Assessed and supported year in employment (ASYE)
We are passionate about providing a supportive learning environment for our newly qualified social workers (NQSWs) within children’s services.
Our ASYE programme will guide you through the initial stages of your career journey offering opportunities to develop your practice in a role within one of our varied social work teams. You will join with a cohort of newly qualified practitioners who will travel with you throughout your ASYE journey, providing peer support and group learning.
It is an exciting time to work for us. We have recently received an Ofsted rating of good for our children’s social care and we are embedding our new practice framework centered upon the principles of restorative and trauma informed practice which is reflected in the training offer.
Each newly qualified social worker can expect:
- mentoring, support and assessment from an experienced consultant social worker within the workforce development team
- a robust, two-week training induction programme covering practical skill development and building understanding of best practice within the council .
- monthly group learning and development days with the wider NQSW cohort
- co-allocations and shadowing opportunities
- a protected caseload (limited to maximum of 10 children/carers during the initial three months)
- 12 study days to complete the portfolio which is assessed against the DfE Knowledge and Skills Statement (KSS)
- At least fortnightly supervision for the duration of ASYE, split between assessor and team manager (weekly during initial six weeks)
Monthly training days
All newly qualified social workers are provided with the opportunity to attend protected development days. These offer an exciting opportunity to share experiences, develop new knowledge, reflect on practice and learn from one another. Guest speakers are also invited to offer input into specialised areas of practice.
Support and assessment
In addition to the support offered through training, managers and team colleagues, NQSWs are allocated to a consultant social worker who will provide mentoring and assessment during the ASYE. The assessor will facilitate regular reviews, undertake direct observations of practice, and provide the overall recommendation on fitness to practice. NQSWs can expect practical support and guidance to promote their skills and confidence.
Consultant social workers provide reflective supervision fortnightly for first six weeks, and monthly thereafter. This is in addition to management case supervision undertaken by line managers. These sessions are tailored to the learning and development needs of the individual, enabling protected time and space to critically reflect and embed the principles of best practice.
Induction
Our comprehensive induction will welcome and orientate you to children’s services before joining your team. The training focuses on developing the skills and knowledge you have gained through your qualifying programme whilst proving you with an understanding of what best practice looks like.
Upcoming recruitment
Our next cohort will start in September 2025 and recruitment will be in March to April 2025. Look out for job adverts in March on our jobs website.
For more information on the ASYE please visit: