What you can expect from us

We have a responsibility to ensure that the graduating workforce is equipped to practise in changing and dynamic environments.  We will ensure that we have the necessary resources to enable you to develop competence in your professionalism, knowledge and skills.

The Trust employs a part-time placement co-ordinator who has overall responsibility for the development of occupational therapy practice learning opportunities across the organisation and supporting students and PPEs during placements. 

Contact details:

Jane Smith 07976-218718

OT Central Office Newton Building Springfield Hospital 61 Glenburnie Road London SW17 7DJ

Before you start your Placement

For all placements we use university practice placement handbooks to make sure that we are aware of our responsibilities and the requirements for your placement. Practice placement educators (PPE) are also expected to attend University pre-placement briefings or access this information on-line.

We will give you a placement profile for the clinical location you have been allocated to and if possible arrange a pre-placement visit.  We will also organise access to Trust IM&T systems, e-learning and libraries.  We will inform you of the process to obtain your Trust ID badge, Smartcard and accommodation (if relevant)

During your placement

Learning Contracts

We will:

• Negotiate learning contracts with you.
• Work collaboratively with you to achieve placement outcomes

Supervision & Support

We will:

• Ensure that staff are available during working hours for direct & indirect supervision
• Provide one hour of formal supervision per week by a named PPE
• Empower you to progress from observing practice to independent practice.
• Use adult learning methods and be aware of different learning styles
• Be aware of the support systems available when supervising exceptional or failing students or those with special needs.
• Make you aware of the academic and pastoral support available whilst on placement.
• Assess and manage risks.
• Inform the university if we have concerns that you are failing a placement.

Disclosed disabilities

We will:

• Make reasonable adjustments for you if you have a disclosed disability
• Encourage you to disclose a suspected disability. If you do not disclose you will continue to be assessed on your competencies.

Health and Safety

We will:

• Make you aware of health & safety policies

Learning opportunities

We will:

• Enable you to experience the Occupational Therapy process with a range of people with different health and social care needs.
• Ensure that opportunities exist for you to experience inter-professional team working and education.
• Allow time each week for independent study.

Assessment and Evaluation

We will:

• Use valid, reliable and fair assessment.
• Record learning outcomes in the practice placement report
• Demonstrate that you are being assessed within the context of client-centred, inter-professional and inter-agency service delivery.
• Ask you to complete a placement evaluation