A new academy which will train aspiring and existing child social workers has been launched in Oldham.

The Children's Social Work Academy will offer people looking to get into social work a way into the profession and will also provide further training for existing workers.

It is part of a focused effort to help children and young people in Oldham by building a workforce of social workers who will train and work in the borough.

Cllr Eddie Moores, Cabinet member for children and young people on Oldham Council, said: "Social workers are so important in Oldham. The work that they do protecting vulnerable children is vital.

"In our town, we highly value the people who do these jobs and that’s why we’ve launched this project because we want to be more than just an employer.

"We want people to choose Oldham and see for themselves how rewarding it is to work in a challenging role when you’re well supported by our fantastic social work teams."

Oldham, like the rest of the country, is facing a shortage of social workers, with dozens in the borough quitting last year, and the academy has been set up in an effort to tackle this.

Cllr Moores said: "We know there’s a shortage of social workers nationally and that’s something we have to address.

"In order to keep Oldham’s vulnerable children safe we’re making this a major focus for us and this academy reflects that."

As well as training social workers, the academy will aim to streamline recruitment processes, as well as helping workers with their development and career progression.

Managing director of children’s and young people services, Gerard Jones, said: "We’re committed to building a resilient workforce that wants to train and then stay in Oldham.

"We know for that to happen it means reducing caseloads in line with benchmarking best practice, reducing reliance on agency roles, enhancing teamworking approaches and ensuring the wellbeing of those who work here."

Mr Jones said the academy was committed to ensuring workers were "properly compensated" and that the academy would offer "attractive pay" and rewards.

For more information on the type of jobs and training available in social working, visit www.oldham.gov.uk/swa.