Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Head of Service – Health, Education and SEND Commissioning.

The Shareholder Committee received a report of the Head of Service – Health, Education and SEND Commissioning, which provided an overview of the position in relation to delivery by the Dorset Centre of Excellence (DCoE) against the commissioning agreement.

Councillors considered the issues arising from the report and during discussion, points were raised in the following areas:

·       There was a particular focus on the development of pathways for reintegration of pupils into mainstream education. Information was included in the Annual Performance Report and further information was provided at the meeting in respect of children transitioning after Year 11 and opportunities to identify children in earlier year groups for future transition into mainstream education. A key aim was to prepare children for life after education

·       Steps being taken to improve environmental impact were noted and how this could link with climate-related work being undertaken by Dorset Council, including work to reduce the carbon footprint across the council’s estate

·       Areas for improvement flagged during the recent Ofsted inspection were areas that had already been identified by the school and had the full attention of the board and leadership

·       The primary aim was to ensure the best outcomes for children attending the school

·       In response to a question, the Managing Director provided an overview of work undertaken to support the transition of pupils out of the setting. This began at an early stage and included prioritising high quality careers advice and familiarisation visits to colleges. Work was also undertaken with families within the school, in terms of setting out the pathways and ensuring it was a positive experience for children and families

·       Work continued to investigate opportunities to enable wider community use of the school site, which included considerations relating to business rates. A number of options were being looked at, with further investigation required

·       The use of some of the buildings as college provision was being considered.

The report was NOTED.