SOCIAL workers will soon be able to practice their skills in a virtual environment.

The new virtual training tool is being piloted by students at the University of Greenwich.

The scenario sees Brendan, a social worker, pay a home visit to a single mother Elli Grove, and her two children Tara, aged four and five-month-old Liam.

It was created by the university’s centre for research with fragile families.

The centre’s director, Dr Jane Reeves, said: “The idea is to increase social workers’ awareness of assessment situations and how their behaviour can have a positive or negative effect on the outcome of the visit.

“It also allows the students to visit and revisit the scenario and reflect upon a range of different approaches and outcomes.”