Issue - meetings

To receive a report of the Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Education and Skills.

That the Dorset Centre of Excellence Performance report be received and noted.

Reason for the decision

To ensure Cabinet are fully informed of the current DCOE performance.

The Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Education and Skills presented the performance report for the Dorset Centre of Excellence.

It was proposed by Cllr C Sutton seconded by Cllr J Andrews

Decision

That the Dorset Centre of Excellence Performance report be received and noted.

Reason for the decision

To ensure Cabinet are fully informed of the current DCOE performance.

To consider the Annual Performance Report 2024.

The Managing Director (Dorset Centre of Excellence) presented the Coombe House Annual Performance Report 2024. In addition, Board Member, L Mellor (Dorset Centre of Excellence) provided an overview of performance and activities as set out in the report.

Councillors reviewed the annual performance report and discussion was held in the following areas:

·       An overview of the broad plans to engage the young people in programmes of employability post-16 and earlier and to look at routes to employment. The school and Dorset Council officers were working in collaboration to ensure the pupils had access to the same opportunities as all other young people. This would include bringing in people to talk to the young people and learning in the community

·       The section on green credentials was welcomed

·       The achievement of value for money was important and to demonstrate that this was a sustainable and effective model for other local authorities to follow. It was noted that there was wider awareness of the offer and activities in Dorset

·       Recruitment and retention were raised, and it was noted that there were no concerns in this area

·       Clarification was being sought with the Valuation Office around the business rates liability and a challenge as to whether the organisation should be exempt as a special educational needs school

·       There was recognition of what had been achieved at the school in just two and a half years and congratulations and thanks to all involved were given.

The report was COMMENDED.