Social Work: Analysis And Reflection

Analysis of and reflection on my learning from the experiences of observing a child under the age of 5 in their day care environment, making use of literature on observation in social work and the development of reflective practice

This reflection is based on Gibbs’ (1998) reflective cycle. Refection is an important process in social work as it provides a foundation for future accomplishment. The work of Donald Schon explains reflection in action, reflecting on the behaviors as it happens and reflection on action, making reflection after an event as explained by Goud and Taylor (1996). This was developed in social work due to ongoing enquires into child abuse. Eileen Munro recommended that it’s part of social workers practice every day to reflect.

The framework for social work has changed many times since being introduced in 1948. Recent proposals of new registration and regulatory framework for social workers, under the new proposed children’s and Social Work Bill according to BASW (2016). There have been many enquiries into the death of children. Firstly, The Munro review of child protection 2011, with recommendations on social work training and their engagement with children. Department of Education (2011). Secondly, Lord Laming report and review of child protection has also led to changes in practices, as it was reported that social workers lacked certain skills when carrying out assessments on children and lastly the ‘standards of proficiency’, what students must know on completion of their course. Health & Care Professional Council.

This task has helped build on the skills that I already have. “understanding gained through observation of infants and young children can lead to better informed communication with children” (Briggs, 1992, p.49). I also feel much more confident in terms of relating what was observed to theory and on writing information based on observations and not writing what I think the child is feeling. A copy of my first observation can be found in the appendix 1. Pellegrini (1996) explains the importance of valid and reliable descriptions of a child in the setting where they spend most of their