As Hampshire schools prepare to reopen from 2 September, the County Council is reminding families about the support available to make the first day back a positive experience for children of all ages, their parents and carers.

For families with children starting school for the very first time, this can be a particularly big milestone – filled with excitement, pride, and sometimes a few nerves. Whether your child is starting in reception or moving up to a new year group, a little preparation can go a long way in helping them feel settled and ready to learn.

Councillor Steve Forster, Hampshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Education said, “We understand that the start of a new school year can bring a mix of excitement and nerves, for children, parents and carers alike. Planning ahead and involving your child in the process can make a real difference, helping them feel confident and ready to embrace the year ahead. I’d like to wish every child across Hampshire a happy, healthy, and successful school year.”

Here are some practical tips and resources to help your family get off to a great start:

Getting ready – a healthy and confident start

Vaccinations: With children mixing more at school, staying up to date with vaccinations helps protect them from preventable illnesses. You can check your child’s immunisation record in their red book or speak to your GP practice. This NHS website has the full vaccination schedule.

Toilet training: For younger children starting school, being toilet trained is a big step towards independence and confidence. Hampshire’s Public Health team, in partnership with the Public Health Nursing service, offers helpful advice for navigating this important milestone

School attendance: Building a positive relationship with school from day one can ease worries and help children settle in. If you have concerns about attendance, speak with your child’s school early – they’re there to help. You can also find tips for supporting regular attendance on the Council’s website.

Mental wellbeing: If you or your child are feeling anxious or overwhelmed, support is available. Visit Hampshire Healthy Families for local and national resources or explore the Back to Basics site for practical tips to support emotional wellbeing at home.

Practical tips to make the school day easier

The journey to school: walking, wheeling, cycling, or scooting to school can be a fun and healthy way to start the day. The My Journey Hampshire website has great advice for families, especially those with children moving into Reception, Year 3, or Year 7.

Universal school meals: All children in Reception, Year 1, and Year 2 are automatically entitled to a free lunch at school. It’s a great way to ensure they’re getting a nutritious meal to fuel their learning.

Income-based additional support: If your family receives certain benefits, your child may qualify for income-based free school meals – not just in Reception, Year 1 or Year 2, but all the way through primary school and beyond. Even if your child is currently getting universal free school meals, applying now for income-based additional support can make a big difference. It helps unlock extra funding for your child’s school, which means more support, resources, and opportunities for your child – now and in the future. This extra support can include things like: help with the cost of school trips or clubs, access to additional learning resources, extra academic or wellbeing support. Applying is simple and confidential – find out more at Income-Based Free School Meals.

Wraparound childcare: If you need childcare before or after school, information is available on the Hampshire Family and Information Services Hub.  You may be eligible for support through Tax-Free Childcare or Universal Credit. Visit Childcare Choices for details.

Families in the armed forces can also access up to 20 hours of funded wraparound care per child – https://www.gov.uk/guidance/childcare-for-service-children. 

Other helpful resources for families include:

FISH – the County Council’s Family Information and Services Hub (FISH) is your go-to guide for finding trusted childcare, fun activities, and local support to help your child thrive. From after-school clubs to holiday schemes and parenting advice, FISH makes it easy to discover services that fit your family’s needs

Healthier Together – an NHS resource for parents, offering clear, expert-backed advice on everything from common childhood illnesses and injuries to emotional wellbeing and school readiness

More information about education in Hampshire, including 2025/26 school holiday dates, is available on the County Council’s website.