BA (Hons) Social Work (England)

Transcription

1 BA (Hons) Social Work (England) A work-based supported Open Learning route to the professional qualification 2009/2010 INSPIRING LEARNING

2 The OU has changed my whole view of life simply by helping me rediscover the utter joy of learning. Toni Hourahane, OU student Be everything you want to be with The Open University Over the last 40 years, we ve transformed the lives of more than two million people by giving them the inspiration, means and support to discover their dreams. The opportunity is yours, come and join us You ll be part of Europe s largest academic community with over 210,000 students learning with us each year. Our broadcast programmes engage the world and our research projects shape it. Be inspired by our huge range of fascinating and challenging subjects across all levels from certificates and diplomas to undergraduate, postgraduate and research degrees. Our courses are created by some of the finest minds of their generation. We invest millions of pounds to ensure we lead the way in educational technology and our courses are delivered to you in the most unique and compelling way. You can study in a flexible way that works for you at home, at work or on the move. We call this approach supported Open Learning. We re right behind you all the way and you re never alone. With many courses you ll benefit from unrivalled one to one support from your tutor. Whether via , phone or face to face, this support is available to you even during evenings and weekends. We are local to you. We have 13 national and regional centres alongside 350 study centres across the UK with our staff always ready to help you. Enjoy the support of your fellow students. There s a whole community to meet in tutorials, online forums or to network with socially. Not only are we the biggest UK university, but our students also continuously vote us one of the best. For the last four years The Open University has been rated in the top two universities for student satisfaction in the National Student Survey. Businesses see the benefits of using us to educate their employees and over 75 per cent of FTSE 100 companies have sponsored staff on our courses. To ensure everyone is given the opportunity to learn and achieve, you can qualify for help with study costs even if your household income is as high as 30, Last year we helped over 38,000 people. Be part of something extraordinary. 1 Depending on number of points of study and where you live.

3 Introduction 1 Contents Introduction 1 Programme information 2 Why choose the OU? 3 Collaboration between the OU and employers 5 Costs and help with funding 6 Selection and entry requirements 7 Entry with credit 8 Programme structure 9 Practice learning 10 Study time and study leave 11 Teaching and support 12 Courses 14 Level 1 14 Level 2 15 Level 3 15 Registration 18 Making a provisional booking 18 Provisional booking form 19 Regional contacts 21 Open access: other ways to read this publication You may find it easier to access information from our website If you would like this publication electronically please call +44 (0) or us at general-enquiries@open.ac.uk quoting Alternative format in the subject box. Other alternative formats are available on request.

4 2 Introduction The Open University BA (Hons) Social Work (England) (B32) This booklet is intended for employers in England who are considering sponsoring members of their staff on the social work degree programme and for individuals who wish to discuss the possibility of sponsorship with their manager or training department. The Open University (OU) offers a work-based supported Open Learning route to the degree in social work and registration with the General Social Care Council (GSCC) upon successful completion. The programme has been approved by the GSCC. The degree programme is currently available only to staff who are working in social care and who are sponsored and supported by their employer. If you re not currently employed in this field but want to study this degree, you ll need to seek employment as an unqualified worker such as a social work assistant or support worker in residential or day care. It s essential to discuss your training options at any job interview. Some local authorities also offer traineeships. A good first step might be to study the first course in the programme, An introduction to health and social care (K101), since this is an open course that does not require sponsorship. Click for further information. It s also now possible to study Foundations for social work practice (K113) independently. The nonsponsored version of this course is coded KYJ113. You cannot, however, register for the social work degree, or progress to the Level 2 practice course, without an employer s support. Michaela Friend, pictured at the degree ceremony in Brighton, was one of 350 social work students who graduated in 2008.

