I have recently started training through the University of
Bedfordshire as a Children and Families Social Worker.
Learning about child development is an important aspect of my course
and as part of that I have to do an observation of a child who is
progressing well in an well functioning family. Social workers often
work with very stressed families who are facing considerable
difficulties. It is important that as a social worker I have a good
knowledg...e of children growing up in families where there are no
concerns about their welfare.
The goal is for me to observe a child, aged 1-6 years, in a range of
settings so that I can learn more about how children learn and
develop. Crucially, some of the observations should include observing
the child at home with his/her parent(s). However other observations
could be with siblings, extended family, friends, nursery or school.
The idea is to see he child in a range of situations.
Like all social workers I have an enhanced DBS (Disclosure and
Barring Service) check. This is a criminal records check that
professionals working with children must have.
What would be involved?
- I would visit for six sessions, for 1 hour on each occasion
- During the observation period I would not speak to the child or
other people in the room
- During the observation I will make detailed notes of what I am
observing
- The kinds of things I will be noting are the child's motor
development, communication with others, emotional responses and
cognitive development and how adults interact with the child to
encourage positive development in these areas.
- I will ask parents and schools/nurseries to sign an agreement to
the observation
- Visits would be pre-arranged and agreed with parents (and teacher
if the observation is at a nursery or school.)
I know it is a big ask but if there is anyone who wouldn't mind helping me with this assignment then I would be so grateful. I have until the end of October to complete the observations and whilst I am not allowed to financially bribe people, I will bring thank yous in the form of cakes and treats!
Many thanks for reading this incredibly long post,
Niketa