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Free Learning Resource

Assessment, Recording and Case Notes

Practical resources to support clearer, more strengths-based assessment and recording. What we write about people matters - it is often what remains when the social worker has gone.

60 min sessionTeam calibrationIndividual CPDQA preparation
Important: All wording examples in this resource are fictional. Never bring real case records into training sessions or upload them to any website. This material supports reflection on recording quality - it does not replace your local recording standards or guidance.

Learning Outcomes

  • Improve clarity and structure of recording
  • Reflect on strengths-based language and the person's voice in records
  • Consider rationale, evidence and professional judgement in written records
  • Build shared expectations of recording quality across the team

Step 1: How To Write Better Case Notes and Assessments

The main practical video. Watch with the worksheet to hand - note one recording habit you already have, and one you want to build.

Learning videoHow To Write Better Case Notes and AssessmentsPlay in privacy-enhanced YouTube mode

While you watch, notice:

  • What makes a record useful for the next person who reads it?
  • Where does the person's own voice belong in the record?
  • How are observations, information from others and professional judgement kept distinct?
  • Which habit mentioned would make the biggest difference to your own recording?

Step 2: Strengths-Based Social Work Recording

The focused follow-up. Strengths-based recording never means hiding risk - it means seeing the whole person while stating concerns plainly.

Learning videoStrengths-Based Social Work RecordingPlay in privacy-enhanced YouTube mode

After watching, reflect on:

  • What is the difference between describing a person and describing a problem?
  • Where could strengths-based language strengthen your records this week?
  • Where must risk be stated plainly, and how do the two sit together?

Team Calibration Prompts

Use these to build shared expectations. The goal is a team answer to: what does a useful, respectful, defensible record look like here?

Who are we writing for? What changes when we imagine the person reading their own record?
What is the difference between describing a person and describing a problem?
Where does professional judgement belong in a record - and how do we evidence it?
When does strengths-based wording risk softening genuine concerns - and how do we avoid that?
What do our best records have in common?
What gets in the way of good recording here - skills, time, systems or culture?

Choose Your Session Length

Each plan uses the same videos and resources, adapted for the time available.

60-Minute Recording Quality Session

Best for: team development, recording quality slots, ASYE sessions

0-5 min
Welcome: frame the session - shared standards, not individual criticism. Fictional examples only.
5-20 min
Watch: play 'How To Write Better Case Notes and Assessments'. One habit to keep, one to build.
20-35 min
Before/after exercise: work through the fictional wording examples on the worksheet in pairs. What changes, and why does it matter?
35-45 min
Team calibration: agree the top five things that make a record useful in this team. Capture the list - it is an output worth keeping.
45-55 min
Watch or signpost: 'Strengths-Based Social Work Recording'. Discuss where strengths-based language belongs and where risk must be plain.
55-60 min
Close and CPD: one recording habit each person will change this week. Complete the reflection template.

Download Resources

Everything you need for a recording quality session - including a one-page checklist to print and keep by your desk.

📖

Facilitator Guide

Session plan, calibration exercise and discussion prompts

Download PDF
📝

Wording Worksheet

Four fictional before-and-after wording exercises with reflection prompts

Download PDF
✅

Case Note Checklist

One-page prompt: context, voice, evidence, risk, rationale, next steps

Download PDF
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CPD Reflection Template

Typeable Word template aligned with Social Work England CPD expectations

Download Word

Professional Standards This Resource Supports

Mapping is indicative, to help you evidence CPD and connect the learning to professional frameworks.

Social Work England professional standards
Standard 2 (establish and maintain trust), Standard 3 (be accountable for the quality of my practice and the decisions I make), Standard 4 (CPD)
Professional Capabilities Framework (PCF)
Critical reflection and analysis; Skills and interventions; Professionalism
Quality assurance
Supports preparation for case file audit themes: voice of the person, rationale for decisions, clarity and proportionality

CPD Reflection Prompts

Use these to record your learning. They align with Social Work England CPD expectations, including the value placed on peer reflection.

What did I watch, read or discuss?
What stood out to me and why?
What did I discuss with a peer, supervisor or team?
How has this challenged, confirmed or developed my practice thinking?
What might I do differently in future?
What further learning or supervision do I need?

Using This With Your Team

This is one of the most practical sessions a team can run. It works as a 60-minute recording quality slot, an ASYE session on writing skills, preparation ahead of case file audits, or a calibration exercise for newly merged or restructured teams.

The team calibration list - five things that make a record useful here - is the lasting output. Type it up, share it, and revisit it in a future meeting to see what changed.

Using this resource?

If your team, authority or university is using this resource, I would love to hear from you. Your feedback helps me improve it.

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Prefer Kayleigh to deliver it live?

Kayleigh speaks at a select number of events each year and is available on request for keynotes, workshops, webinars and tailored learning sessions.

View speaking & workshop options

Educational resource only — follow local policy, current legislation and statutory guidance.