5 Introduction 3 Why choose the OU? The OU can help transform people s lives Studying again came as a bit of a shock to me, since I d never achieved more than an O Level at school. However, it has been a gradual process beginning with the OU s Certificate in Health and Social Care. I have found the whole learning experience life-changing. I know I have grown and changed as a person and I believe I am more self assured and confident in my work as a result. Julie-Anne Howard, sponsored by Hertfordshire County Council and now a qualified social worker The OU has 40 years experience of delivering education and training through supported Open Learning The OU provides a quality learning route for our sponsored staff. The materials and methods of teaching are first rate and our staff have consistently fed back to us their satisfaction with the teaching and materials. The practice-learning modules with their integrated assignments and in-depth case analysis requirements show a real grasp of the need to integrate the theoretical side of social work education with actual practice development. With the OU model, because students are working as they study, they are naturally relating what they learn to their working lives. Richard Brown, Workforce Development Unit, Nottingham City Council Work-based supported Open Learning is cost-effective People who have worked in social care for some years want to consolidate their experience and gain the credibility that comes with a professional qualification. The opportunity to study while working and earning money is very attractive and is often the only way staff can access social work training. The social work programme can benefit the workplace and contribute to recruitment and retention Thurrock Council has supported employees to train as social workers using the OU s supported Open Learning route over a number of years. We have found it a highly successful method of growing our own social workers. The calibre of training and materials is excellent and our seconded staff complete their studies having been well trained to provide a high level service for the Thurrock community. We retain 90 per cent of social workers trained in this way and many have gone on to progress within the organisation. Wendy Allen, Senior Training Officer, Thurrock Council The OU is highly rated in the National Student Survey For the last four years students have voted The Open University as one of the top two universities for student satisfaction in the National Student Survey. Students value the quality of the course materials and flexible study arrangements which are designed to fit in with work and family commitments. Support is available via , phone or face-to-face tutorials and workshops. Students can also enjoy support from fellow students. There s a whole community to meet at tutorials, in online forums or to network with socially. The study material was first class as was the support received from the OU. On the whole my three years with the OU have been fantastic. Student who qualified in 2008 The academic and expert support offered by the OU tutors, as well as managers and practice supervisors, helps students to manage the challenge of full-time work and study. As an employer, we believe this work-based programme is good value for money. Staff continue to work and, after three years, we have newly qualified, enthusiastic social workers who are fit for the purpose of carrying out a professional role in the organisation. Dianne Baldwin, Training and Development Consultant, East Sussex County Council

6 4 Introduction Fiona gains a degree and a family I had been out of education for nearly 10 years when I decided to start undertaking my degree. My first course was K100 [now An introduction to health and social care (K101)], which I started in February I was very apprehensive about undertaking study and having to write for the first time in ages. I attended one of the OU s introduction to study days and found the advice really helpful in terms of how to gather information for assignments and writing essays. I found the first course really accessible and the guidance for assignments meant there was no guess work. My tutor was really helpful and ready to reply to s or take phone calls almost any time. She really encouraged me in my writing and pointed out where I could improve. When I started my degree we didn t have a family and my husband worked in a job that meant he sometimes worked evenings and weekends, leaving me free to study. Just after I had been accepted onto the degree, sponsored by Kent County Council, I found out I was pregnant. I managed to complete my first year on maternity leave, reading and completing essays during naptimes and in the evenings. In my last year I found out I was pregnant again (a little earlier than we had planned!), and I ended up finishing my final year on maternity leave again, having completed my final placement ten days before my due date. Studying with a family has meant much more sacrifice on mine and my family s part. I spent a lot of evenings reading, or writing essays at the weekends, but I knew that it was short-term loss for long-term gain. I was awarded my degree in December 2008 and have just accepted an offer of a post as a newly-qualified social worker with one of Kent County Council s Children and Families Teams. The best advice I can give to new students is to trust yourself in terms of knowing what works for you and your personal circumstances for reading and writing assignments. My own system involved a lot of post-it notes, a highlighter pen and large letters stating FOR ESSAY! Take each course and assignment one step at a time and use your tutor: they want you to do well and they re there to help. And should your situation change in the middle of the course, talk to the OU as sometimes the seemingly impossible is possible. Fiona Coombs Qualified Social Worker (sponsored by Kent County Council)

7 Introduction 5 Collaboration between the OU and employers The programme is work-based and is offered in collaboration with employing agencies only. The respective roles and responsibilities of the OU and employing agencies are as follows: The OU It s the responsibility of the OU to: Ensure that all social work students are appropriately selected for training. Provide multimedia study materials for students, their tutors and practice assessors. Provide tutorial support. Organise and administer all the assessment and award procedures. Ensure students are registered on the GSCC social work student register. Sponsoring agencies It s the responsibility of agencies to: Work with the OU to select members of staff suitable for training through supported Open Learning. Employers who decide to make a provisional booking for one or more students will be sent a copy of Opening Doors, which provides further guidance on the selection of students and organising practice learning. Sponsor staff who are selected. Ensure payment of the fees. Support students by giving study leave throughout the programme (see page 11) in addition to full-time release for the duration of the external practice-learning period(s) and release to attend practice learning workshops. Provide appropriate practice-learning opportunities with suitable supervision. Although the OU gives advice and encourages networking and placement swapping between agencies, it s the employer s responsibility to make suitable practice learning and teaching arrangements. The full support of employers is essential to students success. Giving staff relief from their normal workload while they are engaged in practice learning, and allowing them to take study leave and time off to attend workshops and tutorials, needs to be carefully planned and managed. The responsibilities of the OU and sponsoring agencies are set out in a formal Collaboration Agreement which agencies will be asked to sign. If you anticipate any problems in complying with the terms of the agreement, please discuss these with the Social Work Programme Coordinator (see page 18) or your local staff tutor (see page 21 for contact details). Staff tutors are the OU s regionally-based academics and each regional Faculty of Health & Social Care office will have one academic who represents the social work degree programme. Employers will be required to sign a Sponsorship Agreement undertaking liability for the fees, and a Collaboration Agreement accepting the responsibilities set out above. Individual students aren t permitted to register on the programme without the support of their employer.

