A pioneering social work scheme has earned royal recognition.
Dr Jenny Rafter, associate professor and deputy head of school for social work at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), was invited to a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace after being nominated by the Department of Education.
The invitation was made in recognition of ARU’s Social Work in Schools (SWIS) initiative, which places social work students in schools to support pupils and the wider school community.
Dr Rafter said: "Since 2021, we have now placed over 350 student social workers on school placements.
"In a context of high thresholds for support and of waiting lists, many of the children and young people supported by a social work student may have otherwise gone without support during this time.
"If each student social worker supported 10 children on their school placement, then it is estimated nearly 3,500 children have received additional support as a result of this project."
The programme was shortlisted in 2023 for the Social Worker of the Year Awards in the Supporting Children in Education category, leading to a roundtable with Isabelle Trowler, chief social worker for children and families.
In May 2025, 10 ARU social work students were invited to the Department of Education to discuss their experiences, particularly their work around emotional school-based avoidance (ESBA).
Two teachers who supported the placements also joined the event.
Dr Rafter said: "The recognition from the Government of the work we are doing to help young people is something that makes us very proud, and I was delighted to attend the Royal Garden Party and have the chance to meet with others who are making a difference to young people.
"It was an amazing experience."
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