STUDY

This module prepares apprentices and assesses their suitability to commence direct practice in line with the Professional Capabilities Framework (BASW, 2018) level of ‘Readiness for Practice and the Social Work England Professional Standards (SWE, 2019). 

The individual moves through various stages of the lifespan and this module, offers apprentices the opportunity to examine the implications of a development process and life stages on the individual’s behaviour.  The module introduces apprentices to the conceptual frameworks of human development from pre-birth to old age, encompassing both ‘normal’ and atypical development. 

This module introduces apprentices to a range of key theories and major themes drawn from sociology and rooted in social justice. Apprentices will develop their “sociological imagination” and engage with concepts and debates to challenge their assumptions and long-held beliefs. The module will promote learners’ curiosity and encourage them to question themselves and the world that they live in, providing a space to broaden understandings of their personal and professional value base and their developing professional identity. 

Social Work England professional standards (2019) require that all practitioners reflect on their personal and professional values (Standard 4.8) to ensure that practice is safe, ethical and operates within anti-oppressive and anti-discriminatory frameworks. The module enables learners to critically reflect on their own personal values, explore the value base that underpins social work practice, appreciate that social work is full of ethical dilemmas, that practitioners need to sensitively navigate, and understand the damaging consequences of discrimination on individuals and groups. 

The ability to communicate effectively is an important life skill. It can be argued that the accomplishment of effective communication is the foundation upon which social work practice is formed. This module will support the development of apprentices to become accomplished communicators with people that access services, managers and other professionals both within and outside of social care. 

The purpose of the module is to gain and apply important study skills that social work apprentices
will require during their degree programme. The module will allow apprentices to orientate themselves to the academic environment and requirements and appreciate an awareness of academic issues and research, whilst also beginning to develop their own research and study skills. 

The key aim of this module is to enable apprentices to discuss, analyse and evaluate the effectiveness and efficacy of national legislation and how policy is applied at regional and local levels. Contextualising social work practice with adults within a legal, political, social and economic framework, learners will be encouraged to analyse and evaluate the constraints and opportunities which arise within this continually changing context.  

Social workers must act to protect children and support them and their families. Children’s wishes and feelings must be sought and listened to and at the same time decisions must be taken in their best interests. Having knowledge of the law (including human / children’s rights legislation), procedures, ethics, and research including learning from Child Safeguarding Practice reviews, as well has being skillful in working directly with children and families and effectively communicating with them and with other professionals, is the foundation of excellent practice. 

Research underpins the social work knowledge-base, shaping and informing the profession. The module will promote apprentices’ curiosity, through developing a questioning approach and encourage a critical appreciation of a variety of different research approaches supported through the development of design, evaluation and analysis skills. Learners will engage with the principles, practice and integrity of research and progress their knowledge on the effective use of research findings. 

It is essential that social workers have a good knowledge and understanding of mental health and personal distress from a range of theories, law, lived experience perspectives and practice knowledge. These issues will be particularly explored in relation to social justice, including the tensions and dilemmas this raises for contemporary social work practice.  

Social Work apprentices are required to spend at least 170 days gaining required experience and learning in practice settings. Each apprentice must have experience in at least two contrasting practice settings. At level 5 learners will undertake supervised and assessed practice learning of at least 70 days for the academic year.

This module is designed for social work apprentices and builds further on academic skills development from level 4.

Utilising social justice and human rights perspectives, this module encourages learners to become critical, curious and inquiring when debating contemporary social work issues and concerns, not least the continuing impact of austerity, cost of living crisis and financial issues facing many local authorities and
indeed charities providing social work services. The module thus responds to real time changes or emerging trends in social work policy and practice.

Social Work apprentices are required to spend at least 170 days gaining required experience and learning in practice settings. Each apprentice must have experience in at least two contrasting practice settings. At level 6 learners will undertake assessed practice learning of at least 100 days for the academic year.  

This module provides social work apprentices with an opportunity to undertake a work-based project that supports the exercise of independent judgement and research skills. Apprentices will thus evidence “research mindnesses” as well as build on pre-existing skills and knowledge in critically appraising research that underpins and informs contemporary social work.