8 6 Introduction Costs and help with funding Costs Methods of calculating costs will vary from agency to agency depending on circumstances, but the main costs employers need to take into account are: OU fees totalling approximately Fees are payable on a course by course basis shortly after they begin in January, February or October. Replacement costs (to replace staff on study leave or external period of practice learning). Practice learning and teaching provision (see Help with funding opposite). Any travel and subsistence costs agreed by the agency. OU set books. Approximately will be required for the purchase of set books. 1 Students in the Isle of Man and Channel Islands are required to pay the other countries fee instead of the UK fee. See our separate fee list for further details. Help with funding Practice-learning funding Each year the programme receives money from the GSCC which is distributed to agencies providing practice-learning opportunities (PLOs). Payment will be made by the University on confirmation that the PLO has been completed. In 2009 the rates are 18 per day for statutory agencies and 28 per day for voluntary and independent agencies. Evidence of charitable or company status has to be provided in order for payments to be made at the higher rate. Please note that funding does not apply to the preparation for practice days at Level 1. Grants for voluntary agencies Small voluntary agencies may be able to apply for a grant from the GSCC to help towards fees and replacement costs. Applications normally have to be submitted in June. Please contact the Social Work Programme Coordinator (see page 18) for details or download the application form from our website Please note that students on work-based programmes aren t eligible for GSCC Student Bursaries, since there is an assumption that employers are making some contribution to the costs. I was anxious about studying again after 20 years but I found that the way the courses were structured helped alleviate these fears. I am married, work full time and, at the time of starting the degree, my children were 9 and 8. It was tough at times trying to juggle all my commitments but I found the OU s flexible approach suited me and there was always someone at the end of the phone to talk to. Along the way I had many times when I thought I would never get through, but I found the tutors support invaluable at this point. I was very lucky too in having a very supportive employer. I ensured I attended all the workshops offered as it gave me a chance to meet fellow students. I also made a couple of good friends through the OU who knew what I was going through and understood the anxieties. Since qualifying I have been working in a psychiatric hospital, with men suffering from enduring mental illness with forensic pasts. I found the OU expected a high standard of work and feel that this has stood me in good stead in the work that I now do. Sally Bird Qualified Social Worker Sponsored by the St. Andrew s group of hospitals, Northampton

9 Introduction 7 Selection and entry requirements All candidates must: Provide evidence of ability to understand and communicate in written and spoken English. Demonstrate that they have appropriate personal and intellectual qualities to train as social workers. Take part in an interview. Complete a medical questionnaire. If, in exceptional circumstances, there are serious doubts about a student s fitness to practise on health grounds, the University s doctor may ask him/her to undergo a medical examination. This examination will be at the student s own expense. Obtain a full Enhanced Disclosure from the Criminal Records Bureau (i.e. all registers, including those relating to both children and vulnerable adults, must be checked). Have GCSE grade A C in English and mathematics or a recognised equivalent. Advice on recognised equivalents is included in Opening Doors, the guide sent to all employers making a booking. Alternatively, you can contact the Social Work Programme Coordinator (see page 18). Students who haven t achieved GCSE grade C in English or mathematics (or equivalent) have the following options: Undertake a free national test in literacy and/ or numeracy through LearnDirect or local further education providers. Undertake a free OU written numeracy test administered by employers. The University will give employers guidance on how students can be prepared for this test. Selection process All students are required by the GSCC to go through a selection process, which must include an interview. Employers can decide whether to: Carry out their own selection of candidates (most major employers are likely to have tried and tested procedures and will carry out their own selection). or Request that the OU arranges interviews (this is likely to be the preferred option for small agencies who are sponsoring staff on a one-off basis and don t have well developed selection procedures). Since the University has overall responsibility for ensuring that all students meet the entry criteria and are appropriately selected, employers who choose to carry out their own selection are requested to submit details of their procedures for approval the first time they select. Further guidance on our requirements is included in Opening Doors. If you wish the University to arrange interviews, then please submit a provisional booking by 31 October. Final interview dates for a January course start will be in December.

