Polly McBride

Senior Children's Social Worker with a strong track record at Kent County Council, managing complex Child in Need, Child Protection, pre‑proceedings and care proceedings cases involving high levels of risk. I bring a child‑centred, analytical and trauma‑informed approach to assessment, planning and intervention, ensuring robust safeguarding and positive outcomes for children and families. I have extensive experience completing high‑quality statutory and court‑directed assessments, including Section 7 and Section 37 reports, Special Guardianship Order (SGO) assessments, parenting assessments, viability assessments, and Form F fostering assessments.

My practice is grounded in clear evidence‑based analysis, confident multi‑agency working and effective risk management, balancing support and authority in complex and high‑pressure situations. I demonstrate professional credibility through strong report writing, defensible decision‑making and skilled engagement with resistant families while maintaining clear professional boundaries. My work is informed by a strong understanding of child development, attachment theory, trauma, and systemic practice.

Alongside frontline practice, I contribute to raising standards within teams by informally mentoring less experienced colleagues, sharing learning from research, training and case law, and modelling reflective, evidence‑based social work. I am confident in professional challenge, quality assurance and contributing to service improvement. With a background spanning Early Help and Children's Social Care, and fluency in Bulgarian, I bring a strengths‑based, culturally responsive approach to practice.

Children Social Worker (District Children Social Work Team) at Kent County Council (2023-03 – Present)

• Preparing detailed reports and case notes, ensuring accurate documentation of client interactions.
• Holding Child protection and Child in need cases (CP or CIN).
• Conducting home visits to assess living conditions and provide in-situ support.
• Advocating for client access to community resources, improving their quality of life.
• Collaborating with healthcare professionals to coordinate mental health services for clients.
• Establishing support networks for clients, connecting them with peer groups and services.
• Managing case loads efficiently, prioritising urgent needs while maintaining high standards.
• Liaising with schools to support children with behavioural issues, promoting educational inclusion.
• Implementing safeguarding measures for vulnerable clients, reducing risks of harm.
• Conducting comprehensive assessments of client needs to develop tailored support plans – such as Early help, CIN or CP plans.

PGDIP Step-Up Student Social Worker at Kent County Council (2022-01 – 2023-03)

Alongside completing my University assignments, I worked in the Children in care team and learnt about care proceedings, worked with foster carers, and attended court. Attended University and completed modules, gained an overall grade of Merrit.

• Acquired new skills by shadowing senior staff, such as how to be able to build strong working partnership with children and foster carers.
• Conducted home visits to continue building strong relationships with children in care.
• Established support networks for clients, connecting them with peer groups and services.
• Supported clients in accessing community resources and services, enhancing their wellbeing and independence.

Early Help Worker at Kent County Council (2019-06 – 2022-01)

• Completed Early help assessments that meet the family's need for support.
• Liaised between families and community agencies to provide comprehensive care and support.
• Monitored and reported on child development, highlighting any concerns to relevant professionals.
• Created and maintained comprehensive case files, documenting interventions and outcomes.
• Encouraged service users to be independent and active members of society.
• Developed trusting relationships with service users and advocated on their behalf.
• Worked with families during life transitions, identifying challenges and providing support.
• De-escalated violent, aggressive and threatening behaviour.
• Practiced high levels of empathy, understanding and sharing feelings with others to provide safe, secure environment.
• Built strong relationships with families, gaining trust and facilitating more effective support.
• Conducted home visits to monitor progress and address any emerging issues promptly.
• Held professional meetings to make sure that timely and comprehensive plans are created to best support the family and young person.

Learning and Research Support Administrator at Canterbury Christ Church University (2017-09 – 2019-06)

• Managed administrative tasks to support academic and research operations.
• Organized research materials and facilitated access for students and faculty.
• Coordinated seminars and workshops.
• Provided technical support for research projects.
• Maintained meticulous records of academic progress and research findings.

Support worker in a respite care home for Children with disabilities at Footprints (2016-03 – 2017-09)

• Worked one-to-one with children who have different physical and mental health disabilities.
• Supported children throughout the day by meeting their needs according to their personal care plans.
• Communicated any issues to senior staff to ensure continuous care.
• Liaised with social workers to provide high standards of care to the children.
• De-escalated challenging behaviour by using best practice techniques according to the child's care plans.

University Placement at Kent and Medway NHS Older Adults Psychology Service, Memory Clinic (2016-09 – 2017-09)

I took a year out of my degree to complete a placement. Worked with clinical psychologists, mental health nurses, psychiatrists, and assistant psychologists in a multidisciplinary approach to assess and provide care for older adults diagnosed with dementia.

• Organised and ran dementia groups for people with dementia to empower them and their carers.
• Responsible for booking appointments and sending clinical letters to patients.
• Attended supervision workshops and learned self-reflective skills to ensure a person-centred approach to care.
• Completed a research project and presented it to the KMPT Older Adults Psychology team to implement findings within the Trust.

Bachelor of Science in Psychology – Canterbury Christ Church University (2014-09 – 2018-06)

Assess to Higher Education Course in Social Sciences – Canterbury College (2013-09 – 2014-06)

GCSEs in English (B) and Mathematics (C) – Canterbury College (2012-09 – 2013-08)

Chemistry – School for Chemistry in Pleven (2000-09 – 2004-06)