Welcome to the Waltham Forest Children’s Services Procedures Manual
Dear Colleagues,
Welcome to the Waltham Forest Children’s Services Procedures Manual.
As social work professionals, you are the frontline of support for some of the borough’s most vulnerable children and families. You play a crucial role in safeguarding, promoting well-being, and helping to address the inequalities that many in our community face. Your work is deeply valued and central to our shared ambition of delivering excellent outcomes for every child.
This manual is designed to support you in your day-to-day practice. It provides clear and consistent guidance for executing our statutory responsibilities and shaping our local values. It reflects our commitment to relational, high-quality social work that makes a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families.
As our service continues to grow and evolve, this manual will do the same—remaining a reliable and responsive resource to help you navigate the complexities of practice with confidence and clarity.
Thank you for your continued dedication, professionalism, and care.
Warm regards,
Nicky Crouch
Strategic Director of Children’s Services
London Borough of Waltham Forest
Please see 'Amendments' for an overview of what has changed since the last edition of the manual.
Please ensure you have read the 'Using this manual' and 'Children's Services Policies, Values and Principles' before accessing the body of this manual for the first time.
If you are new to this manual or to working in Waltham Forest, please take the time to register for Updates by clicking the button below on the left. This will ensure you are informed when the manual is next updated.
For further details or if you have any questions about the content, please contact Shaista Afzal (shaista.afzal@walthamforest.gov.uk), Principal Social Worker and Head of Practice Improvement.
Last Updated: November 11, 2025
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