10 8 Introduction Entry with credit Existing OU credit Students who have already completed courses currently included in the programme will be able to count them towards the social work degree 1. You will also be able to count the following courses towards your qualification: Understanding health and social care (K100) or the online version (KZX100) (discontinued courses, in place of K101) Foundations for social work practice (KYJ113) (in place of K113) Social care, social work and the law (England and Wales) (K269) in combination with one of the following: Care, welfare and community (K202) Working with children and families (K204) Mental health and distress (K257) (discontinued course) Diverse perspectives on mental health (K225) Death and dying (K260) Challenging ideas in mental health (K272) (in place of K270) Critical practice in health and social care (K302) 1 (discontinued course). 1 Please note that if you have already included a Level 3 course in your profile for another OU honours degree, you cannot count it towards the social work degree as well. Credit transfer The credit transfer scheme provides for a maximum of 120 points of course-related credit (meaning that previous study must provide a curriculum match with the OU course(s) at Level 1). Only previous study which is five years old or less will be considered. No credit transfer will be permitted at Levels 2 and points of credit transfer against An introduction to health and social care (K101) may be considered for students whose previous study has substantially covered the social sciences. Examples might be a degree or HND in a relevant subject, NVQ 4 in Health and Social Care (but not an NVQ 4 in Management), or a nursing qualification. All applicants need to provide their award certificate and course syllabus, which will be assessed to ensure sufficient match with the content of K101. Credit transfer against both An introduction to health and social care (K101) and Foundations for social work practice (K113) (120 points) will only be considered for claimants who have completed relevant parts of the new social work degree, or other qualification deemed suitable by the GSCC, at another university. An individual assessment of the syllabus will be made and references will also be required. Further information is available on our website at (or you can call the Credit Transfer Centre on ). Claims may take several weeks to process so applicants are strongly advised to submit their claim as early as possible.

11 Introduction 9 Programme structure Level Course title Credits Course start dates Level 1 An introduction to health and social care (K101) 60 October or February Foundations for social work practice (K113) 60 January Qualification Certificate of Higher Education in Social Care (England) Level 2 The law and social work in England and Wales (K270) 1 60 February Applied social work practice (K216) 60 January Qualification Level 3 Diploma of Higher Education in Social Care (England) One of the following options: Communication in health and social care (K309) 60 February or Managing care (K303) 60 October or February or Working together for children (KE312) 60 February or Youth: perspectives and practice (KE308) 60 February Critical social work practice (K315) 60 January Qualification BA (Hons) Social Work (England) (B32) Practice-learning courses are compulsory and are indicated in bold. To gain the BA (Hons) Social Work (England) (B32) students must complete 360 points (120 points at each of Levels 1, 2 and 3). The programme is made up of: Supported Open Learning courses (containing theory and practice) which the student studies mostly at home with tutorial support. One period of 20 days of preparation for practice, linked to Foundations for social work practice (K113) and two periods of 100 days practice learning (completed in the workplace and externally), linked to the Level 2 and 3 practice learning courses, Applied social work practice (K216) and Critical social work practice (K315). 1 A new 60-point Law course, The law and social work in England and Wales (K270), is being introduced at Level 2 from February If you are new to the programme, you will study the new course. If you are already part-way through Level 2, you will still be able to count the previous 30-point Law course, Social care, social work and the law (England and Wales) (K269) (which is presented for the last time in February 2010), in combination with one of the 30-point option courses: Care, welfare and community for social workers (K222) (last presentation is October 2009); or Social work with children and families (K224); or Diverse perspectives on mental health (K225); or Death and dying (K260); or Challenging ideas in mental health (K272). The Level 2 option course must be completed by 2015.

