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The Shareholder Committee for the Dorset Centre of Excellence (DCOE) - Monday, 10th June, 2024 10.00 am

June 10, 2024 View on council website  Watch video of meeting or read trancript
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Summary

The Shareholder Committee for the Dorset Centre of Excellence (DCOE) of Dorset Council met on Monday 10 June 2024. The meeting focused on the Dorset Council's Commissioning Report and an update from the Chair of the Board of Directors. Key topics included recruitment and retention, pupil growth, and the development of community and commercial activities.

Dorset Council's Commissioning Report

Claire Webb, Strategic Commissioner for Education, presented the Dorset Council Commissioning Report. The report provided an overview of the year's commissioning activities, highlighting steady progress in recruitment and retention. Webb noted a significant increase in pupil numbers expected from September and assured the committee that steps were in place to recruit quality teachers and retain them through a robust learning development offer.

Webb also discussed the school's performance data, stating there were no issues to flag. She emphasised the importance of personalised responses to each pupil, mentioning detailed reviews conducted with the head teacher. The school is on track to meet its commissioning agreement around pupil numbers and has broadened its learning offer to include forest school approaches and community-based activities. Community use of the pool has been well-received, and independent financial auditors have been appointed to review the company's accounts.

The enhanced cooperation agreement remains in place, focusing on growth and enhanced contract management. Webb mentioned a review of this agreement, with findings to be reported in the autumn. She assured that robust contract management arrangements would continue regardless of the agreement's status.

Chair of the Board Update

Ian Comfort, Chair of the Board of Directors, along with Managing Director Andy Holder and other board members, provided an update on the Chair of the Board Update. Holder highlighted the focus on growth, particularly the significant increase in pupil and staff numbers expected by September 2024. He assured the committee that transition arrangements for new pupils and staff were in place and being carefully managed.

Holder also discussed the development of therapeutic environments within the school, which have received positive feedback. He emphasised the importance of stable leadership and mentioned the use of independent consultants to ensure the school's progress.

Lesley Miller, a director and Chair of Dorset Parent Carer Council, spoke about the positive feedback from parents and the strong working relationship between the school and children's services. She highlighted the importance of community engagement and the school's efforts to involve local families.

Comfort mentioned the ongoing commercial activities, including the successful community swimming sessions and plans for residential social care provision. He noted an issue with business rates, which is currently under appeal, and assured the committee that the school's financial performance was ahead of budget expectations.

Councillor Questions

Councillor Andrew Parry raised concerns about the culture of inclusion at Coombe House School, to which Webb responded by praising the school's personalised approach and its success in integrating previously excluded pupils. Councillor Taylor inquired about the readiness of the school for the September intake, and Webb assured that contingency plans were in place.

Councillor Clare Sutton asked about the pupil numbers and recruitment plans, and Holder confirmed that the school was on track to meet its targets. Councillor Richard Biggs questioned the contract management process, and Webb explained the robust arrangements in place, including regular meetings and performance reviews.

Community and Commercial Activities

Councillor Ryan Hope expressed interest in the community and commercial activities, seeking reassurance that community use would not be overshadowed by commercial interests. Comfort and Miller assured that community engagement was a priority, with various activities and partnerships in place.

Councillor Taylor asked about the environmental impact of the school's building projects. Holder mentioned that the council-led projects were considering carbon credentials, and Webb promised a fuller response on the matter.

Forward Plan and Urgent Items

The Draft Forward Plan was received and noted without further comments. There were no urgent items or exempt business to report.

For more details, you can refer to the Agenda frontsheet and the Public reports pack.

Attendees

Councillor Nick Ireland
Councillor Richard Biggs
Councillor Ryan Hope
Ian Comfort
Kate Critchel
Susan Dallison
Alice Deacon
Aidan Dunn
Grace Evans
Chris Harrod
Andrew Holder
Theresa Leavy
Jennifer Lowis
Jonathan Mair
Matt Prosser
Claire Webb
Profile image for Councillor Clare Sutton
Councillor Clare Sutton  Green Party •  Rodwell and Wyke
Councillor Gill Taylor