Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Chair of the Board.

The Chair of the Board introduced 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 report included progress made in relation to governance, leadership, staffing, estate, community use and finance.

In presenting the report it was noted that work was being undertaken with the children to choose subjects to assist with life beyond school, noted that bespoke solutions could be put in place where required, links being made with parents and the local community and thought being given to the creation of a group of schools with similar characteristics, for the purpose of making comparisons in areas such as attendance and key performance indicators.

Councillors considered the report and discussion was focused on the following areas:

·       Recruitment issues were considered and there was confidence in the position with staffing levels for September

·       It was noted that there had been no use of agency staff and that cover was being provided by teachers

·       In response to a question regarding the potential use of part of a building on site as a gym, it was noted that there was a current issue with regard to the application of business rates and that the board was engaging with Dorset Council and relevant professionals to consider the issues and options.

The report was NOTED.