12 10 Introduction Practice learning Further guidance on arrangements for practice learning will be sent to every agency booking places on the programme, but here are the most important points: Employers are responsible for arranging appropriate practice-learning opportunities in accordance with the Department of Health requirements for social work training. These will involve 20 days preparation for practice at Level 1 and two 100-day practice learning opportunities at Levels 2 and 3. Agencies need to provide a Practice Verifier at Level 1 to verify that the student has satisfactorily completed a period of 20 days of preparation for practice. The verifier should be a qualified social worker or someone who holds an equivalent qualification, e.g. nurse, teacher, community worker or registered manager. The two 100-day periods of practice will take place between February and August and will be undertaken three or four days a week. Workshops (for the second and third practice learning courses) can be counted as six days towards the total of 100 practice days. Students who miss any workshops will be expected to make up the practice learning days. It s desirable that there should be as much contrast as possible between the two practice learning opportunities in order to widen students learning experience. Students must work with two different service-user groups in different practice settings. One practice learning opportunity must include statutory tasks involving legal interventions. It may be possible for students in larger agencies to complete both periods of practice learning in their own agency, provided they meet the above requirements. However, smaller agencies will not be able to provide sufficient diversity between placements and will need to negotiate with other agencies. Employers must provide suitable supervision for students engaged in practice learning. Practice assessors must have a social work qualification and at least two years experience; be registered with the GSCC or another UK Care Council; and hold a current CRB check. In addition they should hold (or be working towards) a PQ qualification or hold a Practice Teacher s Award. In exceptional circumstances personnel with other qualifications may be considered at Level 2. Note that practice assessors should not be a student s line manager or owner/director of the student s sponsoring agency. The OU provides a practice learning guide for practice assessors and workplace supervisors. All agencies providing practice learning opportunities are eligible for funding from the GSCC to help towards the cost (see page 6). I was completely outside of my comfort zone by working in child protection but I learned so much from it and am so glad for the experience. I was truly able to draw from the knowledge and skills I have learned so far from the course along with my own experience. Applied social work practice (K216) student Critical social work practice (K315) helped to pull together my previous years study and work experiences. I now feel prepared for practice and have had comments from other staff, supervisors and managers that they can see a marked improvement in my confidence and practice. The team now use me as a resource and often seek my views on policy and practice issues. Final year student

13 Introduction 11 Study time and study leave Programme length Students, in conjunction with their employers, can choose whether to study the programme over three, four, five or six years. The choice may depend on the student s past study experience, experience of supported Open Learning and work and family commitments. Students must complete the programme within eight years of initial registration. Permission to exceed this time limit may be granted in exceptional circumstances. Students can plan their own study pattern within the following limitations: They can register to study a maximum of 120 points worth of courses (one complete stage) at any one time. They must register for the academic component of each stage (K101, K270 etc.) before, or at the same time as, the practice course for that stage. The practice courses (K113, K216 and K315) must be completed in consecutive order and students cannot study two practice courses in one year. Students who have completed K101 (or its predecessor course, K100) first can, in their second year, combine K113 with the Level 2 Law course if they wish. Students are expected to have passed both K101 and K113 before progressing to K216. It s strongly recommended that students complete the whole of Levels 1 and 2 before moving on to Level 3. Study leave Drawing upon past experience, we know that students with generous study leave and supportive employers are more likely to succeed and can do so in a shorter period of time. The degree will make heavy demands on students so employers wishing students to complete in three or four years will need to give careful consideration to the level of support offered. The following minimum study leave (for private study, exams and tutorials) is recommended: 36 days per study year for students studying a full stage (120 points) in a year 18 days per study year for students studying a 60-point course. The requirement for study leave forms part of the formal collaborative agreement between the OU and agencies. Exact arrangements for study leave should be agreed between employer and student and will depend on students work patterns. It is expected that pro rata provision will be negotiated for students who work part time. An agency s support in ensuring that staff have adequate time for study is essential. Without such support students may not succeed. Using An introduction to health and social care (K101) to select candidates The 60-point Level 1 course An introduction to health and social care (K101) can be studied on its own (all successful students are awarded a Certificate in Health and Social Care), or as part of the social work degree programme. Some training departments see this course as providing a very useful training programme for unqualified staff as well as a means of selecting those suitable for the degree. If you want your staff to study this course independently before deciding whether or not to sponsor them on the full degree programme, you can make a reservation simply by calling Students proceeding to the degree will carry 60 points into the programme.

