New Provider Chosen For Isle Of Wight Family Support Service

A new provider has been chosen to deliver a major family support service on the Isle of Wight, in a contract worth more than £1.5 million a year.

The identity of the successful bidder is currently confidential.

The Early Intervention and Prevention Service supports expectant parents, babies, children and young people through the Island's Family Hubs and Centres.

It provides support for children and young people aged up to 19 – or up to 25 for those with special educational needs and disabilities.

The new three-year contract will begin in April 2027, when the existing arrangement with charity Barnardo's comes to an end.

It was approved by the council's children’s services, education and skills committee following a procurement process involving seven bidders.

The contract can also be extended for up to three further one-year periods.

The decision comes after councillors raised concerns about a delay in the procurement process.

Committee chair Councillor Ros Freeman said there had been an 'oversight' which meant the matter should potentially have been brought forward in March.

She said council officers had apologised and assured her it would not happen again.

Liberal Democrat Councillor Andrew Garratt said there was a 'governance issue', but added that he accepted officers were human and had apologised.

Independent councillor Karl Love has called for greater transparency around confidential council contracts.

He said there are times when confidentiality is necessary, but councillors need to have a clear understanding of decisions being made.

The council says the procurement process produced a 'strong and competitive' response and that awarding the contract will ensure the continued delivery of early help, family support and Family Hub services from April 2027.