The Practice Learning Unit works closely with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC), which oversees Social Work training in Scotland. Kibble hosts the only funded practice teacher in residential childcare in Scotland. SSSC also funds a part time administration assistant. The Degree in Social Work is the qualifying training course for social workers in all settings. It is a four year course, which is available at colleges and universities over Scotland. The West Learning Network receives priority in allocation of placements at Kibble.
They are funded by the Scotttish Executive and monitored by the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC). There are four regional Learning Networks. Each regional Network is tasked with implementing four national aims: The purpose of the Scottish Social Services Learning Network is to support the learning and development of staff working in social services in Scotland. There vision is that the whole social service workforce in Scotland will be sufficiently trained and supported to provide consistently excellent services to those who use them. They are working towards establishing a sustainable learning culture for the social service workforce.
They support the Scottish social service sector to:
Kibble is part of the West of Scotland voluntary sector practice learning group which consists of both funded full time and singleton practice teachers from a range of voluntary service organisations. This group meets regularly and plays a significant role in the development of good practice in practice learning.
The Practice Learning Unit assesses 9-14 Diploma/Degree students per year. They are offered practice experience within the residential and day resources throughout the centre. This involves students in planned individual and group work, family contact, report writing, etc. The Practice Teaching Unit sees these practice placements as an opportunity for the two way exchange of learning and experience. Not only do the students learn from experienced staff, but they are also able to offer knowledge, challenge practice and contribute to professionalism within the Centre. The Centre takes pride in fostering a learning culture among its staff and student placements are part of this. In addition, it hosts a variety of international social work , social work degree observational and HNC placements..
There may be up to 18 students on Campus at the same time, allowing for the opportunity to meet informally and have group-based discussions. Students usually work with a link-worker since this model best suits the needs of students working with a full time long aim Practice Teacher, though there are some singleton Practice Teachers among the staff.
The Practice Learning Unit's Resource Library is available for the use of ALL employees and students at Kibble. The library hours are between 9.00 am to 4.00 pm Monday to Friday. All persons using the Resource Library will be asked to sign a Library Contract. There are 1784 books in the library covering a range of topics.
To access the library, please contact the Practice Learning Unit. (Anne McAnally 0141 842 4345).