Social Work Academy

What is the Social Work Academy (SWA)?

Coventry’s Social Work Academy is an award‑winning initiative that provides a clear, supportive pathway for Children and Families Social Work practitioners as they begin and progress through their careers with Coventry Children & Education Services. The Academy creates an environment that promotes stability, nurtures confidence, and embeds continuous professional development from the very start of a social worker’s journey.

The Social Work Academy supports Newly Qualified Social Workers (NQSWs) throughout their first 12 months of practice as they complete their Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE). For the first 6 months, NQSWs are based within the Academy, whilst being introduced to their host teams alongside being in a protected learning environment. This structure allows them to gradually build confidence, develop their practice skills, and receive close mentoring and reflective supervision.

After the initial 6‑month period, NQSWs transition to their host teams, where they continue the remainder of their ASYE. Throughout this time, they still benefit from ongoing mentoring from the Academy, alongside their manager, as they embed best practice and grow into their professional identity.

Across their ASYE year, NQSWs are supported to develop the skills, values, and reflective capacity needed to achieve better outcomes for children and families living in Coventry. The Academy plays a central role in shaping practitioners who are confident, relational, and grounded in restorative practice.