• Agenda

Minutes of Meeting of the Education, Culture and Sport Committee held in Council Chamber, Council Headquarters, Glenurquhart Road, Inverness on Thursday, 10 August 2006 at 10.30 a.m.

 

 

Mr A Anderson in the Chair

 

Business

 

An asterisk in the margin demotes a recommendation to the Council.  All decisions with no marking in the margin are delegated to the Committee.

 

Preliminaries

 

Mr J McDonald opened the meeting with prayer.

 

1.           Apologies for Absence

 

Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of Mr T Jackson, Mrs J Urquhart, Mrs M E Paterson, Mr J N Matheson, Mrs S Slimon, Rev A Glass and Rev A Sinclair.

 

2.           Successes

 

The Committee NOTED a list of recent successes, including the following, and AGREED that their congratulations be conveyed to those concerned:-

 

·         At the National Final of the Young Enterprise Scotland 2006 Company Programme:-

o       Fortrose Academy team “Zest” won the runners up prize and the Owen McGhee Quaich for Best Presentation and the Goodpractise.net national prize for best website.

o       West Coast Bands from Portree High School were awarded the National Young Enterprise Scotland Trophy for the best Press Release.

·         At the Information and Communication Technology Youth Challenge on 30 June, five former Fortrose Academy pupils called Team CommPliance were overall winners.  Transcellular, four Plockton High School pupils, won the HIE prize for Best Innovation and Design.

·         Mulbuie and Broadford Primaries had success under the Eco Schools Programme.

·         At Glenurquhart High School:-

o       Barbara Campbell, PE Teacher, represented Scotland in Archery competing in Northern Ireland in June. 

o       Iona Scott-Woodhouse, S4, had been selected for the Scottish U16 Basketball squad.

·         Wick High School 6^th Year had won £1,000 from UKAEA for school funds for a DVD they produced on future energy needs concentrating on Caithness.

·         Dornoch Academy Young Engineers Club won first prize in the Technology Challenge in the “Young Engineers Clubs Scotland” annual competition.  Special needs pupil Kevin Ferrier was also awarded a special prize of £50 and a new trophy was being arranged for him and future winners of the new competition being set up for Special Needs pupils.

·         35 Highland and Moray pupils represented North of Scotland Schools at the Scottish Inter-Area Athletics Competition in Grangemouth in June.

·         Former Inverness Royal Academy pupil Mhairi Spence won three medals in the Pentathlon at the European Championships in Hungary.

·         Highlands Inverness Library was stocking the Polish newspaper Polska Express.

·         1685 perfect attendance certificates had been sent out to pupils in session 2005/06.

·         Exam pass rates in Highland continued to exceed or equal national average with an analysis of particular trends being highlighted to Members.

·         The Highland Archive Centre’s Stage 1 application for Heritage Lottery funding had been successful with a grant of £4.3m allocated to the project.

 

3.           Recess Powers

 

The Committee NOTED that the Recess Powers granted by the Council at its meeting on 29 June 2006 had not been exercised in relation to the business of the Education, Culture and Sport Committee.

 

4.           Education Transport Appeals Committee - Membership

 

Following the death of Mrs M A MacLennan, a vacancy had arisen on the Education Transport Appeals Committee.  The City of Inverness and Area Education, Culture and Sport Committee, at its meeting on 7 August 2006, nominated Mr R Balfour to fill this vacancy. 

 

The Committee APPROVED Mr Balfour’s appointment.

 

5.           Revenue Budget 2005/06 – Un-audited Final Outturn

 

There had been circulated Report No ECS 39/06 dated 25 July 2006 by the Director of Education, Culture and Sport on the outturn for the Service for the year ended 31 March 2006.  The report showed that the non devolved sector of the Service was £0.587m overspent out of a total budget of £187,411m and there was a reduction of £1.042m in the Devolved School Management Reserve.  Both the Catering and Cleaning Trading Accounts achieved a surplus of £0.001m and £0.029m respectively.  Reasons for overspends were highlighted together with the management action taken to restrict un-necessary expenditure to off-set demand led budgetary pressures.

 

Having been informed that Rating Revaluation and VAT Tribunal Appeals were on-going, the Committee NOTED the contents of the report, in particular, the concerns expressed about the impact of increasing energy costs on school budgets and APPROVED the continuation of the policy of:-

 

                          i.            expenditure  restraint and income maximisation; and

                        ii.            off-setting demand led pressures by deliberately under-spending in other sectors.