14 12 Introduction Teaching and support In terms of what we expect from the OU, we expect world-class learning materials backed by excellent research and we get it. We expect well-organised tutor support we get that as well and it s very important to students, particularly on a supported Open Learning programme. Social work sponsor Teaching and support for students is provided by the OU in conjunction with participating agencies. Study materials Supported Open Learning study materials (workbooks, audio CDs and CD/DVD ROMs), which provide the foundation for the student s learning experience, are sent to students a few weeks before the course start. Study calendars, details of tutors, tutorial/workshop dates and other resources are provided online. Tutorial support OU tutors, appointed for each course, will guide and support students throughout their academic studies and also monitor students progress throughout the year and take appropriate action if the student appears to be in difficulties either academically or in practice. Suitably qualified tutors organise practicelearning meetings with students, practice assessors and workplace supervisors in order to draw up and review practice learning agreements. My tutor was always available when I needed her support. She really helped me when I had a mini crisis in relation to the submission of my endof-course assignment. She responded quickly to s and was very encouraging and reassuring when morale was low. Applied social work practice (K216) student Tutorials and practice workshops There are regular tutorials in conjunction with all the academic courses. Although these tutorials are optional, students are strongly recommended to attend them. The practice-learning courses are mediated through obligatory workshops and online discussions. These workshops will provide an important link in helping students to integrate their academic study with practice experience. The group work was a positive on this course [Foundations for social work practice (K113)]. The interaction and comments by my fellow students certainly assisted my understanding of the materials. Second year social work student Practice assessors Practice assessors provide appropriate supervision for students during their practice learning. Practice assessors and workplace supervisors will be provided with a Practice Learning Guide and access to online resources. Peer support Some students working within the same agency or same locality set up informal study groups which meet in person; other students communicate by or phone. All social work students are expected to participate in online discussions as the sharing of ideas and experience will enrich their studies. Support for disabled students The OU has developed a range of special teaching and support services designed to enable people with a disability to participate fully in their chosen course of study. Services include recordings of course materials, personal induction loops, interpreters, special exam arrangements, etc. Students can request a copy of the leaflet Open to Your Needs by calling our Student Registration & Enquiry Service on Information is also available on our website at

15 Introduction 13 Computer access ICT is essential for the degree in social work with the OU. But perhaps even more importantly it s crucial for all of us in our work as social workers. First year social work student The requirements for the degree set by the Government specify that students must be assessed as being competent to the level of the European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) or equivalent. In order to study the programme, therefore, students will need access at home to a computer and the internet, a printer and to specific software required for the courses. Although employers may offer some students computer facilities, the University s expectation is that students will be able to access these facilities at home and will be responsible for the costs of internet access and printing. This is because a significant amount of study time on the degree will require access to an internet-ready computer. For example, assignments now have to be submitted electronically and students are required to participate in online discussions with their tutor and other students. Increasingly course resources are provided online or on CD-ROM and DVD-ROM. Students will also have access to the OU s worldclass online library where information resources to support their learning are available 24 hours a day. Agency co-ordinators and practice assessors will be given access to online course resources. I found the teaching materials very good. The method used to teach computers was in itself brilliant. For a non-computer person the line by line method used was excellent as a stand-alone piece of learning material. First year social work student New for 2009 To get a flavour of OU life, visit the OU s virtual campus at

16 14 Courses Courses Level 1 An introduction to health and social care (K101) We all depend on care services at some time in our lives at home; in hospitals, clinics or GP surgeries; in community and residential settings. This course provides an up-to-date, authoritative overview of health and social care in today s diverse, fastchanging society. Real-life case studies take you deep into the experience of receiving care and working in care services exploring the subtleties of different approaches. This course will help you to build knowledge and understanding, develop practical skills, and prepare for further study. Assessment: Seven written assignments and an examination. Course starts in October or February Foundations for social work practice (K113) Together with An introduction to health and social care (K101), this course is designed to: develop awareness of the four components of good practice (knowledge, values and ethics, skills and social work process) and demonstrate awareness of relating theory to practice through a variety of assessment methods enable students to learn from other resource materials in the programme, so that they can meet the learning requirements at Level 1. While An introduction to health and social care (K101) develops students study skills so that they can apply knowledge to practice, this concentrates more on writing about practice and learning how to apply theoretical learning to practice contexts. It gives students opportunities to develop awareness of the practice relevance of the six key roles of social work as defined by the National Occupational Standards, with particular emphasis on key roles: Prepare for, and work with individuals, families, carers, groups and communities to assess their needs and circumstances and Support individuals to represent their needs, views and circumstances. This course will also help students to develop skills in ICT based upon the framework of the European Computer Driving Licence and in information literacy. K113 includes eight workshops.

