module specification

Social Work Practice Learning one will provide you with experiential learning
opportunities, in a social work or social care setting, to integrate the theory you have
been introduced to at university with practice. You will be supported to demonstrate
appropriate professional behaviour and relationships, develop professional values and
gain working knowledge of organisational contexts.  It also aims to provide you with the
opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills required for practice with individuals,
families, carers, groups and communities.

It provides the first opportunity for you to practise in social work under supervised
conditions and develop knowledge, skills and values to enable you to meet the
Professional Capabilities Framework (PCF) at first placement level and Social Work
England’s Professional Standards as they relate to this level of your studies.

Successful completion of module Readiness for Practice

You will undertake a minimum of 70 days within a suitable agency under the direct
supervision of a practice educator who will allocate work to you in relation to the 9
domains Professional Capabilities Framework (PCF) at first placement level.  A
structured induction will be provided for you and learning activities, including direct work
with vulnerable people, will enable you to demonstrate your capabilities against the PCF.

● Become familiar with the practical process of a placement and the required paperwork you will need to complete to demonstrate your learning and capability whilst on your placement (LO1)
● Complete a Placement Application Form and Personal & Professional Development Plan in order to progress to your 1 st placement (LO1)
● Opportunities to visit related agencies; with guidance and support you will undertake direct work with people with lived experience.  (LO 3, 4)
● Attend team meetings and work alongside professionals from different disciplines.  (LO 2, 3, 4)
● Utilise opportunities to gain a critical understanding of the role of the agency within its organisational and legal context.  (LO 1, 2)
● You will have 1.5 hours of formal supervision per week to explore and support your learning.  (LO 1, 2)
● You will have an equivalent of 0.5 hours per placement day for reflective learning, and will be required to produce 2 reflective learning summaries and also a Personal & Professional Development Plan. (LO 2, 3)
● You will have 2 formal meetings with your Placement Tutor and Practice Educator to ensure all the requirements are in place for your placement (a practice learning agreement meeting) and to review your progress at the mid-way stage of the placement.  (LO 3, 4)
● A practice placement handbook is provided to both you and your practice educator which gives detailed information about placement requirements and processes. (LO 1, 2, 3)

You will have the opportunity to attend 3 interactive 3-hour workshops that will familiarise
you with the practical placement process, required placement paperwork and guidance
on completing your practice study.

Evidence of practice capability will come from your practice educator as well as from
you. You will be provided with a variety of different teaching and assessment models,
and a range of learning opportunities as set out in your Practice Learning Agreement,
including a minimum of two direct observations of your practice.

The 1.5 hours of formal supervision per week should include reflection on your progress
towards meeting the Professional Capabilities Framework (PCF).
The placement will be governed by a practice learning agreement drawn up in
collaboration with yourself, practice educator, practice supervisor (where applicable),
and a placement tutor from the University at the beginning of the placement.  The
placement tutor will also meet with you and your practice educator/practice supervisor at
the midway stage.

The final portfolio will be submitted at the date agreed by yourself, the practice educator
and the placement tutor, usually 1 week following the formal end of the placement. The portfolio will be graded as a pass or a fail.

By the end of the module, you will be able to:

LO1. Recognise the role of the professional social worker including the importance of
reliability, honesty and respectfulness, an awareness of personal and professional
boundaries, use supervision to guide development and be aware of your own health,
well-being and self-care.
LO2. Identify key legislation, national and local policies and procedures relevant to
practice, within a context of anti-racist, anti-discriminatory and anti-oppressive practice.
LO3. Understand and apply the profession’s ethical principles to manage potentially
conflicting values as well as, with support, promote individuals’ legal and ethical rights to
autonomy and self-determination
LO4. Apply knowledges from a range of theories and models for social work intervention
with individuals, families, groups and communities

There is one placement portfolio summative assessment for this module. You must pass this assessment but the portfolio is not graded and the outcome of the module does not contribute to the classification of your degree.

The placement practice portfolio includes (but is not limited to):

● 3 Reflective Learning Summaries
● 2 Direct Observation feedbacks of your direct practice
● Feedback from professionals and or colleagues within the agency
● Feedback from people with lived experience
● The assessment of your practice capability against the PCF at the end of the first placement level made by your practice educator – A Mid-way and Final assessment report
● Your practice educator will be required to conclude their report with the recommendation of either a Pass/Fail.

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