One PDE applied the GROW (goals, reality now, options, what to do) coaching model (Whitmore 2009) to her work with an NQSW who was at risk of failing her probation period. She agreed goals with the NQSW to respond to the current practice weaknesses highlighted by the line manager. They discussed various options to help the NQSW to improve her assessment skills. After discussing options that were in line with the NQSW’s learning preferences, they agreed that the PDE would provide the NQSW with professional literature and examples of

‘good’ assessment reports. They used the subsequent practice development session to reflect on the NQSW’s learning from these activities before the PDE observed the NQSW conducting an assessment. The PDE gave feedback to the NQSW about ways she could improve her use of questions, which showed considerable improvement in the next observation.