The body's publication A Report on Social Work Education in England 2009-10 has identified significant trends in social work education, including a decline in the number of local authority placements being provided to students.
In 2009/10, 44 per cent of practice placements were provided by local authorities, down from 47 per cent in 2007/08. Following the GSCC’s monitoring of social work degree courses in 2009/10, two-thirds of higher education institutions were asked to make some improvements to the quality of practice placements.
Hannah Prescott, a social work student in the second year of her masters degree at the University of Central Lancaster, said: "There is a limit to what you can learn in tutorials and at lectures. Good communication, the ability to form relationships and an understanding of people’s needs are essential parts of being a social worker and these can only be learned through good practical experience."
Register Now to Continue Reading
Thank you for visiting Children & Young People Now and making use of our archive of more than 60,000 expert features, topics hubs, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:
What's Included
-
Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month
-
Email newsletter providing advice and guidance across the sector
Already have an account? Sign in here