 

6.           Revenue Budget 2006/07 - Monitoring

 

There had been circulated Report No ECS 40/06 dated 31 July 2006 by the Director of Education, Culture and Sport on Revenue Expenditure in the Education, Culture and Sport Service for the period 1 April to 30 June 2006 and the projected year end position.  Main budget pressures were being experienced in school transport, administration and Leisure Centres and the remedial action proposed was explained to Members.  Increased energy and fuel prices were also having a significant impact.

 

In discussion, additional training for Head Teachers in managing resources was suggested.  Some schools had found it necessary to use their per capita budget, earmarked for pupils’ books etc, to pay for increased energy costs.  As this could not continue, additional energy budgets had been identified for schools.

 

The Committee NOTED that a more detailed analysis of the implementation of the £6.8m savings measures required to achieve a balanced budget for 2006/07 would be brought to the Committee’s next meeting and APPROVED:-

 

                          i.            the continuing policy of financial constraint and other management action in order to achieve a balanced budgetary position by the end of the financial year; and

                        ii.            representations being made to COSLA about the impact of increased energy and fuel costs on rural Councils.

 

7.           Service Capital Programme to 2009/10 – Proposed Implementation Plan – Primary Schools, Secondary Schools and Community Learning and Leisure Facilities

 

There had been circulated Report No ECS41/06 dated 2 August 2006 by the Director of Education, Culture and Sport proposing a detailed implementation plan in respect of named primary school, secondary school and community learning and leisure facility projects for the four years from 2006/07-09/10.  The report also provided information on the review process of all Service Capital programmes required by the Budget Working Group to develop proposals for the 5^th year (2010/11).

 

The various elements of the programme and their prioritisation were explained.  Particular attention was drawn to Nairn Academy which had been programmed for a Science Laboratory upgrade but which now required additional special needs work to be carried out by August 2007.  Given the building’s nature there would be significant impact on other areas and it was proposed that the project be included in the rolling upgrade programme with works commencing in 2007 and phased through to 2009/10.  In regard to proposals for 2010/11 a report would be submitted to the Committee’s next meeting on the range of “future years” projects already agreed, taking into account the effects of carry forwards and the estimated impact of inflation on current project costings.  The flexible nature of the programme would, however, allow it to be delivered in parts but it was recognised that a change in procurement methods would be required and negotiations in this vein were already underway.

 

In discussion the following points were raised:-

 

·         the possibility for Capital programmes to be amended up until projects were legally committed;

·         the case for the inclusion of Cromarty Primary School in the programme for 2010/11;

·         the importance of not raising parents’ expectations when delays were possible and keeping communities informed of progress;

·         a more sophisticated schedule to allow Members to identify the Service which was leading a project, the current position and anticipated completion date was required;

·         the importance of maintaining existing schools to prevent deterioration;

·         the success of design and build projects;

·         to reduce costs, as well as to generate income, new schools should be able to produce their own power, through solar panels, wind generators etc; and

·         the need to be more active in encouraging renewable energy measures in PPP schools by lobbying the Scottish Executive and PPP financial agencies.

 

Thereafter, the Committee:-

 

                          i.            AGREED the currently proposed project by project sequence in respect of primary school replacements, secondary school extension and refurbishment projects, secondary school rolling upgrade programme and community learning and leisure facility projects to 2008 with the inclusion of Nairn Academy in the rolling upgrade programme with works commencing in 2007 and phased through to 2009/10; and

                        ii.            NOTED that a review of the current programme with proposals for year five (2010/11) would be presented for consideration at the Committee’s meeting on 21 September 2006.

 

8.           Capital Expenditure and Monitoring – Final Outturn 2005/06

 

There had been circulated Report No ECS 42/06 dated 3 August 2006 by the Director of Education, Culture and Sport on the final outturn for the Education, Culture and Sport Service Capital programme for financial year 2005/06 which showed an underspend of £3.810m.  Members were informed that the impact on the 2006/07 programme would be managed by a revision of the Capital Plan.

 

The Committee NOTED the content of the report and AGREED that a revised Capital Plan and Associated Monitoring Statement be submitted to the Committee’s next meeting on 21 September 2006.

 

9.           Outcome of Consultation on the Future Site of the Amalgamated Conon/Maryburgh Primary School

 

There had been circulated Report No ECS 43/06 by the Director of Education, Culture and Sport outlining the outcome of the statutory consultation undertaken to consider the proposals to build the new amalgamated school on either the existing Conon Primary School site or a site at Windsor Place, Conon Bridge.

