Preparing for a first social work placement within a Local Authority can daunting and give rise to anxieties and feelings of being overwhelmed. Terms of reference, phrases, abbreviations and the different types of reports and meetings can seem alien and make one appear unprepared and uninformed. This short guide aims to mitigate this by giving students an insight into working as a Social Worker within Children and Young People Service in a Local Authority. The processes from referral to assessment to deciding which team is best suited to provide support to the child, young person and family are explained. Mention is also made of the different teams and their remit, while abbreviations are expanded. There is also an A to Z of social work tips that students can use to supplement their practice. In addition to students, ASYE Social Workers can also use this brief guide to continue their professional development and get a better understanding of the child’s journey within the service. It is hoped that this brief guide will be a welcomed addition to one’s social work arsenal of tools and resources!