Coventry Social Work Academy – a part of Children and Education's “Outstanding” service.
At Coventry City Council, our “Outstanding” Children and Education Service recognises that continuous professional development is essential for Social Workers to grow, thrive, and deliver the best possible support to children and families. In response to this, our Social Work Academy is a dedicated operational team that provides Newly Qualified Social Workers (NQSWs) with a protected, supportive, and learningârich environment as they begin their careers.
Within the Academy, cohorts of NQSWs benefit from:
- Learning and development workshops
- Robust oversight of their work with children and families
- A protected space to build confidence and establish best practice
- Close mentoring and reflective supervision
This approach ensures that the foundations of their professional identity are grounded in curiosity, relational practice, and restorative values.
After the first six months in the Academy, NQSWs continue their Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE) within the wider Children’s Services, while still receiving longâarm support from the Practice Education team. This ensures continuity, emotional safety, and a consistent learning journey as they transition into frontline teams.
NQSWs benefit from ongoing development, mentoring, and reflective opportunities as they progress through the early stages of their Social Work career. This helps them embed best practice, build resilience, and develop the skills needed to achieve better outcomes for children and families across the city.
Coventry Children & Education Services is proud of its achievements and remains committed to ensuring that children and families are at the heart of everything we do. We strive to create an environment where social work practice can flourish—where practitioners feel supported, challenged, and valued. Our approach is rooted in relationshipâbased and restorative practice and trauma-informed methodology, and driven by a belief that strong relationships create strong outcomes.
We are passionate about continuing to be outstanding and creating in Coventry: a service where families are valued, practitioners are empowered, and restorative practice shapes every interaction.
Find more about our Social Work Academy [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/socialworkacademy].