Clinical placements, Work-based learning, Infant and young child observations and organisational observations
One of the unique and special qualities of the Trust is the experiential learning through either the clinical placements, observations, or work discussions that are an intrinsic part of the Learning and Teaching philosophy of transformational training. In whatever setting you are in, the principle of confidentiality and ethical considerations will apply, and you will need to be aware of and comply with the policies and procedures of the relevant organisation.
This page details some of the regulations and protocols you will need to be aware of if you are undertaking any of these activities as part of your course.
Clinical placements
If you are on a clinical placement at the Trust or work with patients at the Trust, you are operating under the Trust policies and procedures. You are expected to be mindful of and comply with these policies, particularly:
· Confidentiality Code of Conduct for Employees
· Safeguarding Children and the Management of Suspected Child Abuse Policy and Procedure
· Safeguarding of Adults at Risk Policy and Procedure
· Professional Suitability to Practice Procedure
If you are working at another institution while studying with us, you are expected to follow that institution’s Clinical Policies and Procedures.
Clinical placements are a valuable resource and should be treated with the respect and responsibility that such a position requires. Any doubts about your suitability to practice will be raised through the Trust’s disciplinary procedures for students.
Work-based learning
On some courses at the Trust you are required to be in either relevant employment or a voluntary placement in order to bring examples of your experiences to work discussion groups. Please read the following information about safeguarding, student safety and ethical requirements below:
Safeguarding protocol
All students in their working role, whether within an organisation or as lone workers have a duty of care to report safeguarding and child protection concerns according to the protocol of the organisation in which they work, or as citizens with statutory responsibilities. In addition, they have a duty of care to highlight any safeguarding concerns arising from a seminar presentation to their Work Discussion Seminar Leader. The work discussion write-up may provide sufficient detail, or the student may need to provide a more detailed account. If the concern is in relation to child protection/significant harm/adult safeguarding then the student must inform the seminar leader without delay. The seminar leader will contact the Course Lead and either agree a course of action or consult further with the Trust’s Safeguarding Professionals and then agree a course of action.
If the seminar leader is not available, then the student should contact the Course Lead or a member of the core course team.
All discussions, decisions and actions must be recorded in line with Trust policy and procedure using the DET Safeguarding Alert Form.
Student safety
Students should take ordinary safety precautions in their working role and follow the protocols of their organisation with regard to lone workers i.e. for any work involving visits to family homes they should ensure that their whereabouts are known to a colleague or, if self-employed, to a friend or family member.
Infant or young child observation
On some courses at the Trust, students are required to observe an infant or young child in her or his own home. Students arrange their own observations, with advice from course tutors and their seminar leader. Detailed descriptive notes of the observation are to be written from memory as soon as possible after the observation has taken place.
Safeguarding protocol
If any safeguarding or child protection issues arise during the course of the observations, even if during a visit which has not been presented to the seminar, then the student has a duty of care to report these concerns to their seminar leader or course lead. The course requires the student to make a detailed note of the incident(s) and inform the seminar leader about his/her concerns. If the concern is in relation to child protection/significant harm then the student must inform the seminar leader without delay. If the seminar leader is not available then the student should contact the course lead or a member of the core course team.
The seminar leader will contact the course lead and either agree a course of action or consult further with the Trust’s safeguarding professionals and then agree a course of action.
All discussions, decisions and actions must be recorded in line with Trust policy and procedure using the DET safeguarding alert form.
Student safety
Students should take ordinary safety precautions especially in relation to introductory meetings with potential observation families and early observations. It would be sensible to let a partner, family member or good friend know what you are doing and when you should be back or contactable and leave the address in a sealed envelope that could be opened if necessary.
Observations should not take place without an adult who has primary responsibility for the child or children being in the home.
Detailed arrangements relating to infant or young child observation can be found on your Course Moodle Page relating to your specific area of study.