Our approach

Systemic practice

Systemic Practice is embedded in our service. We offer introductory training in systemic practice and development is supported by the use of reflecting teams as a model for group reflective supervision which is based upon systemic ideas. We currently have 24 practitioners who are undertaking the Foundation year in systemic practice which is accredited by the Association of Family Therapy and is being delivered by our partners the Institute of Family Therapy. These practitioners will have the opportunity to further their training and qualify as Systemic Practitioners, fully supported by us here in Children and Learning. Some may even decide to complete the additional two years and qualify as Systemic Family Therapists, a training offer we would seek to support.

What is systemic practice?

Our Practice Framework encourages the creativity and professional judgement of the practitioner. It enables reflexivity within an overarching approach that is rooted in systemic practice but encompasses the ethos and techniques of other closely aligned relationship-based components, including restorative practice, trauma informed approaches and motivational interviewing.

Systemic practice promotes the belief that families have the capacity to change. In this approach, challenges are seen to exist within the context of relationships, rather than being located within individuals.

Patterns of beliefs and behaviour within families can be strengths and protective factors, but they can also give rise to problems in daily life. Systemic practice provides us with a way of being and ideas for practice that enable us to gather information and explore differing perspectives with families about these helpful and sometimes harmful behaviours in relationships. We understand that when undertaken with families with intent and purpose, by a practitioner who understands their influence in the change relationship, long lasting positive change for families can occur. This is why alongside our unmatched training offer; we also provide extensive access to group reflective supervision sessions based on the reflecting teams model and systemic case consultations.

Family Safeguarding Model

The Family Safeguarding Model is an approach that brings together teams from different disciplines and agencies to work with families helping to create positive changes, keeping them together wherever it is safe to do so. This innovative approach was implemented in 2024.

Social Workers - Are you special enough for us? Should we trust you to love and care for us?

Here at Southampton Children and Learning, we take what our children say very seriously indeed. Below is what our Children in Care Council have told us is important to them in making a good social worker.

Applicants should therefore please ask themselves whether they can offer this level of service to our children. Those who cannot need not apply!