This module will enable students to:

To explore and critically reflect upon the concept of volunteering the key employability skills used when working within the children, young people and families' sector. To critically evaluate an organisation in relation to significant contemporary issues. These include (but are not limited to) the contribution the organisation makes to the development of social and human capital, challenging discrimination and promoting equality, and best practice standards in the management and delivery of social welfare services.
The setting for this experience should be within an organisation operating within the children, young people and families' sector.

The module is designed for those students:
a) There is a strong expectation that you will undertake but not expected a minimum of 60 hours voluntary or paid activity within the social welfare sector.
b) have found and agreed a volunteering/paid opportunity and will undertake the 60 hours within the time frame of the module (one academic year) within the children, young people and families' sector.

Presentation activity will link to:
LO. 1 Demonstrate critical reflection on the transferable skills and attributes gained from the 60 hours experience in a children, young people or family support setting.

You will prepare a presentation where you have reflected on the skills and activities that you undertook - with an emphasis on your learning about children and families.

Essay activity will link to:
LO. 2 Critically reflect on an organisational policy associated with supporting children, young people and family.

Students are required to have 2 learning conversation with their work placement supervisor and these conversations should be written up as a reflective piece. This will be followed up by a conversation directly between the lecturer and the supervisor to help the learner develop future practice.

Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: (48 hours)

You will attend lectures workshops and sessions on key topics. There will also be opportunities to participate in small groups to explore some of the key issues raised in lectures and undertake practical activities. This will include scenarios, groups discussions/debates and presentations. You will also be asked to take part in peer review which will further support the giving and receiving of constructive feedback.

Guided Independent Study: (92 hours)

45 hours: Independent reading - You will be expected to read the recommended reading and utilise the learning materials which you will have full access to via Blackboard.
47 hours: Presentation and Simulated Interview preparation - you will need to undertake the necessary research and analysis to respond to the simulation activity. You will be expected to have made use of the relevant library resources/web-based sites to identify relevant academic texts/ journal articles.

60 hours: Experiential learning via work experience - this is mandatory, and the guidance is this should be up to 60 hours. This is not prescriptive due to those learners who are in current employment/volunteering opportunities which relevant to the children, young people and families' sector.

Module Learning Outcome
1. Demonstrate critical reflection on the transferable skills and attributes gained from the 60 hours experience in a children, young people or family support setting.
University Learning Outcome
6 Communication
8 Reflection

Module Learning Outcome
2. Critically reflect on an organisational policy associated with supporting children, young people and family.

University Learning Outcome
3 Enquiry
1 Knowledge and Understanding

You will have access to a range of materials on Blackboard VLE including articles, session slides, and interactive activities.
You will also be able to access a variety of digital material through our Library and specialist databases.

Dolan, P. Canavan, J and Pinkerton, J. (2006) Family Support as Reflective Practice London: Jessical Kingsley Publisher.
Cottrell, S. (2015) Skills for Success: Personal Development and Employability 3rd Edition. Macmillian Education UK.
Neugebauer, J. & Evans-Brain, J. (2016) Employability: Making the Most of Your Career Development. London: Sage Publications.

N/A

This module will enable students to explore and critically reflect upon key employability skills used when working within the children, young people and family sector. Learners will critically evaluate one of these organisations in relation to significant contemporary issues. These include (but are not limited to) the contribution the organisation towards challenging discrimination and promoting equality, and best practice standards in the management and delivery of children, young people and family services. You will undertake a minimum of 60 hours of paid or voluntary activity in this sector.