Social Work Practice Learning in Schools: Lessons for Practice

Abstract

Social work education In England has undergone major reform in the past five years but social work practice remains under review. Part of the reform has been the extension of the number of days in practice learning for social work students. Traditionally social work students have undertaken the practice element of their training in social work agencies. The expansion of days in placement has been accompanied by a diversification of practice settings. This article presents data from an evaluation of an initiative in London whereby social work students undertook placements in primary and secondary schools. The evaluation was informed by questionnaire surveys of five groups of respondents: students, their on-site and off-site practice supervisors, social work academics and other stakeholders of social work education in the area. Interviews with six participants explored some of the survey findings in greater depth. The evaluation findings draw attention to the need for careful preparation for placements in schools of students and of school based staff in the light of the possible continued demand for such placements.