I am 33 and a single mother desperately wanting to have a career as a social worker. Have i left it to late?

No, you haven't left it too late at all. But if you want to be a social worker you have to do a degree, and the OU course is not a full pre-degree foundation course, you would have to do other courses as well. If you don’t want to do a degree you go down the social care route, details in the last link about social work training in general. If you do want to do a degree and are able to get to a local college you could do an Access to Social Work course, which would usually be one year full-time or two years part-time and you could go to uni immediately after it. They're mainly for people who don't have A Levels or other academic qualifications for uni. You can look them up here: http://www.whatuni.com/degrees/courses/Access-foundation-list/Social-Work-Access-foundation-courses-UK/qualification/T/search_category/9466/loc.html There are also distance Access courses: http://www.hotcourses.com/uk-courses/Social-Work-Access-to-Higher-Education-Diploma-OCNNWR-courses/page_pls_user_course_details/16180339/220704/w/30727808/page.htm Official government website about social work training: http://www.socialworkcareers.co.uk/.

You have not left it too late - if you are on benefits, ask about relevant training at your next meeting, they may assist just to get you off the benefit stats. A dedicated Social Work degree would be apt - but it isn't my field so do your homework, perhaps ask your local authority and check out their jobsite to see what qualifications they ask for this type of role. Follow your dream - hard, thankless work - but very best of luck!!

Of course you have not waited too long. BUT, social workers get paid poorly and have long and unusual hours. Not a good idea for a single mom.