17 Courses 15 Assessment: Seven written assignments and three computermarked assignments (which will include the assessment of ICT skills) and an end-of-course assessment. Students will need to undertake a period of 20 days preparation for practice in their own workplace. They must be assessed by their practice verifier as being ready for practice before they can pass this course. Course starts in January Level 2 The law and social work in England New and Wales (K270) This course examines the legal frameworks that shape and regulate social care decision making. It considers how social work can make use of the law in a positive way and examines the value of law from the perspectives of service users and professionals. The course deals with a range of legal issues related to social care and social work practice including children and families services; youth justice; community care; housing; and how the Human Rights Act 1998 has affected practice. Assessment: Five written assignments and a three-hour examination. Course starts in February Applied social work practice (K216) The course will support and enable students to: make relevant application of the social work occupational standards and codes of practice apply underpinning knowledge including theories and methods for practice relevant to the six key roles of social work apply the four components of good practice: knowledge; values and ethics; skills; and social work process learn from the identified expectations and needs of individuals, families, carers, groups and communities who use services learn from other resource materials in the social work degree programme, so that they can meet the learning requirements appropriate to Level 2. The course helps students to understand the application of social work practice, addressing key roles for social workers and relevant knowledge, values and skills for the social work process. While giving an overview of all the key roles, Applied social work practice emphasises in particular the key roles: plan, intervene, review and evaluate practice and assess and manage risk. Students continue to build on their skills in ICT, based on the framework of the European Computer Driving Licence and skills in information literacy. The course includes a 100-day practice learning opportunity under the supervision of a practice assessor appointed by the sponsoring agency. There are seven workshops. Assessment: Six tutor-marked assignments, three computermarked assignments and an examinable assignment. Students must also achieve a recommended pass on their performance in practice. Course starts in January Level 3 Communication in health and social care (K309) (one of four options) What do we mean by good communication? Does improving communication mean learning new skills, or changing the nature of the relationship between service providers and service users? Improving the quality of communication is now a key priority for health and social care: staff at all levels are expected to work in partnership with other agencies, and service users expect and demand greater equality in service provision. This course looks at communication in interpersonal, institutional and social contexts. It provides opportunities for you to reflect on your experiences and, by working with fellow students, to analyse real-life examples and explore the ways in which practice can be improved. Assessment: Five written assignments and a three-hour examination. Course starts in February

18 16 Courses Managing care (K303) (one of four options) Managing care is for people who have or would like to learn about frontline management roles in a wide range of care settings. It provides the knowledge, skills and analytical tools needed to become an effective manager who is able to use evidence-based strategies for good outcomes for service users. The course provides an overview of the organisational, legal and policy contexts within which managers are operating, and examines in particular the impact of working with partners in order to integrate health and social care provision, exploring the implications for managers. You are encouraged throughout the course to apply your learning to your own experience. Assessment: Six written assignments and an examination. Course starts in October or February Working together for children (KE312) (one of four options) A common core of skills and knowledge is increasingly understood as crucial to effective work with children, and will substantially contribute to meeting professional and occupational standards across childcare, health, social care and educational children s services. This course develops a broad understanding of childhood, its issues and debates, and provides essential skills and underpinning knowledge for all those working with children aged You will examine policies, legal developments and practice innovations that promote children s wellbeing across universal and specialist services focusing on listening to children, promoting children s well being and multi-agency working. Assessment: Six written assignments and an examination. Course starts in February Youth: perspectives and practice (KE308) (one of four options) How have young people s lives changed in recent years, and what does this mean for those who work with them? This course will deepen your knowledge and understanding of young people s lives and the policies and practices that shape them, and develop a critical and reflexive approach to work with young people. You ll explore change and diversity in identities, relationships and everyday practices, and investigate how services for young people are changing. Assessment: Six written assignments and an examination. Course starts in February Critical social work practice (K315) This course is the final practice learning course in the degree programme. It will support student social workers in becoming confident, critical, analytical and reflective practitioners. The emphasis is on supporting independent learning and students are guided towards sources of information to interrogate and evaluate. Critical social work practice identifies what critical reflection is, and supports its application across a range of knowledge and practices. It provides materials for reflection on practice, looking at historical and international exemplars. It encourages research literacy and explores how research can inform practice and be used by practitioners. The course examines the nature of organisations supplying social work services, exploring how they are changing and what this means for social work practice and practitioners. The course will be taught online via ejournals and a hybrid DVD that features audio, video and an interactive simulation. Students will be required to meet the National Occupational Standards in Social Work. They will demonstrate that they meet the standards by a 100-day practice learning opportunity provided by their employer. There are seven workshops. Assessment: Five tutor-marked assignments, three computermarked assignments and an end-of-course assignment in place of an examination. Students must also achieve a recommended pass on their performance in practice. Course starts in January

