Issue - meetings

To consider the report.

There is a confidential Appendix A associated with this report which is set out below at item 11 in the agenda.

The Chairman of the Board of Directors presented the report which provided an update on the current situation at the Dorset Centre of Excellence (“the Company”) and the Coombe House School (“The School”).

The Managing Director of the Company confirmed that the school continued to work well.  Growth targets were on track and the school was approaching its biggest challenge in terms of numbers of staff and pupils in September.  The Leadership structure was continuing to develop to ensure that all needs were met and that the school would be ready for the September increase in pupil number.

He continued that the school council was now well established, allowing pupil voice to be more effectively captured and acted upon. Some of this feedback was also set out in the report for members information.

In terms of commercial activity, the community swimming was going from strength to strength with further sessions added.  Plans were underway for residential facilities, and this was set out in the exempt appendix “Business Plan”.

The Chair of Finance, Audit and Risk Committee reported on the progress of the Business Plan including developing greater clarity over certain elements between cost and income base. Good progress had also been made of the lease and commissioning agreement and the Company was performing ahead of its budget and business plan.

The Managing Director also reported on engagement feedback and data. In summarising, the Chairman of the Board took this opportunity to thank officers for the support that they provided to the Company.

Members welcomed the parent and carer feedback and the progress that was being made by the Company.

The contents of the report was received and noted.