We have some excellent resources for working with children of all ages. These include specialist therapeutic games and toys, along with materials for arts and crafts. These can be used to help children work through their feelings, to express things that they are not able to verbalise and to make sense of their world. We have dedicated materials such as “Teen Talk” and “Kid’s Talk”, which we have purchased, along with a vast amount of personal materials that the staff have gathered over the years.
Alongside this, we have a specialist reference library that covers the core knowledge needed to engage with children at a “symbolic” rather than an “everyday” level. The library also has up to date books about other aspects of social work with children and families (such as assessment, legal and policy frameworks and professional competence).
We also have a range of toys and equipment for outdoor activities. These are often used as part of our groupwork programme but are also available for students to use when taking children outdoors.
Students are based in offices that are shared with staff. This allows students to observe experienced workers in action and to benefit from the many years of experience that the staff have. We work with a “hot-desking” system, however, students are given storage space for their personal belongings and resources. We provide computers and photocopying, along with the usual office materials. We also look after the “inner student” by providing tea, coffee milk and sugar.
