| Module |
Credits |
Compulsory/optional |
|
Legislative and Policy Context of Practice
|
30 Credits |
Compulsory |
| The practice of social work occupies contested ground. Taking as its starting point the history of social work as a profession this module offers students the opportunity to critically assess the context in which social work practitioners operate. During this module students will analyse the drivers of social work practice: developing a systematic understanding of legislation and social policy as well as fundamental sociological concepts which inform practice. Developing a critical response to these concepts students will critically appraise the evidence base on which sound interventions depend.
While an understanding of the implications of relating policy to practice is fundamental to all social work an ability to undertake effective work within the legal setting is crucial in Child Protection.
Law teaching and testing serves as a necessary preparation for the' live' court report and care plan presentation assessment undertaken in the subsequent module Risk, Reflection and Resilience.
The importance of obtaining and using sound legal practice is instilled within the Law teaching together with an understanding of the centrality of legality to decision-making. |
|
Developing Practice Learning 1
|
15 Credits |
Compulsory |
| This module combines classroom-based learning with practice learning. Classroom sessions will explore the research and evidence base which informs assessment, planning, intervention and evaluation of effective interventions in adult services. Placement learning will include opportunities designed to enable students to meet the level descriptor for the end of the fist placement: 'By the end of the first placement students should demonstrate effective use of knowledge, skills and commitment to core values in SW in a given setting in predominantly less complex situations, with supervision and support. They will have demonstrated capacity to work with people and in situations where there may not be simple clear-cut solutions. |
|
Parenting Through Complexity
|
15 Credits |
Compulsory |
| The Step up to Social Work programme is aimed at recruiting and training social workers for front line child protection services. In supporting families and facilitating change social workers must simultaneously work creatively and in partnership to empower parents while acting to protect children and observing the paramountcy principle. Social workers must identify and respond to structural issues and individual problems. In working with families, social workers must have the skills to respond inclusively, with a focus on diversity and anti-racist practice. Social workers manage limited resources which creates contradictions and conflicts of interest. This is a balance which social workers must hold ethically within their work in accordance with the standards of the professional regulator. It is an aspect of practice which throws up practice complexity and ethical dilemmas. This module encourages students to engage with that complexity and address the dilemmas. |
|
Social Work Knowledge and Values in Action
|
30 Credits |
Compulsory |
| This module is a foundation for social work practice and contributes to shaping students professional identities. The module builds on students previous personal and professional experiences and introduces relevant theories, methods, interventions and skills that will underpin students development and practice. Theories of human growth and development are evaluated and appraised alongside contemporary research on child development. Theories and methods for intervention in the lives of children, families and groups are introduced. Ethics, values and anti-oppressive and anti-discriminatory approaches to practice are introduced and integrated throughout teaching, supporting students to begin the process of becoming reflective practitioners. The concepts taught link to future modules, with some theories revisited and taught in more depth as the programme progresses. Students will learn to theorise practice and apply this learning to their 70- and 100-day practice placements and later the Assessed and Supported Year (ASYE) in practice. |
|
Skills for Practice 1
|
15 Credits |
Compulsory |
| Students need to develop understanding of organisational structures around statutory social work and the social worker s day to day role. This module starts with five introduction days with Host Teams, where they can develop knowledge of social work structures, skills, multi-agency working considering organisational and structural factors, and legislation in practice. It is essential that children's social workers can communicate with children. Communication is underpinned by a detailed knowledge of child development drawn from theory and research which is synthesised with core skills and practice experience to intervene effectively with families. Students undertake fifteen skills days in a setting with children or young people, applying their theoretical knowledge to practice. Students develop skills and confidence in observing and communicating effectively with children, young people, and families. This module promotes professionalism, problem"solving, curiosity, creativity, teamwork, critical reflection and cultural competency, laying the foundations for meeting the requirements of the professional regulator. |
|
Skills for Practice 2
|
15 Credits |
Compulsory |
| This module is constituted of 10 mandatory skills days, delivered throughout the three phases of the programme. This module consolidates students theoretical learning and develop their skills for social work practice. Teaching and learning within this module are designed to be inclusive and accessible, for all students to engage fully. A range of practitioners, guest lecturers and people with lived experience, from different organisations and perspectives will facilitate these sessions, supported by academic staff. Students will receive developmental feedback throughout. Students are encouraged to explore topics in this module critically and become culturally competent. Each of these skills days is designed to promote active, experiential learning in an environment that is risk-free, using role play, case studies, simulations, and group work. This module aligns with the requirements of Social Work England, the PCF and Knowledge and Skills Statements, and is designed to complement teaching on the academic and placement modules. |
|
Protecting Children and Building Resilience b
|
15 Credits |
Compulsory |
| This DMD should be read in conjunction with 7HSK2117 Protecting Children and Building Resilience a. Content taught in 7HSK2117 will be applied to practice and theorised in the assessments of this module. Using a range of reflective theories, models and methods students will develop their skills as reflective practitioners as a means of critically examining social work and safeguarding practice. The focus on resilience, in both social work professionals and service users, will locate critical reflection, sound professional self"care and the support of resilience in others within the context of risk management and child protection. |
|
Developing Practice Learning 2b
|
15 Credits |
Compulsory |
| This module applies knowledges from the classroom"based learning undertaken in 7HSK2116 to practice learning. For this reason this DMD should be read in conjunction with 7HSK2116. This module includes independent study and a portion of placement days only aims and learning outcomes taught in 7HSK2116 are assessed within 7HSK2119. Placement learning will include opportunities designed to enable students to meet the pcf level descriptor for the end of the final placement. |
