professionals continues to rise. The number of children looked after by local authorities rose to 84,620 as of March 2024, according to the Department for Education. That figure speaks volumes about the growing intensity of the work and the need for experienced hands.

But these figures only tell part of the story. Social work is deeply personal and often emotionally challenging. It’s also incredibly rewarding. Whether helping a child feel safe, supporting a family through crisis, or contributing to a stable care environment, the impact is lasting. Now more than ever, the sector needs people who can combine resilience and care with professional skill and determination.

There are positive shifts happening too. The average caseload for full-time equivalent children’s social workers dropped to 15.4 in 2024, the lowest on record, according to Community Care. Services are investing in better supervision, peer support, and more flexible working. Ofsted reports show that capacity is expanding too, with a 12% increase in registered children’s homes and a 7% increase in available places as of March 2024.

If you’re already in children’s services or considering returning, this could be the right moment to reassess what’s next. You may be looking for a healthier caseload, more progression, or simply a team that values your contribution. These opportunities are out there, and we can help you find them.

At EW Recruitment Services, we specialise in children’s social care recruitment because we understand the difference the right match can make. We take time to understand your experience and ambitions, support you through every step of the recruitment process, and prioritise placements where you’ll feel valued, respected, and supported.

For hiring partners, we offer more than just candidate sourcing. We provide insight into market trends, strategic advice on retention, and placements designed to strengthen teams long term. We know that stability matters, not only for services, but for the children they serve.

The future of children’s social care depends on strong, well-supported practitioners. If you're a social worker exploring new opportunities, or a team leader seeking to build a resilient workforce, we're here to help.

Get in touch with our specialist Children’s Services recruitment team today.

Together, we can create safer, stronger outcomes for children and families, one well-supported practitioner at a time.