Complaints, comments and compliments
By telling us what you think about our services, you can help us to continue to improve and make sure we correct any mistakes as quickly as possible.
Dealing with concerns and complaints
Complaining can seem difficult and some people worry it might make matters worse, but by telling us you can help us to help you.
Although it may not always be possible to provide everything you want, by knowing your concerns we can work together to put things right.
We will always try to sort out your concerns for you as quickly as possible. We aim to resolve your complaint within 10 working days and by 20 working days at the latest.
What you can complain about
We want to hear your concerns about
- your child’s education
- children’s welfare or safety
- the services supplied by the Children’s Services Department
If you believe a child may have been harmed by a person in a position of trust, you should contact the Allegations Officer.
How to complain
Because of the laws governing services for children, the way you make a complaint depends on what your complaint is about:
School and your child's education
Schools have responsibility for most of the services they provide. In most cases, Hampshire County Council has no power to intervene. You should complain directly to the school if you are concerned about areas including:
- your child's academic progress
- special educational needs provision
- your child's welfare at school
- bullying
- the running of the school and management of the school budget
- school policies (including uniforms, rules , meals and time off school)
- the community's use of school facilities
- external services run by the school, e.g. adult learning or after-school clubs
- The behaviour of staff or pupils outside the school
Childcare and early years education (nurseries, preschools etc.)
If you have a concern or complaint about a childminder, creche, nursery or pre-school, you should contact OFSTED, (the Office for Standards in Education). This is the body responsible for inspecting and regulating childcare and pre-school education.
Services provided by Hampshire County Council Children's Services
If your complaint is about services provided by Hampshire County Council's Children's Services Department, you should start by raising it with the individual service.
How to complain about Children's Services
Other complaints
If your complaint is about another area of the Council, please see our Corporate Complaints guidance.
Comments and compliments
To send us a comment or compliment please use our online enquiry form or contact us by email at childrens.services.enquiries@hants.gov.uk. We will make sure that your comment is passed on to the appropriate people.