Walthamstow Toy Library & Play Centre

Who we are

The Toy Library holds a special place in the hearts of thousands of families in Waltham Forest. It was set up in 1975 by a group of health visitors who were concerned about the lack of play and development opportunities for some sectors of the local community. From small beginnings in someone’s front room, the charity has evolved and grown to become what it is today; two vibrant community centres offering a variety of activities from play sessions, toy loaning, the Community Cupboard, a sensory play room and an Adventure Playground, to name some of the services on offer.

Our culture and values

At Walthamstow Toy Library & Play Centre, we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to play, learn and thrive, regardless of their background, ability or circumstances. Our vision is a future where all families borrow rather than buy, protecting the planet through sustainable play.

Our culture is rooted in inclusivity, kindness, collaboration and a strong sense of community. We are committed to providing welcoming, safe and affordable spaces where children and their families feel valued, supported and connected.

Our services are child-centred, supportive, educational, fun, sustainable and community-based. We recognise the importance of play in children's development and encourage exploration, creativity, independence and learning through freely chosen play.

Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. By encouraging families to borrow, share, reuse and repair toys, we reduce waste, make quality play resources more accessible and help children develop an early understanding of caring for the environment.

We value the voices of the families and communities we serve, actively listening to their needs and involving them in shaping our services. We foster a supportive and collaborative working environment where staff, volunteers and Trustees are respected, empowered and encouraged to contribute their ideas and skills.

Above all, we believe in the power of play to bring people together, strengthen communities and create a more sustainable future.

Equality, diversity and inclusion policy

Equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) are central to our values and a key pillar of our work at Walthamstow Toy Library & Play Centre. We are committed to creating a welcoming, inclusive and supportive environment where everyone is treated with dignity, fairness and respect, regardless of their background, identity, ability or circumstances.

We are proud of our diverse staff team and Board of Trustees, who bring a wealth of different experiences, perspectives and skills to the organisation. We actively seek to ensure that our workforce and governance reflect the rich diversity of the communities we serve.

We are committed to fair and inclusive recruitment, equal opportunities for training and professional development, and removing barriers to participation and progression. We have a zero-tolerance approach to discrimination, harassment and bullying, and encourage a culture where everyone feels safe, valued and able to contribute.

Our approach extends beyond our workforce to the families and communities we support. We listen to their voices, recognise different needs and experiences, and continually adapt our services to make them as accessible and inclusive as possible.

We believe that diversity strengthens our organisation, helping us make better decisions, build stronger relationships and deliver services that genuinely respond to the needs of our community.