We are reaching out to see if you may be interested in a social work student for your school. Following the pandemic, one university in the region launched the SWIS (social workers in schools) project. The project is now entering its third year, working with early 100 schools. Building on this success, the Suffolk and Norfolk teaching partnership are keen to expand this model. We are particularly keen to recruit schools with high needs and areas of disadvantage within Ipswich, Bury St Edmunds and Lowestoft, however, we are also aware of pockets of deprivation in other areas.
In light of the pandemic and the pressures facing children, families and communities, there has been a growing demand for social work input in schools.
A student social workers can be a source of support and a bridge between home, school and social care. They have capacity to work with between 5-10 children and young people and you will be guided in terms if what type of work they can undertake. They can complete direct 1:1 work, group work, whole school initiatives and work with parents/carers.
School-based placements for social work students are primarily for 70 days for second year undergraduates and first year masters social work students. This would often equate to having a student for three days for 6-7 months.
You will be fully supported in this process, and it is free (!).
If you are interested, please contact:
We can meet briefly over teams for an introductory meeting, and I can talk you through the expression of interest.
Following this, we will be hosting briefing sessions – here you can meet with existing schools, some of whom are hosting their third student.
Once matched to a student, we also host 6 weekly hubs to share good practice and identify any further support needed.