A FURTHER and higher education college has had its Social Work degree approved after a rigorous inspection.

Bradford College is now Yorkshire's only further education provider to have achieved course-provider status with Social Work England, which carried out the inspection between April 16 and April 19.

The inspection aimed at ensuring that graduates could meet professional standards in the social work sector.

Graduates of the college's course can register with Social Work England to practice as qualified social workers.

Inspectors spoke with Bradford College students and staff, alongside placement partners like Bradford Council, Bradford Children and Families Trust and Leeds Street Outreach Team.

Bradford College's Social Work course combines applied academic study with social work placements.

Claire Wolfenden, head of department for education & social care at Bradford College, said: "With social worker vacancy rates reported to be around 10.5% in local authorities nationally as of September last year, this training is vital to help fill critical skills gaps in the industry."

More information can be found on Bradford College's website: www.bradfordcollege.ac.uk/courses/ba-hons-social-work.

The college's course will now appear on the Social Work England website in its list of approved courses.