The go ahead has been given for the long-term renewal of the Island’s successful children’s services partnership with Hampshire.
An extension of the existing 5-year link with Hampshire was approved by the council’s Cabinet on Thursday night.
The key partnership has brought major improvements to education and children’s social care on the Island – including in exam results, Ofsted ratings for schools, and in social care standards.
Councillor Paul Brading, Cabinet member for Children’s Services said:
“This partnership has been absolutely vital for the children and young people of the Island and their families – and has given us access to a far wider range of knowledge, expertise and support.
“The decision to renew it was an easy one to make, with much evidence available of how it has worked in so many areas to help turn around our education and children’s services.
“It’s continuation is at the very heart of the Conservative administration’s pledge to deliver education excellence for our young people, as well as ensuring they can grow up in a safe and happy environment.”
The renewal is also subject to Hampshire County Council agreement, and Councillor Brading confirmed that full discussions have been had with Hampshire leaders and an equivalent decision is expected early in the New Year.
The partnership with Hampshire was created in 2013 after the government stepped in and ordered improvements to children’s safeguarding and education services on the Island. The ‘ministerial direction’ from the government currently remains in place until June 2018.
It costs the council £1.3 million a year for the wide range of support from Hampshire, and it is estimated it has given £4.3 million of savings to children’s services between 2014 and 2016.
