Practice Education and Supervision in Social Work

This course will provide the evidence-based knowledge and skills you need to supervise and assess others within the workplace, including student social workers. It will enable you to become an effective practice educator in your professional setting.

During your studies, you’ll explore the process of learning and the theories around teaching, supervising and assessing others. You’ll also reflect on your own experiences in order to integrate the theory you learn with your practice in the workplace.

As part of the course, you’ll supervise, teach and assess a qualifying student social worker within their practice placement. You’ll also take responsibility for an additional teaching, learning and assessment task with a second learner or supervisee. The second learner/supervisee could be a social worker undertaking their assessed and supported year in employment; a student social worker on a short placement; or a student social worker placed elsewhere.

This course meets the requirements of the national Practice Educator Professional Standards (Stage 2) for social work, and is endorsed by the College of Social Work.

Once you’re accredited as a Stage-2 practice educator, you can assess student social workers doing either Stage 1 or Stage 2 placements (on 70- and 100-days placements, respectively). Stage 1 practice educators are only able to assess Stage 1 students, on non-statutory 70-day placements.

How you’ll learn
This course offers an interactive learning experience, so you’ll be expected to take part in learning activities within small groups. You’ll also provide peer support and feedback as part of the assessment process.

Assessment
You’ll need to provide a portfolio of evidence relating to the 4 domains of practice education. You’ll complete 2 reflective assignment tasks of 1,500 and 2,000 words; submit practice evidence (equivalent to 1,500 words, to include feedback from supervisees, students, and other professionals); and provide 2 observations of your teaching/supervision of a student social worker.

A discounted rate of £950 is available to applicants from certain partner organisations who support student social workers in practice. Please speak to your Manager or Education Lead before applying to find out more.