Physiotherapy Apprenticeship

The documentation is regularly updated throughout the year so please use the links to the online documents rather than printing or saving copies in folders, which may go out of date.

All educators should read the Practice Educator Handbook 2024-25 (PDF) before supporting a learner as it includes all relevant information for supporting learners.

For more detail about the BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy (Apprenticeship) programme please refer to the BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy Apprenticeship Programme Specification.

Assessment (for all placements)

Common Placement Assessment Form (CPAF)

All placements are assessed using the Common Placement Assessment Form. Information about CPAFs is available on the CSP website.  

Key points to note:

• Placement 1 use Level 4 CPAF; Placement 2a and 2b use Level 5; Placement 3a and 3b use Level 6.
• Pass mark is 40% for all UWE Bristol BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy programme placements.
• The fully completed PDF copy of the Common Placement Assessment Form (CPAF) should be emailed by the educator to the learner by the last day of placement following their final appraisal. Learners are required to submit the CPAF electronically via the UWE learner intranet (Blackboard) by a specified deadline.
• If the learner has failed the placement, educators should email  Julie.halligan@uwe.ac.uk and amy2.belisario@uwe.ac.uk to confirm this. If the learner has passed the placement, no further action or verification is required by the educator.
• It is advisable for both the educator and the learner to save a copy for their records, Educators may be contacted to confirm marks/hours following CPAF submission by learners as part of a verification process. 
• Learners should be provided with a final mark for each learning domain, and an overall mark at the end of the placement, rather than grade boundaries.
• Always tick ‘Graded’ not ‘Pass/Fail’ on page one for all placements, even though some do not contribute towards the degree classification. 

Self-directed learning (SDL) guidance for learners on placement

We recommend that learners are given up to the equivalent of a half day per week for self-directed learning (SDL) whilst on placement. This may be given as one half-day or spread throughout the week as suits the learner, educator and service.

Further details can be found in the self-directed learning guidance (PDF).

Please note: placements that are fully or partly non-clinical (for example research, leadership, project) may have significantly more SDL as part of the normal placement expectations.

Absence reporting while on placement

If a learner is unable to attend their placement as planned, they should call the Absence Reporting Line on  +44 (0)117 32 83283 and leave a message. The call will not be returned but the absence will be noted. Learner should also contact their practice educator to advise them of absence in a manner appropriate for the placement. Degree Apprenticeship Physiotherapy learners must also inform their employer of any absence.

For further support or to report other issues whilst on placement, learners should contact the confidential practice support line on +44 (0)117 32 81152 or email hscpsl@uwe.ac.uk.

Out-of-hours urgent welfare concerns

In case of an emergency where a University member of staff is required, please follow the guidance at Wellbeing and emergency support.

Practice educator training sessions

Please see the  Educator training dates Sept 2024 to June 2025 and the recommended development pathway for practice educators (PDF).

Book onto an educator training session

For all enquiries about educator training sessions, please email HSCPracticeSupport@uwe.ac.uk.

Also see information about the Supporting Students in Practice and the Practice Learning and Student Support professional courses. These are not physiotherapy specific but may be of interest. 

Practice educator virtual drop-in sessions

The sessions are for educators to access if they have any last-minute questions or need support ahead of the next placement. Each session lasts 30 minutes.  No booking is required and you can access sessions via the links below.

Additional information for supporting apprentices

• CSP practice-based learning resources - strongly recommended 
• Health Education England (HEE) Guide to Practice-Based Learning (PBL) for neurodivergent students (PDF)
• UWE Bristol neurodiversity and specific learning differences placement guidance for students and practice educators (PDF)
• UWE Bristol neurodivergence placement guidance for students
• CSP Information on transgender equality and discrimination
• Supporting Trans and Non-Binary People SARI guidance
• Ramadan factsheet (DOC)
• UWE Bristol wellbeing placement guidance for students 

Reflective practice:

• Useful questions to prompt reflection (DOC)
• HCPC Reflective Practice statement (2019)

Peer review and feedback examples (optional):

• Peer review form (DOC)
• Selection of feedback record sheets (DOC)
• Student observation and appraisal sheet (DOC)

2025 placement dates

2026 placement dates

Dates for resits or delayed placements will vary and will be confirmed on an individual basis.

Please email Julie.halligan@uwe.ac.uk or amy2.belisario@uwe.ac.uk if you require further information.

If you have any queries or questions about the Physiotherapy programme or require support, please contact a member of the programme team.

Programme team

Placements coordinator (academic staff)

• Julie Halligan: julie.halligan@uwe.ac.uk
• Amy Belisario: amy2.belisario@uwe.ac.uk 

Placements team (Professional Practice Office)

• Email: ppoallocations@uwe.ac.uk

Programme leader

• Anna Gould: anna.gould@uwe.ac.uk
• Amy Belisario: amy2.belisario@uwe.ac.uk