Welcome to the Southampton Children's Services Procedures Manual

I am pleased to introduce you to this update of the online version of Southampton’s Children and Learning Service Procedure Manual. This manual is updated bi-annually to ensure it contains the latest up-to-date guidance and relevant procedures for practitioners in Southampton. The next update will be in May 2026.

In Southampton, we have said that we will:

• Put the child at the centre of all our decision making;
• Promote a relationship-based approach with children, young people, families and partners;
• Work as early as possible with children, young people, families and partners before issues escalate;
• Work alongside whole families and communities, listening and building on their strengths – doing it with them and not to them;
• Promote a culture of strong support and challenge.

Our Practice Framework: Making the Difference

At the heart of our Practice Framework is a relentless focus on children and achieving better outcomes. Our Procedure Manual supports colleagues across the service to achieve the best they can for our city’s children and their families.

Rob Henderson, Executive Director for Children and Learning

Please see 'Using this Manual' for details about the way this manual works.

Click here to access Southampton’s Fostering Handbook.

For further details and suggestions for improvement, please contact the Children and Learning Academy Team: academy@southampton.gov.uk.