Issue - meetings

Purpose of report

(1)  To update the Cabinet Member for Education on the progress that has been made to address the financial and structural issues at The Harbour School (THS); whilst ensuring the educational offer to pupils is maintained and enhanced.

(2)  A similar report will be presented to Schools Forum on 12^th July 2017 prior to a further report in the Autumn which will recommend that financial support is provided from the Dedicated Schools Grant to THS in order to pave the way for a transfer of THS to a Multi Academy Trust during 2018.

RECOMMENDED that the Cabinet Member notes the significant progress that has been made to address the financial and structural issues at The Harbour School and endorses the next steps that are now being taken as set out in section 4 of the report.

The report was introduced by Julia Katherine, Head of Inclusion. 

In response from a question from the Cabinet Member, Mike Stoneman, Deputy Director of Children Services - Education advised that Delta Education Trust were the preferred sponsor and they are the MAT for two other special schools in Poole and Basingstoke.

A further decision will come to the Cabinet member in the autumn to address the deficit position of the school.  

DECISION: The Cabinet Member noted the significant progress that has been made to address the financial and structural issues at The Harbour School and endorsed the next steps that are now being taken as set out in section 4 of the report.