Enhancing child protection practice through experience-based simulation learning: the social work big day in

Adequately preparing social work students for the realities of child wellbeing and protection practice is an important and often challenging task for educators. This paper provides a description of an experience-based simulation experience,The Social Work Big Day In(BDI), which has been undertaken by social work students at the University of Newcastle since 2012. This is followed by findings from a qualitative analysis of student reports (n = 54), which offer rich insights into the benefits and challenges of the BDI experience across theoretical, interpersonal, ethical and interdisciplinary domains. Four core themes emerged: (i) Child protection knowledge and power, (ii) Authentic engagement or game playing? (iii) Interpersonal skills are important (in direct practice), and (iv) Reflection consolidates learning. These are discussed in relation to simulation in social work education and the BDI more specifically.