7 January 2010
Yummy! I'll be tucking into free breakfast until the end of term - a college staff reward for achieving a good grade at Ofsted! Although a stressful week, I don't think I've ever felt more organised and now have the time to eat a full fry up in the morning. The hard work has paid off as the end of term approaches.
Safeguarding was an area under inspection and as staff we have participated in many safeguarding training to keep abreast of developments and meet the Every Child Matters agenda. But why not use this staff development process to help our students? As part of the SHD diploma, students need to research policies and procedures which affect the four sectors of health, community justice, social care and the children and young people workforce, so I contacted our safeguarding officer and requested that the staff online safeguarding tool; video followed by a test, could be placed on the VLE for students to complete and get a recognised college certificate on safeguarding.
My students have now completed the safeguarding online quiz, researched the new Independent Safeguarding Authority, Birchard Inquiry, ECM agenda and gained an insight into how agencies work better together to meet the needs of service users. They've also participated in a case conference with the safeguarding officer where they took on the roles of different professionals and produced a care plan. And if that wasn't enough they received an Oaklands College certificate for their hard work and achievement.
I am always on the lookout for creative ways to make my lessons interesting and reflect the world of work. I often invite different colleagues in to do a "guest" slot and talk to the students about their roles and careers. I think this helps them gain an insight into how many jobs and careers there are in the SHD sector. How do you use your colleagues to meet the needs of your students? What tips can you share?
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Hi Nia and croeso - I am assuming you are a fellow Welsh woman??
Really enjoyed reading your first blog - great to hear such great careers work going on through Diplomas. SHD is linked to just so many occupations isn't it - if I was a young learner now - this is the Diploma I would choose!
Have you found any particular occupational areas that are of most interest to your learners?
Hwyl
Chris
Hi Chris,
Diolch. Thank you for the comments. I'm really enjoying teaching the SHD programme, it's such a vast area and there are so many avenues to puruse. I am learning new things all the time.
My learners all have different career ambition within SHD - counselling, teaching, politics, social work and nursing. Learning about the four sectors allows us to look into these areas and the learners are enjoying finding out about their future occupational roles. One of my colleagues has a 'job of the week' diplay board which details different jobs in SHD which I'm planning to adopt this term.
Bye for now Nia
Job of the week - great idea - like it.
Thanks for sharing what the learners are interested in career wise - are they Higher or Advanced??
Cheers
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hi NIa,
Just to say good luck and enjoy the blog. I used to do the practitioner blog and loved it.
have fun!
Paul.