Course Resources Archive

This module will enable students to develop critical thinking skills in assessment, professional judgement making and critical decision making in their day to day practice with children young people their families and carers. Decision-making theory and critical analysis of complex information in relation to the assessment of the needs of vulnerable children and young people will be central to this module. It is suitable for anyone working within, or with experience of services for children.

Exploration of the debates in the literature about the nature of evidence, sources of evidence and 'truth'.

Critical review of a range of assessment tools and frameworks and the evidence for their validity and reliability.

Analysis, evaluation and application of up to date research including service user research in a range of areas including:

• Children and young people's  developmental needs and the impact of maltreatment
• The impact of traumatic events, separation and loss bullying and all forms of disadvantage on children and young people
• Factors impacting on the capacity of parents and carers to meet children needs
• The ecological context of family life and the impact of poverty, discrimination and disadvantage
• Additional and complex needs in children and ways of improving service delivery
• Choice independence and empowerment of service users and carers in the assessment and decision making process.

Critical thinking and decision – making theory and using evidence to improve critical reflective practice

On successful completion of the module the student should be able to:

1. Review, and demonstrate use of an evidence based tool or framework for the assessment of children's and young people's needs in a particular area of practice
2. Demonstrate advanced skills in assessing the needs of children and families, drawing on a systematic understanding of child development and family functioning within an ecological framework
3. Justify their recommendations or conclusions drawing on a clear critical analysis of knowledge and evidence in order to support a plan
4. Critically evaluate their own practice drawing on evidence from supervision and from direct observation of their practice from a line manager/supervisor and a service user.

Staff / student contact: 20% (workshops, telephone  tutorials, on-line support) Student directed learning: 80% This will include study of on-line materials, and directed study from these materials, assembling portfolio and other assessed work, and relevant staff supervision

The Library Catalogue contains full details of the current reading list for this module. Further details may also be found in the Module Guide.