A children’s book written by children, young people and staff of Somerset’s Children’s Social Care about the work of social workers has been produced and will be given to every primary school in the county.
‘Social Worker Sam’ tells the story of a small child whose family is facing difficulties and needs help from a social worker called Sam. The book gives a child friendly account of what a social worker does and the processes that children may be involved in if their family needs a social worker.
The book was produced by members of the Somerset Council Engagement and Participation team, working with the Otter and Kingfisher classes at Stoke St Gregory C of E Primary school and of the co-authors – Jasmine Yellow Flower Riddell, Calleigh Martin, Paula Martin, Heidi Hunt, Annemarie Davies and Finn Towers.
The idea to write the book came about from concerns that although children might know what a nurse, doctor, teacher or firefighter does, they don’t know what the job of a social worker is. Helping children to understand what social workers do and who they are can help with any fears that they might have or may even inspire them to want to become one when they grow up.
Copies of Social Worker Sam will be distributed to primary schools across the county, giving children the opportunity to read about Sam during reading time.
We are working in conjunction with the School Library Service who offer a wide variety of books and other resources together with a two-weekly term-time delivery service to schools throughout Somerset. They are delivering the books on our behalf, so look out for their distinctive van and your copy of Social Worker Sam winging it’s way to you.
For more information about Fostering in Somerset, visit www.fosteringinsomerset.org.uk
