Assessed and supported year (AYSE)

A unique learning experience

Start your career in social work with us

As a newly qualified social worker, you need space to grow and develop. During your assessed and supported year (ASYE) with us you will get a scaffolded learning experience that enables you to embed knowledge into practice and build your confidence.

The centre is an additional support alongside your ASYE year to ensure you have the right foundation to start your career as a social worker. The support we provide is tailored to your individual needs. We invest in you and ensure you a protected caseload to provide you the time to create the foundational blocks to support a thriving career at OCC.

It feels like I'm part of a family. This was one of the most important things to me when looking for a job, and I feel grateful to have joined such a friendly and forward-thinking organisation

Parent holds child's hand as they walk on a log.

A safe space

We understand that as a new social worker you want a safe space to build the knowledge, skills and expertise you need so everything we do is centred on continuous learning, career development and improving practice in the field.

What does the AYSE centre provide?

We’ll give you the best start in your fantastic new career. In our social work professional development centre, you’ll enjoy:

A robust induction programme that will help you feel supported as you transition into practice
Shadowing opportunities with the support of a group of peers from across children’s social care
Protected caseload that is allocated in collaboration with the social work professional development centre
Weekly development and training sessions to embed theory into practice
Two protected days per month as part of your ASYE
An individual development plan built around your learning goals
Opportunities to reflect and check in with your peers

An adult and two children look at the window

What our team says

The social work development centre has enabled me to start my social work career in a positive, supportive and protected environment, where I can develop at my own pace, rather than being thrown in at the deep end.

Kirsty

Kirsty loves how our friendly team has enabled her to gain confidence, knowledge and independence without feeling overwhelmed.

Patrick

Patrick values how we support social workers from all backgrounds and provide them with the training and qualifications they need to succeed.

The social work development centre that is currently being run in Oxfordshire has really helped me feel safe and supported as a newly qualified social worker.