Children's Services

Publications Scheme

Information can be requested under the Freedom of Information Act 2000. However, information that is publicly available is listed in the Council's publication scheme.This section relates to information produced by the Children's Services department.

Who we are and what we do

There are two cabinet members representing the Children's Services department:

David Kirk, Executive Lead Member for Children's Services (Education) and Patricia Banks, Executive Member for Children and Families.

John Coughlan is the Director of Children's Services, supported by his management team, John Clarke (Education and Inclusion), Pam Robinson (Children and Families) and Felicity Roe (Performance and Resources).

The head office is based in Winchester. Services are based in various locations across Hampshire.

What we spend and how we spend it

The Children's Services department produces an annual report which sets out its actual and projected spending including its capital programme.

A scheme is in place that sets out the rules governing the financial relationship between the County Council (the Local Authority) and its maintained schools. Full details of annual funding for schools and capital spending is publicly available.

The Children's Services department also offers a number of grants to voluntary and community organisations.

What our priorities are and how we are doing

We are committed to the Every Child Matters: Change for Children programme. This drives our work, in partnership with other services such as the NHS and the Police, as well as voluntary organisations. We aim to ensure co-ordinated support around the education and well-being of children and young people.

Our Children and Young People's plan has been developed in consultation with a wide range of organisations, but most importantly, children and families. It outlines our key priorities and is regularly reviewed to ensure progress is being made.

In addition, we undergo an annual review by Ofsted to check that we are achieving high quality service delivery. Ofsted are also responsible for inspecting our schools, social care services and childcare.

In addition to the Children and Young People's plan we are committed to achieving the priorities set out in the Local Area Agreement. These will achieved through partnership working with district councils, health, police, voluntary and community organisations.

We listen to the views of children and families in planning new services. Details can be found on our consultation website.

Our policies and procedures

Departmental procedures produced by Hampshire County Council's Children's Services department are published on Hantsweb in order to make them accessible to the staff of these departments and to members of the public.

The services we offer

We provide a comprehensive range of leaflets about our services. Copies of leaflets are available on our website or can be sent to you.