'It's an opportunity to build and improve the areas that aren't so good'  says an Island councillor reacting to news that children's services could revert to Isle of Wight Council control or be run by a new partnership.

Last week, in a shock announcement, Hampshire County Council said it plans to end its decade-old arrangement with the Isle of Wight Council.

Hampshire County Council said the move was partially down to funding pressures and growing demand.

It has been running children's social care, school place planning, admissions and special educational needs support, after the Island's services were ranked by Ofsted to be inadequate.

Cllr Richard Quigley, the IW Council's children's services, education and skills scrutiny committee chair, said the Island has a lot to thank Hampshire for.

He said he was personally grateful for the tireless work of officers to make the necessary improvements, adding the end of the partnership is a sign of funding pressures on all councils to manage statutory services, due to lack of government funding.

Cllr Quigley said the announcement represents an opportunity to build on the excellent work already done and to improve areas that aren't so good like the special education needs provision.

Cllr Suzie Ellis, leader of the Conservative group, said it is a key issue and vital decisions made in the coming months will need to be carefully considered, including being prepared to take difficult decisions when needed.

She said it will be an opportunity to take a wider look at the way the Island provides its services and examine the benefits of running them as an authority instead of partnerships with mainland authorities.

Cllr Andrew Garratt, leader of the Liberal Democrats councillors, said there will now need to be a smooth transition and a chance for the Island to look at how it can deliver services firmly under its own control, which supports the capabilities and life chances of Island children with the excellent staff the council has.

A joint council statement said the Island is in a secure position, standards have improved and the Island's overall leadership of children's services has strengthened, resulting in a 'good' Ofsted outcome.