OA-North View has welcomed a social work student from Anglia Ruskin University this academic year, strengthening the support available to pupils and their families through the Social Workers in Schools Programme.
The student will complete a 70-day placement, working alongside school staff to support pupils’ emotional wellbeing, relationships and wider needs. Their placement will provide an opportunity to contribute to early intervention and preventative work, helping young people access the right support at the right time.
Working closely with the school's Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), the student will collaborate with the SENDCO, pastoral team and family support team. Together, they will help identify and respond to pupils’ needs, supporting a joined-up approach between the school, pupils and their families.
Their work will include mentoring, one-to-one support and guidance, group sessions and elements of counselling support, where appropriate. They will also work with a dedicated cohort of pupils, delivering group interventions to help young people develop emotional regulation skills and strategies to manage challenges.
The placements will complement the support already provided by OA-North View, bringing additional capacity and expertise to the school's wider pastoral and safeguarding work. By working collaboratively with staff and families, the social work student will help strengthen early support and create opportunities for young people to build confidence, develop positive coping strategies and engage more successfully with education.
The partnership with Anglia Ruskin University reflects the importance of collaborative working in supporting young people’s wellbeing and helping them overcome barriers to learning.