Training resources

Jane Scott examines a training publication for social
workers in residential or foster care while Linda Nazarko
reviews a study pack for care level 4.

Caring for Children and Young People: Standards-based
training for foster and residential care

National Foster Care Association and National Extension
College

The Michael Young Centre,

Purbeck Road,

Cambridge CB2 2HN

£285 (books can be purchased individually)

This publication considers the core aspects of knowledge and
skill required to effectively undertake the roles and
responsibilities of a foster carer or residential social worker.
The work completed can contribute to the assessment for the Level 3
S/NVQ (Scottish/National Vocational Qualification) “Caring for
Children and Young People”.

It is laid out in a way which is easy to read and work through.
If the exercises are undertaken methodically there is something for
everyone to learn. There are some useful exercises which can
facilitate and consolidate thinking. These exercises also provide
appropriate evidence for the S/NVQ. There are 12 mandatory and five
optional workbooks in the pack. There is cross-referencing to other
workbooks, but not to the S/NVQ units which are not included in the
pack at present.

The mandatory workbooks cover a range of relevant issues
including the promotion of equality, diversity and rights; safe
caring, care planning and the importance of education, health and
identity.

Optional units consider topics such as supporting young people
when they are distressed; managing changing care planning; helping
young people into independence; and the promotion of contact with
family and friends.

The workbooks provide a natural link to the core understanding
and skills required, as outlined in the Fostering Codes of
Practice.

However, there needs to be a greater emphasis on the impact of
fostering on individuals and family dynamics within the fostering
household. This would also apply to residential teams.

Contact between children, their families and friends should be
to be an integral part of any care arrangement, but at present it
is one of the optional units. There also needs to be more emphasis
on the differences in caring for children and young people that
have a family and the complexities involved in managing day-to-day
care and planning compared with caring for birth children.

The leaders guide provides useful guidance, and suggests other
resources which can be linked in. Overall, this publication
presents material relating to the promotion of the care of looked
after children which is clear, concise and can generate a range of
thinking and learning in an accessible way.

Jane Scott is a project manager based at Coram Family.

Care Level Four

Valerie Knowles and Anne Volbracht

National Extension College,

The Michael Young Centre,

Purbeck Road,

Cambridge CB2 2HN

£350

This pack consists of two A4 ring binders covering the National
Vocational Qualification (NVQ) level 4 syllabus. The first binder
contains information on the eight mandatory units. The pack
contains a wealth of information for candidates. There is an
introduction to NVQs, guidance on job analysis and a useful grid to
help candidates prepare a job analysis. There is a template for a
CV.

The pack identifies key themes such as equality, communication
and management. The authors outline projects that aim to help meet
the evidence requirements of the units. A reading list and a list
of useful websites is provided The core issues relating to
mandatory units and possible sources of evidence are identified,
but more detail could have been provided here.

The second binder contains information on 12of the 18 optional
units. The pack also contains a booklet that enables candidates to
map the level 4 care qualification against the Higher National
Certificate and Diploma in Care. People who gain the NVQ level 4
qualifications can use this information to gain credit if they wish
to gain Higher National qualifications.

There a few resources available for candidates who wish to study
to NVQ level 4. This pack provides candidates with the information
and guidance necessary to attain a level 4 award.

Linda Nazarko is director of nursing at Nightingale, and
visiting lecturer at the school of nursing at the South Bank
University.