Hampshire County Council

Hampshire County Council Find our dedicated customer contact channels for service inquiries, reports or feedbank here 👉 https://www.hants.gov.uk/aboutthecouncil/contact

We welcome your feedback on here. While comments are read, and our aim is to help where we can, we're unable to respond to every individual comment or inquiry - we have dedicated contact channels for that and you can find them here
▶ https://www.hants.gov.uk/aboutthecouncil/contact

We cannot comment on matters of policy, but we will ensure that any common themes or helpful suggestions are passe

d to the relevant people. There are various different ways you can have your say
▶ https://www.hants.gov.uk/aboutthecouncil/haveyoursay

▶OUR SOCIAL MEDIA HOUSE RULES ⚠As a guide, we will not accept comments on this page if they use obscene or offensive language, are politically motivated, are matters subject to ongoing litigation or sub-judice, discriminatory, encourage or support illegal activities, solicit commerce, compromise public safety, violate the legal ownership interests of any party or violate privacy. You can read our Social Media House Rules here ▶ https://www.hants.gov.uk/aboutthecouncil/contact/communications

Does your child attend a nursery, pre-school or childminder and receive funded early years education? There is additiona...
31/08/2026

Does your child attend a nursery, pre-school or childminder and receive funded early years education?

There is additional funding that your childcare provider can claim to support your child’s development.

If you have a low income or are unemployed, or if your child has been in care and/or adopted, then your childcare provider may be able to claim for the Early Years Pupil Premium.

If your child is in receipt of child Disability Living Allowance (DLA) then your childcare provider can claim for Disability Access Funding.

For more information talk to your childcare provider or visit https://www.hants.gov.uk/socialcareandhealth/childrenandfamilies/childcare/paying-for-childcare/earlyyearspupilpremium

Water may be the perfect way to cool off this Bank Holiday weekend, but conditions can change quickly.Before you take a ...
28/08/2026

Water may be the perfect way to cool off this Bank Holiday weekend, but conditions can change quickly.

Before you take a dip:

🌊 Swim at lifeguarded locations where possible
🚫 Don't swim alone or after drinking alcohol
❄️ Enter cold water slowly
🛟 Remember: Float to Live

And if you're supervising children near water, keep them within arm's reach at all times.

Stay safe and enjoy Hampshire's beautiful waterways this weekend 💙

28/08/2026

It’s Makaton International Awareness Day – a day to celebrate the Makaton Language Programme and its remarkable impact on supporting communication for individuals with learning and communication difficulties.

🐰Earlier this year, Manor Farm - Hampshire County Council installed new signage across their site, including Makaton signs, to help all visitors better understand and enjoy their time at the farm. Here are members of the team showing you some examples of animal signs you might see.

Have you spotted these signs on your visit? Let us know what you think in the comments below. 👇

The countdown to the end of the school holidays is officially on ⏰As schools in Hampshire get ready to open their doors ...
27/08/2026

The countdown to the end of the school holidays is officially on ⏰

As schools in Hampshire get ready to open their doors for the new academic year next week, here’s a reminder of all the resources and support available to help families with the return to school, or starting school for the very first time.

From planning your school journey and wraparound care, to mental wellbeing advice and checking your eligibility for income-based free school meals – we’ve got you covered 🙌

Visit the link in the comments to find out more.

Happy International Dog Day! 🐾In Hampshire, we love dogs and we want them to enjoy the great outdoors just as much as th...
26/08/2026

Happy International Dog Day! 🐾

In Hampshire, we love dogs and we want them to enjoy the great outdoors just as much as their humans do!

Across our Hampshire Countryside, we have a range of beautiful locations that welcome responsible dog walkers. From woodland trails to coastal walks, there are plenty of opportunities to get outdoors with your dog.

Our countryside sites include dog-friendly walking routes, dedicated exercise areas, and dog-washing stations at some locations.

Highlights include:

🐕 Secure, enclosed dog fields at Crab Wood (Wi******er) and River Hamble Country Park (Bursledon), as well as a dedicated activity trail at Queen Elizabeth Country Park (Petersfield) to let dogs explore safely and enjoy the zoomies.

🚿 Dog washing facilities at Staunton Country Park (Havant), Queen Elizabeth Country Park and Royal Victoria Country Park (Netley) for those muddy and sandy paws.