 

Members were informed of the process followed in arriving at these two sites and were advised of the site appraisals for each.  A statutory consultation exercise had been carried out including a consultation meeting where, amongst points raised, was the safety of children walking from Maryburgh to the existing Conon Primary School site. Eight written submission had been received, a summary of their content being relayed to Members.  In relation to the Windsor Place site there were some issues in relation to its sloping nature and access.  The recommendation was therefore for the new school to be built on the existing Conon Primary School site.

 

Mrs A Maclean, the local Member, reminded Members of the background to the previous consultation leading to the amalgamation of the schools.  The Maryburgh community had carried out their own options appraisal which produced four options for investigation leading to a request for the proposed amalgamation to be deferred until the appraisal had been investigated fully.  She acknowledged that the decision to amalgamate had however been taken and the proposal now before Members related solely to the site but recognised the genuine concerns expressed by Maryburgh residents.  She asked that the condition of Maryburgh Primary School not be allowed to deteriorate further and that, at least, the worst portacabin, be replaced.  Retaining the Maryburgh Primary School building for use by the community was also sought, if the community so wished, but she asked for assurances meantime on the safety of the children going to school and the community being kept informed of a projected start date of the new school and their involvement in the school’s design.

 

Responding to points raised, the Director reiterated that a full traffic assessment would be done once a new site was confirmed and school transport provided until appropriate recommendations to improve the route had been addressed.  He assured Members the condition of the portacabins was being monitored and gave an assurance that, if required, they would be replaced.  A projected start date of the new school was November/December 2007.

 

In discussion, the need for a neutral site that would bring the communities together was acknowledged but it was accepted that all sites had now been properly surveyed and the existing Conon Primary School site was the preferred option.  However, it was important that the Maryburgh community be given an opportunity to consider the future of the former Maryburgh Primary School site.  The possible use of a capital receipt from the sale of the Maryburgh School site by the Maryburgh community was suggested but it was felt the aspirations and wishes of the community could be better accommodated through discussions between community representatives and the Service. 

 

The Committee AGREED the proposal to build the new amalgamated school on the existing Conon Primary School site and that the Service enter into consultation with the Maryburgh community on the future of the existing Maryburgh school site.

 

10.       Brae Lochaber Consultation

 

There had been circulated Report No ECS 44/06 dated 1 August 2006 by the Director of Education, Culture and Sport outlining the outcome of the statutory consultation undertaken to consider the proposals to:-

 

                          i.            amalgamate Roy Bridge and Spean Bridge Primary Schools with the provision of additional accommodation at Spean Bridge to meet possible future accommodation needs; or

                        ii.            create a new replacement Roy Bridge Primary School through a Community Initiative with subsequent lease back to the Council.

 

Speaking to the report, the Director outlined the current position of both schools in terms of school rolls, teaching staff complement and the physical nature of the buildings.  He also pointed out that Spean Bridge and Roy Bridge Primary schools were situated approximately 3 miles apart.  He detailed the advantages and disadvantages of the proposals but emphasised that the status quo was untenable in view of the current poor condition of accommodation at Roy Bridge Primary.  In relation to the proposal to amalgamate the schools at Spean Bridge, he explained the financial implications including additional accommodation to meet possible future needs and increased transport costs in the region of £20,000-£25,000.  The option to replace Roy Bridge Primary through a community initiative with subsequent lease back to the Council was innovative but he felt the proposal lacked important information and involved a significant degree of risk not only to the Council but also to the community.  Investment had already been made at Spean Bridge and he reminded Members that Best Value had to be demonstrated.  He assured Members that the Council would not lose any GAE allocation if Spean Bridge and Roy Bridge amalgamated because it was not calculated simply on the number of schools in use.  He therefore did not commend this option to Members.

 

Mr T MacLennan, local Member, referred to the enterprise and spirit of the Roy Bridge community.  He pointed out the importance of an inclusive approach with communities.  There was a clear indication from Roy Bridge that they wanted to retain a school in their area.  Despite the poor condition of the fabric of the existing building, the education provided at Roy Bridge Primary was excellent and he contended that the status quo should remain as a possible option.  There were also issues such as the community’s viability and on-going school transport costs to take into account.  The community had a proven track record of delivering projects and he lent his support to their proposal.  He questioned if Spean Bridge Primary School was big enough to accommodate the additional pupils, particularly the playground and car park.  There was also likely to be considerable housing development taking place.   In relation to their initiative the community group had taken considerable advice and were comfortable with the risks involved and that they could provide all the elements sought.  The Scottish Parliament’s Petitions Committee had also supported the proposal and he urged Members to allow Roy Bridge to be a pathfinder community. Their proposal minimised expenditure and maximised savings.

