THE Isle of Wight Council is exploring a twelve-month 'buy-back' arrangement with Hampshire County Council, after the latter's request to end a decade-long strategic partnership in order to focus on children in its own county. 

The partnership was initiated by the Department for Education at what was a time of significant challenge for the Island’s educational provision, and its social care services for vulnerable children. 

Over time, the two authorities have worked together to improve standards in these areas.

The council says the partnership has evolved over the years to one where the Island can now look to the future with renewed resilience, strength and good support for local children and families.

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Senior councillors will consider proposals to take back overall leadership and management of all children's services functions, including education, when they meet on Thursday, September 14.

The report is recommending a bespoke 'buy-back' arrangement, initially for a period of 12 months, enabling the council to purchase specialist service support from Hampshire. 

This could be where there is a cost benefit to the Island, or where there is a national shortage in expertise.

Central to a successful transition will be the appointment of a director of children's services that has sufficient reputation and standing, and comes from a local authority which is rated Good or Outstanding by Ofsted.

The current strategic partnership costs the council around £1.64 million each year.

In addition, there is a £1.2 million annual charge for support services, such as school improvement and out of hours social work support.

The new 'in-house' structure is expected to cost the Island council around £2 million. 

Other options for the future of the service — including creating a new strategic partnership with a different organisation; creating a not-for-profit trust outside the control of the council or aligning children's services with adult social care under one directorship — are not being recommended.

Council leader and education lead, Councillor Lora Peacey-Wilcox, said: "Our first priority must be to ensure a smooth and efficient transition to whatever new partnership or arrangement is best for us going forward.

“The issue is of such fundamental importance to the future of the Island, that nothing less is appropriate.

"Today's report and recommendations are the first steps as we move forward with a new focus on how we can develop and deliver the very best solutions for children's services and education on the Island for our children’s futures.”