19 Courses 17 The realities of OU study I ve jumped out of bed at two in the morning to write down an idea for an assignment! I m a single parent and have three daughters aged 20, 19 and 15. I ve worked for Nottingham City Council for seven years, currently as a drug and alcohol worker. I left school at 16 with English O level and a handful of CSEs but I returned to education in 1995 and started the OU degree in Education has been like another world. You get your head into the course and get lost in it. The workload is very heavy and there s never a moment when I m not busy. Doing an assignment every month as well as working and being a mum has been a real struggle. I ve jumped out of bed at two in the morning to write down an idea for an assignment! The course I got most out of and will help me most in the future, both professionally and in my personal life, was Death and dying (K260). Pat and I have supported each other throughout the programme. We meet every week to study together and have been able to pull each other through the tough times. I do sometimes feel guilty for not being 100 per cent the mum I would like to be. My kids have me as a role model though and they now recognise the value of study and want to continue their own education. Amanda Rice Pat Pullen I can see how far I ve moved on when I look back at my early essays I m a mum with two grown-up children and I spend a lot of time with my two grandsons too. I ve worked for social services for 25 years and am now a community care officer. I left school at 15 with no qualifications but, about five years ago, I decided to do an NVQ 4 and this became my stepping stone to education at the OU. Amanda and I started the degree together and we ve worked side by side until the last placement. The programme hasn t been easy. We ve had six assignments to do in the last year as well as a placement in a brand new environment and, despite the experience we ve got, it really is a challenge. The OU is designed for working people. The tutorials are supportive and our tutors have been online to support us too. Having a colleague going through the course with you so you can chat things through has been the most helpful though. There is a lot of flexibility in the kind of placements we can do so it s a great opportunity to find something you enjoy doing. I line dance five or six evenings a week so weekends are dedicated to study. I had a 40-year gap in my education so it was a big shock to come back. Essays have never been my strong point but it really has improved my skills. I can see how far I ve moved on when I look back at my early essays. All the course materials have been really interesting, especially as we work in social work day-to-day. The materials have all been bang up to date too, which is great considering the changes which have happened in social work over the last five years. Pat and Amanda were sponsored by Nottingham City Council and both qualified in 2008.

20 18 Registration Making a provisional booking Please book early by completing the form opposite. Students must go through the selection process before they can be registered so it is important to build sufficient time into your planning. The closing date for bookings will be: Late Aug for courses starting in October/November Late Nov for courses starting in January/February It s essential for small voluntary agencies to make an early booking if they wish to apply for a GSCC grant, as applications normally have to be submitted by June (see page 6). On receipt of your booking, we will send you: A copy of Opening Doors, which will give you further advice on the selection process, arrangements for practice learning, etc. A registration pack containing the formal registration documents. Registration The closing dates for registration are: Early Sep for courses starting in October/November Mid-Dec for courses starting in January/February In order to complete the registration process, employers will need to interview each candidate (or arrange for them to be interviewed by an OU panel) and return the following documents to the University: Copy of GCSE certificates (or equivalent qualifications) as evidence that students meet the entry requirements in English and mathematics. Personal statement for each candidate. Copy of full, enhanced CRB check (which must include checks on registers relating to both children and vulnerable adults). Medical statement form. Registration Agreement Form (signed by the student) and a Sponsorship Form (signed by the employer). Further information If you need further advice or information, or wish to make changes to your booking, please contact: The Social Work Programme Coordinator Faculty of Health & Social Care The Open University Walton Hall Milton Keynes MK7 6AA Tel: Fax:

21 19 Provisional booking form This form should be completed by a sponsoring agency, not individual students. Please complete one form per agency only. For office use only Corp. res. no. Co. no. Contact no. Region Name of agency: Contact person: Job title: Address: Postcode: Telephone no.: I wish to make a provisional booking for students. (Please enter number.) Please tick one box We intend to carry out our own selection of candidates. (Please refer to page 7 of this booklet.) Or We would like the OU to arrange interviews. No. of students Likely location (town or London area in which student(s) live) Courses to be studied in October/November year 1 Courses to be studied in January/February year 1 1 Level 1 courses are K101 (starts in October or February) and K113 (starts January only). This information is required for planning purposes and is provisional only. Registration information will be sent to you in due course and you ll need to confirm the booking by September (for October/November start date) or December (for January/February start date). Please indicate which category best describes the status of your agency (tick one box only). Local Authority Adult Services Local Authority Children s Services Statutory Education Dept. Health sector: NHS, Hospital Trusts, etc Non profit-making agency Private sector agency Other Signed: Date: Please photocopy and return this Provisional booking form as soon as possible to: The Social Work Programme Coordinator, Faculty of Health & Social Care, The Open University, Walton Hall, Milton Keynes, MK7 6AA