Introduction
The Every Child Matters (ecm) policy and rollout of Extended Schools agenda, has massively changed the social agenda in schools and there an industry of practitioners working in schools has arisen. Enter professional social workers into the arena and the Extended Schools Social Worker (ESSW) role is born. This report charts the development and progress of this role and explores its remit and scope.
Methodology
Five participants included a team colleague, school link person, school manager, educational psychologist and social care manager were interviewed to obtain a rounded view of the ESSW role. A composite case study was constructed based on generic details that typify issues tackled in this preventative role. This served as a basis for discussion about the role. A series of reflections linked to how the policies were implemented in practice, termed ‘reflective policy’ were then grouped in themes.
Findings:
The findings suggest that social workers do have an important role to play in prevention and are having a positive effect on the profession’s image. Referrals are seen to arrive in social care by a circuitous route and ESSWs are bringing social work skills and knowledge to improve safeguarding approaches in schools. The level of severity of casework has been on the rise, in a climate of increasing demand on social care systems. There are risks associated with the role and although the acknowledgment of consent prior to family engagement is a helpful one, it brings a new risk of managing what is known prior to consent. There is a need for greater management resources and sustainability. A more equal partnership with schools promoted. Strengths include the range of activities tailored to local community needs, the scope of the role and opportunities to link with and promote CAF (Common Assessment Framework) systems including TACs (Team Around the Child)
