The continuous professional learning pathway is the ongoing learning and development every social care practitioner is required to do to enable them to be competent and effective in their work. The type and focus of this learning and development will vary depending on the work setting, nature of the role, learning needs and experience of the practitioner. The details should be agreed in an individualised learning and development plan that is reviewed and updated by the social care practitioner and their employer at regular intervals.
Learning is underpinned and supported by coaching and mentoring (this can be self-directed, with peers and/or mangers and this can include:
- Induction – this is your employer induction and required training.
- Life, work and learned experience.
- Having conversations, listening, observing, reading, questioning and reflecting.
- Attending in-house training including refresher and developmental training, and other service specific training and workshops.
- Self-directed learning and research.
- Completing digital learning relevant to practice to supplement and complement employer training and development, for example, the Social Care Council’s Learning Zone or the Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE) resources.
- Supervision/one-to-ones.
- Completing qualifications.