Issue - meetings

To consider the Annual Performance Report 2025.

The Chair of the Board presented the Coombe House Annual Performance Report 2025. In addition, a number of members of the board attended the meeting to answer questions as required.

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

·       The Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Education and Skills highlighted a number of positive areas within the report which included input from the children and the emphasis on the holistic approach, with children being equipped with skills to move through life

·       In response to a question, the Managing Director provided more detail on the key stage 4 options offered at the school and it was noted that the number of courses and options offered had been widened. In order to provide the right amount of challenge, there was a careful balance made when deciding which exams children should be entered for and this included social, emotional and health considerations

·       IT and STEM skills were a growing area of the economy and this was being built into courses being made available. Links could be made with work being undertaken at the Dorset Innovation Park

·       The school was keen to support education at a wider level and already worked with the heads of other schools in the North Dorset area and was considering how this could be developed further. This could include providing outreach and sharing training and shadowing opportunities. It was noted that plans could be made in alignment with the council as part of a wider strategy and the school were open to options as to how to progress this

·       The school was registered to provide education for ages 5 up to 19, although was not operating at full range currently. This was being considered, including opportunities for sixth form provision

·       Further information on how attainment was measured, was provided and it was noted that this was being constantly developed

·       The Managing Director highlighted that the school had done more this year and had the capacity to do more and was keen to grow beyond the current capacity and offer more support to other schools

·       The report would also be included on the agenda for Cabinet in January 2026.