Professional Affiliation: Social Work England 

This module is for registered and experienced social workers to develop the skills, knowledge and confidence to support, supervise, teach and assess social work learners in a work-based setting, pre and post qualification.  The module is in line with expectations set out in the BASW Professional Capabilities Framework and the SWE Professional Standards.  It aligns with the requirements set out in the BASW PEPS Refresh 2022, in particular the Values Statements of  Practice Education.  The trainee practice educator will support one learner (social work student) on placement over the course of the module, and other learners on the social work course.

Students will carry out the role of trainee practice educator for a social work student on placement (either for 70 or 100 day placement) from end to end

Students will assess, teach and support other social work learners through at least two other methods including: facilitation of student seminars; facilitation of reflective practice groups; interviewing prospective social work students; delivering teaching to student groups or social work learners.

Available as a standalone module: Yes

Attendance: Students need to attend a minimum of 80% of the taught module.

Assessment
Formative Assessment:

• Role play of supervision; peer review of supervision.
• Reflective log.
• Presentation to peers or learners.
• Observation and feedback from Practice Educator assessor and mentor, covering 2 different learners; sign-off of midway and final placement report.

Summative Assessment:

• Portfolio of evidence (60% weighting), including: induction plan; professional development plan; three observations of practice; midway and final assessment of student learner; feedback from student learner.  The portfolio would be built up over the course of the student placement.
• 3000-word essay (40% weighting), critically evaluating your learning journey as a trainee practice educator and your role in supporting learners (including one learner end-to-end on their placement), underpinned by theoretical perspectives and research.  (Pass = >50%)

Assessment Submission Dates:

• Monday 18th May 2026 (3,000 word assignment)
• Monday 29th June 2026 (Portfolio)

 
Venue: London South Bank University (Southwark Campus, Room TBC)

Learning Outcomes
These learning outcomes are based on the four PEPS Domains and the Values Statements of Practice Education as set out in the BASW PEPS refresh document (https://new.basw.co.uk/sites/default/files/resources/peps-review.pdf):

1. Work with others to organise an effective learning environment.
2. Teach, facilitate and support learning and professional development in practice.
3. Manage the fair and transparent assessment of students in practice, including in their role as gatekeepers to the profession.
4. Extend their knowledge and continued professional development and performance as practice educators.
5. Support and champion social work learners through actively leading on challenging oppression, discrimination and racism, and ensuring that their own practice education enables equality of opportunity in line with the Equality Act 2010.

Career Benefits:

Upon successful completion of the PEPS 1 & 2 module, Practice Educators will be able to act as qualified practice educators, assessing, supporting and supervising first and final year social work students on placement.  They will be able to assess, support and supervise learners on post-qualifying courses such as ASYE, BIA and AMHP. 

The acquisition of PEPS 1 & 2 will enable social workers to seek employment as independent long-arm practice educators.