Information for prospective Observation Placements
Thank you for considering hosting a student on the Oasis College undergraduate programme. Students at
Oasis College students are able to take one of three courses to honours degree level, all validated by
Staffordshire University:
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Children & Family Work and Practical Theology
Youth Work and Practical Theology*
Church, Community, and Practical Theology
*The Youth Work and Practical Theology course is accredited at honours degree level by the National Youth
Agency as conferring JNC professional status in Youth and Community Work.
All students participate in a common first Semester, and thereafter opt for their chosen specialism. In the first
year they are provided with a grounding in working across these three closely related fields, before working
intensively with their chosen client group in their second and third years.
This is a work-based programme, with students placed in fieldwork locations across south-east England and
commuting a day a week to study in central London. They spend 16 hours a week in practice for 40 weeks of
the year working with participants from their award stream. They also need to gain some experience of
working with other statutory or charitable sector projects with children and families, young people and
communities. Oasis College requires them to find one project two of these fields, in which they can observe
good practice and contribute where appropriate, under suitable supervision. The student has identified your
organisation for a potential placement opportunity.
The number of hours involved in each of these placements is 20, which might involve between 7 sessions of
3 hours each or be a block based experience. Of these at least 50% should be in contact with the client
groups concerned. Activities might include:
 Students contribute to practical aspects of running sessions
 Students assist/shadow a key worker as appropriate
 Students take opportunities to chat to client groups
Oasis College would ask that an experienced worker in the project be designated supervisor of the student
whilst in the placement. This person should discuss with the student some aspects of the history and aims of
the project, make clear the expectations and limits of the students participation, and explain the various staff
roles. The supervisor will be asked to sign a simple form at the end of the placement to indicate the student’s
involvement and time spent in the project.
The aim is that the student gains insight into aspects of working with the client group and into the operation
of the project. But we also hope that the student is able to make a worthwhile contribution to the project
during their placement.
If you would like further information about Oasis College, please contact the College by telephone on 0207
921 4255 or registry@oasiscollege.ac.uk
Thank you for your consideration
Lindsey Hardwick, Fieldwork Practice Manager