I've just found this forum and found that noone from my course is yet signed up. Thought I'd say hello in case anyone visits I'm keen to hear anyones experience of the OU route to the degree in social work. I'm not yet being sponsored and I'd be keen to hear how other people fared in this respect.
Best wishes
Ali

Dont know if my experience in Social Work is of any help as there are so many twists and turns in life and career there is no telling where you will end up!! I trained as a nurse, family and other commitments took me on another route, eventually I ended up working for my local authority in older persons sheltered housing and in various roles for the Community alarm centre.
For a year I then worked as an assistant officer in charge of a residential home covering someone who was on training. During all this time I studied with the Open University sometimes paying my own fees sometimes being sponsored by my employer. I also trained in advocacy for young adults with learning disabilities. For the last six years I have been employed by my local authority as an unqualified care manager for older people. I applied to my employers to be sponsored on the social work degree and was able to transfer my credits already gained. I still have to complete within the time limit but I have only had to undertake the two placements . Last year I was with a children and families team and this I am with a community mental health team. Both very different aspects of social work.
If I pass this year I have finished !! I am a bit running on my last legs but the end is in sight and has been well worth it all. Good luck in your studies.