A discussion of your current skills set using the Skills Assessment used in The Career Passport (knowledge / understanding / experience / potential) and how this can be applied to specific professional roles when you graduate

Sample Answer

1) My current skill set

Knowledge. Through this degree I’m building a grounded understanding of child development, safeguarding and inclusive practice. I can explain how adverse childhood experiences influence behaviour, why multi-agency information sharing matters, and how equality law frames day-to-day decisions with children and families. I keep short notes after lectures and use quick “teach-back” summaries to test what I’ve actually learned, not just what I’ve read. When topics feel abstract, I look for current practice examples (e.g., early help assessments or team-around-the-family meetings) to anchor concepts.

Understanding. Knowing a theory isn’t the same as applying it. I use a simple reflection routine, describe, evaluate, and plan, to connect theory to what I’d do on shift or in a home visit. This makes my reasoning clearer and helps me explain things in plain English to parents or carers. To improve depth, I’m following advice from study-skills texts on active reading, critical questioning and linking evidence to claims, rather than repeating sources. Bloomsbury+1

Experience. My formal placement hours were limited, so I’ve tried to build experience in other ways: volunteering at a homework club, shadowing a family liaison session at school, and supporting peer study groups. These small experiences developed confident communication, note-taking that others can follow, and calmness with difficult conversations. I’ve practised writing short case notes (factual, concise, timely) and role-played telephone triage so I’m comfortable using scripts while still sounding human.

Potential. Feedback from tutors highlights that I’m reliable, reflective and willing to learn, good building blocks for frontline roles. I’m comfortable with digital tools (Teams, shared drives, safeguarding e-learning) and I’m getting better at time-boxing tasks to avoid last-minute stress. My next step is to sharpen data awareness (basic Excel filtering, reading dashboards) because services are increasingly measured by outcomes. I’ll also keep building trauma-informed communication, so my language supports de-escalation and doesn’t pathologise families.

How this maps to roles. The four headings from the Career Passport, knowledge, understanding, experience and potential, line up well with starter roles where attitude and learning agility matter as much as long experience. Family Support Worker, Early Help Practitioner, Pastoral Support Officer, Youth Support Worker and Learning Mentor all value: clear record-keeping, confident but kind communication, professional boundaries, and accurate signposting. I can evidence these through my volunteering notes, peer-group facilitation, and assessed written work.

To push further, I’ll continue using structured reflection after new experiences. It keeps me honest about what I did well, what I’d change, and what skill I’ll practise next. Reflection Toolkit

2) Understanding the labour market for my target area (Family Support / Early Help)

Why this area. I’m aiming at family support / early help roles within local authorities, schools or charities. These roles combine practical help with safeguarding awareness and multi-agency working, exactly where my degree content sits.

National picture. UK labour-market tools show steady demand for family and youth support across public, voluntary and education settings. “LMI for All” aggregates UK data and lets you check pay, hours and outlook by occupation; it’s useful for comparing areas when applying. lmiforall.org.uk The National Careers Service profile for Family Support Worker reports typical weekly hours between 21–37 and an average salary range of £24k–£36k, with work patterns that can include evenings and weekends. National Careers Service Prospects also highlights that employers include local authorities, schools, health trusts and charities, mirroring the multi-agency reality described on my course. Prospects.