Issue - meetings

To consider the report.

The Chairman of the Board of Directors introduced the report which set out the progress made by the company since the previous meeting.

The Chairman thanked Mr Comfort and the team for their report and welcomed the Chair of the Board’s comment relating to the inclusion of comments from students and their parents at the next committee meeting. He added that he regularly received positive feedback on the work done by the school in terms of outcomes and experiences of pupils, but also in relation to the provision of the swimming pool and the positive effect that it was having on the community.

For the sake of transparency, Cllr J Somper declared that her husband was a user of the on-site swimming pool.

Board Members in attendance and Officers responded to Members’ comments and requests for clarification, details included:

• Staff turnover had reduced over the past 12 months and the school was focussed on securing the best people for the school and ensuring that they remain there, feeling part of something special. Looking after the wellbeing of employees was a strong focus. The school had also recently undertaken a very successful recruitment drive, during which it appointed 13 members of staff, all of which were performing well.
• The school was continuing to review its recruitment strategy to ensure that it was seen to be an attractive employer. Significant growth was expected with the school over the next few years, particularly in September 2024, and so a timeline was being strategized.
• The school was looking at developing a strategy to attract staff from outside the local area, if required including relocation packages if required and how it could market to and attract applicants from further afield than Dorset as the school grew and popularity. Training was a huge priority, particularly in terms of induction of new staff – the recent cohort of new starters had given good feedback on the quality of the induction programme that they had received. Further to this, the school had a comprehensive training plan to ensure that all staff had the ability to progress their development.
• The company was not ready to discuss the timeline in relation to the proposed residential care home provision at this point, as there were still a number of matters to address, but there was a strong desire to ensure that such provision could be offered and it was hoped that update could be given at the next meeting of the Committee.

The Chairman commended the work that had been undertaken by the company in terms of the progress made and its future ambitions, before highlighting his continued support.

DECISION

1. That the report be noted

That the company be allowed to file abridged reports to companies house, as per the request in paragraphs 7.1 and 7.2 of the report