Funding to support new social workers

Newly qualified social workers could benefit from £2,000 to boost their learning and development, under plans announced by the Government yesterday.

Children's Minister Tim Loughton and Care services Minister Paul Burstow have announced funding to make sure that newly qualified social workers receive extra support in their first year of practice to help them become confident, competent professionals.

This funding is to assist employers of newly qualified social workers to implement an Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE), which supersedes the Newly Qualified Social Worker framework from September 2012. It will also provide funding to assess each newly qualified social worker during their first year of employment.

Tim Loughton, Minister for Children, said: "We are committed to improving the quality and availability of training for all social workers in order that the most vulnerable children and adults in our communities receive the best possible support.

"I am confident employers will use the funding we have announced to give newly qualified social workers a great start to their careers."

Employers of newly qualified social workers who undertake an  ASYE will be entitled to receive the funding.