 

During the course of discussion the following views were expressed:-

 

·         the community, in recognising the Council’s financial constraints, had provided an alternative solution and its innovative approach merited further investigation;

·         the importance of supporting community views;

·         the need for the Scottish Executive and Director of Finance to confirm if “level playing field” revenue support currently granted for Public Private Partnership (PPP) projects would reduce the identified risk for the community initiative to an acceptable level and allow Best Value criteria to be met;

·         an analysis of the risks to which the Council was required before taking a decision;

·         the need to ensure that, if amalgamation was agreed, the additional accommodation at Spean Bridge Primary would not be in demountable units;

·         given the success of Gaelic Medium Pre-School provision at Roy Bridge School House it was important that any amalgamation did not prevent possible future Gaelic Medium education from being provided at Roy Bridge;

·         investigation was necessary as to how the growing level of demand for Gaelic Medium education in the areas would be met;

·         there had been no indication of financial backing from the Scottish Executive despite the Petitions Committee’s expression of support;

·         maintaining the status quo was likely to result in no improvements taking place for the next 10/15 years;

·         the need for Spean Bridge School to be a community school;

·         amalgamations had worked well in other areas of the Highlands.

 

In response to questions raised, the Director confirmed that level playing field support would reduce costs but that there was no indication from the Scottish Executive of an extension of PPPs or an introduction of Public Community Partnerships (PCPs) such as proposed by the Roy Bridge community. The risks involved in this specific project would also remain, given the lack of detail on issues surrounding the lease etc. He assured Members that the additional accommodation at Spean Bridge which, in common with other recently built Highland schools, was designed to be extended, would consist of two classrooms put in place before pupils transferred and that there was adequate external capacity. Furthermore, amalgamation would not prevent Gaelic Medium Education from being introduced at Roy Bridge given the different financial arrangements involved.

 

After further discussion, Mr A Anderson, seconded by Mr A M Millar, MOVED that the Committee recommend that the Council:-

 

                          i.            amalgamate Roy Bridge and Spean Bridge Primary Schools with effect from August 2007 with the provision of additional accommodation at Spean Bridge Primary School to meet future accommodation needs; and 

                        ii.            examine possible community uses of Roy Bridge Primary School with the Local Member and representatives of the community and prepare options for future consideration.

 

Mr T MacLennan, seconded by Mr G Rimell, moved as an AMENDMENT that the Council defer a decision to allow further investigation of the proposal but that it return to the Committee as soon as possible with the information necessary to clarify the various matters raised.

 

On a vote being taken the outcome was as follows:-

 

 

 

*       The Motion was CARRIED by 13 votes to 9.

 

11.       Consultation on Hostel Entitlement at Portree High School

 

In terms of Standing Order 13.2, Mr W Fulton had applied for and been granted a local Member vote.

 

There had been circulated Report No ECS 45/06 dated 30 July 2006 by the Director of Education, Culture and Sport outlining the outcome of the non statutory consultation undertaken regarding the proposals to remove the right of school residence provision at Portree High School pupil residence from the community of Kyleakin and the communities of Drumfearn to Calligarry in South Sleat served by the A851.  The report recommended the removal of entitlement for pupils from the Kyleakin, Drumfearn, Isle of Ornsay, Camus Cross, Teangue, Sasaig and Ferrindonald areas, but with all students with a hostel place in August 2006 being entitled to remain at the Hostel in Portree, but entitlement be retained in Armadale, Ardvasar, Calligary, Aird of Sleat, Ord, Tarskavaig and Achnacloich.

 

It was explained the same consultation process had been followed as for a statutory school closure consultation.  There had been a significant downturn in the numbers using hostel provision over the previous 15 years reflecting the preference of many that pupils remain at home.  This had been accompanied by significant development in rural secondary school provision and significant improvements in road infrastructure.  In Skye, some areas had the choice between daily travel to school and hostel places with approximately equal numbers choosing each.  The outcome of the various community consultation meetings was detailed to Members where issues surrounding quality of transport and travel times involved had been raised.  However, daily travel times compared favourably with those communities in Skye not entitled to hostel provision and to other areas in Highland where no hostel provision existed.  Benefits of hostel accommodation had also been highlighted at the meetings, namely, supervised study and access to after-school activities. 

