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Our Skills Day for 'Direct Work with Children' is designed to provide social work students with a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental concepts of direct work, emphasising its importance and the outcomes it can achieve when done well. What sets our Skills Day apart is the integration of creative techniques involving trained actors who play the roles of children. This immersive method allows students to practice using direct work tools in realistic scenarios, enhancing their practical skills and confidence.

 

We place a strong emphasis on the significance of cultural sensitivity when dealing with diverse family backgrounds. By working with actors who can accurately represent the experiences of children from various cultural and social contexts, social workers are better prepared to navigate challenging topics with empathy and cultural awareness. This approach equips them with the practical skills and cultural competence necessary to excel in their work with children and families.

 

Furthermore, our Skills Day aims to:

• Improve knowledge and understanding of legislation around the Voice of the Child and how to obtain it through Direct work. We understand the importance of hearing and valuing the perspectives of children, and our techniques are designed to facilitate this understanding.

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• Encourage active participation in specific direct work activities. We believe in learning by doing, and our programme offers opportunities for hands-on engagement in direct work scenarios.

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• Foster creative thinking and develop communication skills in innovative ways. We challenge you to 'think in new boxes' and enhance your ability to communicate effectively in a dynamic and ever-evolving social work landscape.

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• Utilise the 'Rehearsal for Real Life' approach, where realistic scenarios are acted out to help you gain practical experience and problem-solving skills. This technique reinforces your capacity to handle real-life situations with confidence and competence.

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The 'Skills Day: Direct Work with Children' aligns with several specific domains and sub-domains of the Social Work Professional Capabilities Framework (PCF). 

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Domain 1: Professionalism:

• PCF 1.1: Identify and behave as a professional social worker, committed to professional development.

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Domain 2: Values and Ethics:

• PCF 2.1: Recognise the fundamental principles of human rights and their implications for practice.

• PCF 2.3: Understand and use the principles of rights, justice, and economic well-being to underpin social work practice.

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Domain 3: Diversity 

• PCF 3.1: Recognise diversity and apply anti-discriminatory and anti-oppressive principles in practice.

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Domain 5: Communication

• PCF 5.1: Engage with and actively listen to individuals, carers, and families.

• PCF 5.2: Use effective communication and interpersonal skills in working with individuals, families, and carers.

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Domain 7: Assessment and Planning

• PCF 7.1: Assess needs and risks, and plan and evaluate effective social work practice.

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Domain 8: Intervention and Skills

• PCF 8.1: Use methods and skills appropriate to your practice and development as a social worker.

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Domain 9: Critical Reflection and Analysis

• PCF 9.1: Analyse, synthesise, and apply knowledge and evidence from your own practice, and contribute to service development and delivery.