LW7105 - Child Care Law

On this module students will learn through a combination of lectures, workshops, tutor guided independent learning and independent learning.

Use of Large Group Sessions:
The large group lectures are intended to introduce you to the key topics of child care law. You will also be expected to undertake independent learning in consolidation of the lecture programme.

Use of Small Group Sessions:
The small group workshop sessions are designed to allow you to develop and deepen your understanding of the topics covered. In some of the sessions you will be divided into small groups of 3-5 students. Each group will be assigned a task to complete prior to the workshop. The first half of each workshop will involve presentations from each group to the rest of the class. The second half of the workshop will involve all students putting into practice the legal issues which have been covered in the first half by the different groups.

Independent learning:
Participation in the workshop sessions involves extensive preparation by each group working together. You will be provided with a topic and expected to work together as a group to produce a presentation for the workshop. This might be in a variety of different forms such as a poster, powerpoint, letter, leaflet, application form or other type of presentation. You must develop group working skills, communication, effective research methodologies and presentation skills.

The University supports you in learning and research with an excellent library and teaching facilities, access to on-line legal databases and resources and appropriate software.

This module is designed and will be managed by your designated Module Tutor who will be responsible for guiding you in your engagement and learning on the module. Material will be delivered to you by lecture and through the elp. The elp site will contain the following resources: lecture notes; Powerpoint slides; the module handbook, which contains seminar exercises; advice on assessment. The comprehensive online reading list includes books, articles, television and radio programmes. As well as contact with the lecturer you will also be taught by your seminar tutor. Should you have queries you may approach the lecturer or your seminar tutor or e-mail your query to either member of staff. You may communicate with your Module Tutor by e-mail or telephone and are encouraged to make contact if you encounter any difficulties relating to any aspect of the module.

Academic support is also available to you through summative and formative feedback on assignments and your workshop group work.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

Knowledge & Understanding:
At the end of the module you will have:

• Develop knowledge and understanding of the practical operation of child care law.

• Develop a systematic and in depth knowledge and understanding of key aspects of child care law and be able to demonstrate detailed and coherent understanding in that area.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
• Apply your legal understanding of child care law to a variety of hypothetical situations, and to be able to provide advice to a client.
• Develop your ability to carry out self directed legal research, to accurately identify relevant issues, to engage with current literature, evaluate it and apply it within a practical context.

Formative assessment will be achieved by feedback provided by module tutors on the group work completed by students prior to some workshops. Each group will produce a piece of work which they will present to the rest of the class. Feedback will be provided on content, accuracy, presentation and research skills.

Summative Assessment will be undertaken on an individual basis by way of assignment which constitutes 100% of the marks for this module. This assignment aims to encourage a deep and critical approach to learning, developing an ability to think widely about the issues presented within the module and to explore these in-line with directed and independent learning.

The specific nature of the assignment may vary and may include essay and case studies. Assessment criteria are provided to enable you to understand what is expected of you and how you will be judged on your performance.

You will be provided with appropriate written feedback and, as part of your reflective development, such feedback can be utilised in the preparation of subsequent module assessments on the programme.

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Child Care law addresses the child protection system in the United Kingdom. It looks at the role of parents in caring for their own children, at how and when the state should act to support children who are in need and when it should intervene to protect children who are at risk of significant harm. The module addresses situations on which the state can remove children from their parents, the role of the Court in that process, how children and parents are represented and the legal basis for such intervention. The module looks not only at domestic legislation and case law but considers the impact of European case law and the European Convention on Human Rights on this difficult area of law.