 

In considering the matter the Skye and Lochalsh Area Committee had identified an alternative solution which was, from August 2007, for hostel entitlement to:-

 

                          i.            be removed from Ferindonald to Broadford (including Drumfearn) and Kyleakin;

                        ii.            continue in Ardvasar and Calligary as well as the other communities outlined in the non-statutory consultation paper;

                       iii.            remain for those pupils in S3-S6 from Ferindonald to Broadford, Drumfearn and Kyleakin; and

                      iv.            be withdrawn for pupils in S1-S2 from Ferindonald to Broadford, Drumfearn and Kyleakin unless the pupils had siblings residing in the hostel.

 

In discussion, the purpose of reviewing hostel entitlement if it was not for financial reasons was questioned and that the wishes expressed at the consultation meetings for the status quo to remain should be granted.  The travel times involved for some pupils gave concern bearing in mind that in some cases it also involved travelling to the pick up point and sometimes walking along ill-lit roads in bad weather.  Concerns were also expressed by Members at the substandard quality of some school transport currently provided.  In response, it was pointed out that the transport retendering exercise currently underway would address concerns at quality but that immediate action was being taken to rectify instances which had already been brought to light. 

Thereafter, Mr A Anderson, seconded by Mr A M Millar, in noting travelling times compared favourably with times pupils travel to school from other areas within Skye and Highland as a whole, MOVED:-

 

                          i.            that from July 2007 hostel entitlement be removed for pupils from the Kyleakin, Drumfearn, Isle of Ornsay, Camus Cross, Teangue, Sasaig and Ferrindonald areas; and

                        ii.            all students with a hostel place in August 2006 be entitled to remain at the Hostel in Portree for the duration of their education.

 

Mr W Fulton, seconded by Mr H Fraser, moved as an AMENDMENT to maintain the status quo.

 

On a vote being taken the outcome was as follows:-

 

 

 

Notice of

Amendment    The Motion was CARRIED by 10 votes to 9.

 

12.       Accessibility Strategy

 

There had been circulated Report No ECS 46/06 dated 17 July 2006 by the Director of Education, Culture and Sport which set out Highland Council’s Accessibility Strategy for the three year period 2006-2009 and which complemented the Children’s Services Plan For Highland’s Children 2.  It aimed to provide continuity of improvement in services following on from the initial Strategy established in 2003.  Members were reminded that the Education (Disability Strategies and Pupils’ Records)(Scotland) Act 2002 placed a duty on education providers to produce accessibility strategies to plan for, and improve, access to education and associated services for pupils with a disability.

 

The value of investing in accessibility was recognised.  While some measures involved significant costs others, such as “Quiet Rooms”, benefited not only those pupils with autism but the whole school and involved relatively small costs.  Experience in removing barriers to accessing learning was being transferred across the curriculum and expertise shared through staff development and training.   

 

The Committee AGREED to adopt the strategy and its circulation to all education establishments and key partners.

 

13.       Extension of High Life Scheme

 

There had been circulated Report No ECS 47/06 dated 25 July 2006 by the Director of Education, Culture and Sport updating Members on the operation of the Council’s High Life Leisure Scheme and outlined the proposed extension of the Scheme.

 

Since its introduction customer usage of High Life facilities had increased dramatically and, as a result, four community operated leisure facilities had opted to join.  Four more independently operated facilities, namely Inverness Leisure, Culloden Academy Community Complex, Lochaber and Lochalsh Leisure Centres, now wished to join but had requested guarantees against losses associated with the Scheme’s introduction.  A risk analysis had been undertaken which showed either low or minimal risk although, in the case of Lochalsh Leisure, further investigation was needed.

 

After discussion, where the pricing regime and analysis of users were raised, the Committee NOTED that the assessed risks associated with implementing High Life were low and AGREED:-

 

                          i.            to High Life being implemented at Inverness Leisure, Culloden Academy Community Complex and Lochaber Leisure Centre within the current financial year;

                        ii.            in principle to Lochalsh Leisure Centre joining High Life and that the final acceptance be delegated to the Director of  Education, Culture and Sport following further discussions; and

                       iii.            guarantees against loss attributable to the implementation of High Life at the two independent facilities (Inverness Leisure and Lochalsh Leisure Centre) subject to recommendation (ii) above.

 

14.       Minutes of Meeting

 

The Committee NOTED the Minute of Education Transport Appeal of 28 July 2006. 

 

The meeting ended at 3.05 p.m., the Committee having adjourned for lunch at 1.40 p.m. and the meeting having resumed at 2.25 p.m.