At a time when health services in the region are developing closer working partnerships, the Isle of Wight council is looking to terminate the decade-old strategic children’s services partnership between Hampshire and Isle of Wight councils.
News OnTheWight hears from leaders of councillor Groups in response.
Forced on the council
The partnership was forced on the Isle of Wight council (IWC) back in 2013 by the Department for Education after Children’s Services was found to be ‘Inadequate’.
The IWC was found to have failed in its statutory duties, when in June 2013 the Island has half the proportion of outstanding schools as in England as a whole and five times the proportion of schools were inadequate, with the the roll-out of the former Conservative-led council’s school re-organisation playing a part.
The partnership resulted in Isle of Wight council’s children’s social care services from ‘Inadequate’ to ‘Good’ in just six years.
Ellis: Expect to play a constructive role in helping to shape the future of the service
Councillor Suzie Ellis (Con) told News OnTheWight,
“Firstly, 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 for what they have done over many years to secure the positive results that we have seen on the Island – including our ‘good’ Ofsted judgement.
“The Conservative Group expect to play a constructive role in helping to shape the future of the service. It’s a key issue; providing our young people with the best start in life is probably the most important role of the council – and it is vital decisions made in the coming months and years are carefully considered and fully discussed. This includes being prepared to take difficult decisions, including in relation to schools, when needed.
“It will be interesting to hear more about the reasons for Hampshire’s decision to see if there are lessons to be learned, and I will be speaking to Rob Humby (HCC Leader) to understand more.
“At the same time, this may be an opportunity to take a wider look at the way we on the Island provide our services and to examine the benefits of running these ourselves as an IW authority against those of doing so in partnership with a mainland authority.”
Quigley: A sign of the funding pressures on all councils to manage statutory services
Councillor Richard Quigley (Lab) told News OnTheWight,
“The Island has a lot to thank Hampshire council for, in turning a failing children’s services into a ‘good’ service as rated by Ofsted. I am personally grateful to the officers that have worked tirelessly to make improvements.
“The end of the partnership is a sign of the funding pressures on all councils to manage statutory services, as this move by Hampshire councils doubtless made due to costs and lack of government funding.
“However, it represents an opportunity to build on the excellent work already done and improve the areas that aren’t so good, such as SEN provision. I look forward to working with the council to find the best solution.”
Garratt: A chance for IW to look at how it can deliver services firmly under its own control
Councillor Andrew Garrattt (LibDem) told News OnTheWight,
“This announcement comes as a shock. It is disappointing that it has come just two days after our Full Council when we might otherwise have been able to discuss it as a matter of urgency, and just before the summer holidays when key council staff might be away.
“Clearly there will need to be a smooth transition. Although a shock, this will be a chance for the Isle of Wight to look at how it can deliver services firmly under its own control. The Liberal Democrat Group will, of course, work with others to ensure that we develop a service that fully supports the capabilities and life chances of Island children with the excellent staff we have.”
Jarman: Children are best served by locally based support wherever possible
Councillor Chris Jarman (Empowering Islanders) told News OnTheWight,
“I welcome the relocation of the children’s services partnership responsibility back to Isle of Wight.
“We can thank those dedicated professionals that have supported our Island Children over the past 10 years, dealing with a challenging situation and during Covid.
“I’ve always believed that the children on the Isle of Wight are best served by locally based support wherever possible. Our uniqueness as an Island brings unique issues for our children and young people through education provision to apprenticeships and stable employment. It also bring social and mental health pressures arising from poverty, our demographics and lack of facilities for our youth.
“We can be comforted by the reassurance of our Chief Executive regarding transition and continuity arrangements.”