🍪 Treats and other dog related products like ice-creams and more are available to purchase at our gift shops and cafes for a well-deserved after walk treat.

🐾 More than 3,000 miles of rights of way across Hampshire's countryside, offering plenty of opportunities to explore with your four-legged friend.

Before visiting, make sure you’re familiar with our Countryside Canines guidance, which explains where dogs can be exercised on and off lead and how we can all help protect wildlife and livestock while enjoying our outdoor spaces.

Tell us how your dogs enjoy a day out at one of our sites in the comments below! 👇

(Photo locations from left to right: Lepe Country Park, Staunton Country Park, Queen Elizabeth Country Park, Crabwood Dog fields and River Hamble Country Park).

📢 One week left to vote for us!Public voting for the 2026 Everyday History Heroes Awards closes on 31 August and Royal V...
24/08/2026

📢 One week left to vote for us!

Public voting for the 2026 Everyday History Heroes Awards closes on 31 August and Royal Victoria Chapel would love your support.

The national awards, launched by Findmypast and Heritage Open Days are an opportunity to celebrate the people and places keeping local history alive for generations to come.

As the last surviving part of the former military hospital, the Royal Victoria Chapel at Royal Victoria Country Park offers a powerful connection to the past. It tells a story of innovation, resilience and care through some of the most challenging periods in our nation’s history.

Winners will be announced ahead of this year's Heritage Open Days (11 - 20 September) where you'll have the chance to visit a special exhibition at the chapel and participate in craft activities across the two weekends.

To vote for us, head to the link in comments 👇

One week to go… Don’t get caught out! The application deadline for Working Families funded childcare is 31 August. If y...
24/08/2026

One week to go… Don’t get caught out!

The application deadline for Working Families funded childcare is 31 August.

If you have a pre-school child eligible for early years education funding, you will need to apply NOW for your child to take up their funded hours from September.

The link you need to apply is in the comments.

*UPDATE* Sat 22 AugustAll local road closures in support of the wildfire response are now lifted. Please continue to ch...
21/08/2026

*UPDATE* Sat 22 August

All local road closures in support of the wildfire response are now lifted. Please continue to check traffic advice before you travel, including relating to the A31 reopening.

Thank you for your patience, understanding and support over the past few days.

***********************************************************************

As we head into the weekend, the situation in the areas of the New Forest affected by the recent wildfire continues to improve. Our teams are working hard alongside partner organisations to safely reopen the roads as quickly as possible.

A number of local road closures remain in place for the moment. You can check the latest information on One.Network. As roads reopen, including as part of the ongoing work to reopen the A31 tomorrow, closures will be removed from the map.

Please continue to:

✅ Check traffic advice before you travel, as the situation is changing quickly
✅ Avoid areas directly affected by the wildfire, where possible
✅ Follow wildfire prevention advice, as the risk remains high across our region.

It's important to remember that many parts of the New Forest and surrounding areas remain very much open for business and are looking forward to welcoming visitors this weekend and beyond.

A big thank you to everyone for your patience, understanding and continued support over the past few days.

It’s been a busy summer, but there’s still plenty of time for adventure! As part of the Great British Summer Savings sc...
21/08/2026

It’s been a busy summer, but there’s still plenty of time for adventure! As part of the Great British Summer Savings scheme, we have some fantastic venues offering reduced admission prices and discounted children's meals throughout the summer including:

🌳Our five Country Parks
🌸Sir Harold Hillier Gardens and Arboretum
🐷Manor Farm and Staunton Farm
⛵Calshot Activities Centre
🏰Calshot Castle

And many more!

Plus, children aged 5 to 15 can travel free on local bus services throughout August. Combined with the £3 adult fare cap, it's easier and more affordable for families to enjoy great days out across Hampshire.

Swipe through for inspiration and start planning your next adventure! 📷

See the links in the comments below for more information about the Great British Summer Savings scheme. 👇

20/08/2026

Well done to all students receiving GCSE results. If you need help thinking through your next options, free support is available from Hampshire Futures. Call 03707 796 122 or email careers.service @ hants.gov.uk weekdays 9am to 3pm until Friday 28 August.

Address

Elizabeth II Court, The Castle
Wi******er
SO238UJ

Telephone

+443005551375

Website

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