module specification

Practice Learning 1 will provide you with 70 days of experiential learning opportunities, within a social work or social care setting, to integrate the theory you have been introduced to in university with practice. You will be supported to develop and submit key tasks required to progress to your 1st placement.

You will also 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 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 SW4011 (Readiness for Direct 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 (LO1)
• Consolidate your knowledge and skills development with recall to university for a schedule of skills workshops (LO 3, 4)
• 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 (LO 2, 3)
• You will have 2 formal meetings with your Placement Tutor and Practice Educator to ensure all the requirements are in place to for your placement (a practice learning agreement meeting) and to review your progress at the mid-way stage of the placement.  (LO 3, 4)
• You will develop a Personal & Professional Development Plan appropriate to the setting, context and final level placement within which you are placed. (LO 1, 2)
• 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, including a minimum of three 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.

You will be required to write and submit a 3,000 word Practice Study which will be a critical evaluation based upon your practice working directly with a person, family or group with lived experience. This will be submitted, usually 1 week following the formal end of the placement.

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 and reflect upon 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 are two summative assessment strategies for this module, and this is made up of a practice study and a placement portfolio. You must pass both assessments.

• The first component is a 3,000-word practice study which will be a critical evaluation based upon your practice working with a person, family or group with lived experience. This is weighted at 100%.

• The second component will be the compilation of a placement practice portfolio that includes (but not limited to):

This is a Pass/Fail recommendation with a 0% weighting

• 2 Reflective Learning Summaries
• Direct Observation feedback 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 – both 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.

Practice Learning 1

https://rl.talis.com/3/londonmet/lists/EB5225A9-495E-95E2-C2C3-B9CBF2309363.html?lang=en-GB