St Christopher’s Academy

When you join St Christopher’s you will be on our entry pathway so we can set you up in your career. Starting your career in children’s social care means there is a lot to learn, so we want to make sure you are properly supported in your first year. This includes introductory training, having a buddy or mentor and regular check-ins to see how you are settling in.

On completion of the entry pathway you achieve your status as a Practitioner. Staying on this pathway may suit you if you are happy in your current job or want to develop your practice for a while longer before you begin on another pathway.

On this pathway you will have gained expertise in your role and be a Practitioner Plus, with knowledge and understanding of best practice that you can pass onto your colleagues. Joining the Talent pathway will open up opportunities for you to lead training sessions and special interest groups (‘talent pools’) with colleagues.

On this pathway you will have gained expertise in your role and be a Practitioner Plus, with knowledge and understanding of best practice that you can pass onto your colleagues. Becoming a mentor on our Mentoring pathway is a great opportunity to support the next generation of children’s social care professionals and gain an understanding of how to support staff through their induction and entry year, or mentor someone around a particular area of skills development.

St Christopher’s provides a range of services for children and young people, from children’s homes and semi-independent homes through to fostering and community outreach services. On the Flexi Passport you can gain experience in a field outside of the service type you work in, preparing you to step across into another role.

Would you like to progress to the top of the career ladder in children’s social care? Our Leadership Passport can be tailored to your career goals so that you can gain the experience and knowledge you need to become a Team Leader, Manager or even Director.