How do managers support their parenting practitioners?

Managers will wish to ensure that individuals working with parents have the skills and knowledge required to support parents in their parenting role.

National Occupational Standards (NOS) for Work with Parents describe the skills, knowledge and understanding needed to work to a nationally recognised level of competence in the sector.

Managers will expect individuals working with parents to be competent in relevant areas covered by the National Occupational Standards for Work with Parents, or to be working towards competence. 

Supervision

Managers should provide practitioners with regular management and clinical/practice supervision to support practitioners in their role.

Supervision can be used to assess practitioners’ knowledge and understanding, promoting reflective practice and continual professional development. A professional development plan may be drawn up to identify agreed areas for development, with clarity on how these areas will be addressed. There are a variety of ways to support professional development:

  • Managers should use coaching and mentoring during regular supervision sessions to support development.
  • Some practitioners may be directed towards formal training opportunities to support their development. 

Training

Practitioners who do not hold a level 3 qualification or have a gap in key knowledge and understanding of work with parents should be encouraged to pursue an accredited training programme which offers the Award/Certificate in Work with Parents. These qualifications are based on the NOS and will assist learners to achieve competence in key areas of their role.

Visit the Work with Parents City and Guilds website for more information.