Isle of Wight children's services could be run locally again

Hampshire County Council says financial constraints and the need to concentrate on children in Hampshire are among its reasons for considering the move.

The Isle of Wight Council has thanked those involved for making the partnership a success.

Meanwhile, the Isle of Wight Council's leader, Lora Peacey-Wilcox has spoken out - saying today's news came without warning.

• Read more: 'No advance warning' over plan to end children's services partnership says leader

Isle of Wight Conservative group leader, Cllr Suzie Ellis, said: "I would like to note the progress that has been made and acknowledge the efforts of all Hampshire and Isle of Wight children’s services staff.

"It will be interesting to hear more about the reasons for Hampshire’s decision, to see if there are lessons to be learned."

How did the Isle of Wight and Hampshire partnership start?

The two councils have been working together since 2013, when Ofsted judged Island  services to be inadequate.

As a result, Hampshire County Council’s children’s services team has been running those on the Island, including social care, child protection and safeguarding, school place planning, school admissions and support for children with special education needs.

Isle of Wight Council says it has delivered positive results and in 2018, the Island's services were judged to be good by Ofsted.

Thanking the commitment of those everyone involved, an unnamed Isle of Wight Council spokesperson said: "Our success is largely due to the dedication and support of all those who work with our children and young people - staff, councillors and those in our communities. I thank them wholeheartedly for their support.

"The partnership has evolved over the years to one where the Isle of Wight can now look to the future with renewed resilience, strength and good support for local children and families.

"We will continue to work closely with colleagues across the water over the next few weeks and months in considering the proposals."

Rob Humby, Hampshire County Council leader. (Image: Hampshire County Council/Southampton Daily Echo.)

Leader of Hampshire County Council, Councillor Rob Humby said: "We are exceptionally proud of all that has been achieved.

"With the successes achieved to date, coupled with growing demand and financial pressure for children’s services in Hampshire and nationally, now feels like the right time for us to consider stepping away from the partnership.

"It would not only allow the Isle of Wight to continue taking forward its children’s services without the need for Hampshire’s input, but also enable the county council to focus even more closely on the needs of Hampshire children, moving forward."

Cllr Ellis promised her group would play a 'constructive role' in helping to shape the future of the service, calling it a key issue.

She said it was an opportunity to take a wider look at the benefits of a partnership with a mainland authority.