Minutes of Meeting of the Education, Culture and Sport Committee held in the Council Chamber, Council Headquarters, Glenurquhart Road, Inverness on Thursday, 7 August 2008 at 10.30 a.m.
Present
Mr W Fernie, Mr A M Millar, Ms L Munro, Lady M Thurso, Ms K MacNab, Mrs I Campbell, Dr A Sinclair, Mrs J Urquhart, Ms M Smith, Mr C Fraser, Mr E Hunter, Mr D Hendry, Mr H Wood, Mrs E McAllister, Mr K MacLeod, Mr R A C Balfour, Mr L Fraser, Mr A S Park, Ms J Douglas, Dr M E M Foxley, Mr B Gormley, Rev A Glass, Miss G Slider
Non-Members also present:
Mr D MacKay, Mr J Rosie, Mr J McGillivray, Mr W Ross, Mr R Durham, Mr A Rhind, Mrs A MacLean, Dr D Alston, Mr H Fraser, Mr J Laing, Mr I Renwick, Mr J Gray, Mr D Fallows
In Attendance:
Mr H Fraser, Director of Education, Culture and Sport
Mr D MacDonald, Head of Education Services, Education, Culture and Sport
Mr R MacKenzie, Head of Support Services, Education, Culture and Sport
Mr I Murray, Head of Community Learning and Leisure, Education, Culture and Sport
Mr B Hemming, Estate Strategy Manager, Education, Culture and Sport
Mr C Phillips, Lifelong Learning Manager, Education, Culture and Sport
Mr S Iliffe, Senior Manager (Additional Support Needs), Education, Culture and Sport
Mr L Young, Senior Education Officer, Education, Culture and Sport
Mr R Campbell, Principal Projects Manager, Housing and Property Service
Mr J Allison, Principal Administrator, Chief Executive’s Office
Miss J Maclennan, Committee Administrator, Chief Executive’s Office
Mr W Fernie in the Chair
Business
An asterisk in the margin denotes a recommendation to the Council. All decisions with no marking in the margin are delegated to the Committee.
Preliminaries
Rev A Glass opened the meeting with prayer.
1. Apologies for Absence
Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of Mrs D MacKay, Mrs M E Paterson and Mr J MacDonald.
2. Successes
Having been also informed that the Fedex Global Impact Award had been given to Fortrose Academy Young Enterprise Team and that Highland pupils continued to perform above average in the SQA examinations, the Committee NOTED a circulated list of recent Successes in the Education, Culture and Sport Service.
3. Recess Powers
The Committee NOTED that the Recess Powers granted by the Council at its meeting on 26 June 2008 had not been exercised in relation to the business of the Education, Culture and Sport Committee.
4. Revenue Budget
There had been circulated the following reports on Revenue Expenditure:-
a) Revenue Budget - Unaudited Outturn 2007/08
Report No ECS-29-08 by the Director of Education, Culture and Sport which set out the unaudited Revenue Budget outturn position for the Education, Culture and Sport Service for the year ended 31 March 2008. The net expenditure position for the non-devolved sectors of the budget at the end of the financial year was £0.077m underspent while, under the terms of the Devolved School Management scheme, schools had carried forward a total surplus of £1.110m. Surpluses of £0.051m and £0.111m were also achieved on the Catering and Cleaning Trading Accounts respectively.
The Committee NOTED the unaudited 2007/08 Revenue Budget outturn position.
b) Revenue Budget - Monitoring 2008/09
Report No ECS-30-08 by the Director of Education, Culture and Sport which set out the Revenue Budget monitoring position for the period 1 April 2008 to 30 June 2008 and which showed, at this early stage of the financial year, the projected net expenditure as being on target. The report highlighted areas of the budget which would be under pressure and the actions proposed to address this.
The Committee NOTED:-
i. that the Revenue Budget was under pressure; and
ii. the corrective management actions that had already been taken.
5. Capital Expenditure – Unaudited Outturn 2007/08 and Monitoring
2008/09
There had been circulated Report No ECS-31-08 by the Director of Education, Culture and Sport setting out the unaudited Capital outturn position for 2007/08 which showed an underspend of £8.345m. The reasons for the slippage were explained and it was confirmed that the funding remained within the Service and was committed to projects during 2008/09 and future financial years. The monitoring position on the 2008/09 Capital Expenditure Budget for the 3 months to the end of June 2008 was also provided and had been based on the indicative capital allocations agreed by the Council on 26 June 2008 and the proposals contained the revised Capital programme.
The Committee NOTED the report.
6. Capital Programme to Financial Year 2011/12
There had been circulated Report No ECS-32-08 by the Director of Education, Culture and Sport setting out a proposed Education, Culture and Sport Service Capital Booklet for the period 2008/09 to 2011/12 taking account of the indicative allocations agreed by the Council on 26 June 2008. At its meeting on 4 September 2008, the Council would consider a revised capital programme following consideration by Strategic Committees. It was emphasised that the report only gave an update on the existing Capital Programme covering the 4 year period to the end of the current plan. It was recognised there was a need to develop a 5-10 year plan and this would take place over the coming months.
The main changes to the programme were explained and specific detail relating to the recommendations was provided. Particular attention was drawn to Aviemore and Maryburgh/Conon Primary Schools where, Members were reminded, a decision was to be made as to which one would progress first when the state of readiness of each project was known. The proposal in the Capital Programme was for Aviemore Primary to proceed, as it was now sufficiently advanced, and to carry out a detailed appraisal for Maryburgh/Conon Primary School to determine the best educational option.
Amongst the points raised in discussion, were the following:-
- The progression of Aviemore Primary, incorporating an innovative and
sustainable design, was welcomed, particularly given its location in the
Cairngorms National Park.
- The options appraisal for Maryburgh/Conon Primary School had to be
completed as soon as possible.
- Member input into forward capital programming was vital.
- To assist Member involvement, the identification of Project Managers for specific schemes was requested.
- Work on the Capital Plan had to commence as soon as possible and the Estates Strategy Plan had to be kept up-to-date.
- Procurement methods were to be considered in detail together with how current opportunities in the construction industry could be maximised.
- Lessons learnt in the building of Acharacle Primary School be transferred to other projects.
- A presentation to Members on the sustainable and ecological elements of Acharacle Primary was requested.
- It was important to commence the consultation on the replacement of St Duthus Special School, Tain as soon as possible.
- There was a need to allocate sufficient resources for major fabric
improvements.
- Officers should investigate the possibility of a modular build at Roy Bridge Primary School.
- Concerns in relation to specific projects were also raised, namely, Tain Royal Academy and Wick High School. However, it was pointed out that the Capital Plan under consideration related to projects currently in the Programme to Financial Year 2011/12 and any expenditure other than that detailed in the current programme would have be considered as part of a longer term view.
Thereafter, the Committee AGREED:-
i. the proposed Education, Culture and Sport Capital Programme for 2008-
2012 outlined in the report which would then be considered by the
Council on 4 September 2008;
ii. the completion of an options appraisal exercise in relation to Maryburgh
and Conon Primary Schools within a 4 month period to provide Members
with options of how this project could be progressed;
iii. an annual allocation for Major Fabric Improvement projects as outlined in
the report;
iv. a report be submitted to a future meeting of the Committee introducing
a reporting framework to Members and how they could participate in
the prioritisation process of projects;
v. Members be provided with the names of the Project Managers allocated
to each development;
vi. Members be provided with an update at a future meeting on how the
sustainable innovations used to build Acharacle Primary could be
incorporated into the design of proposed new schools; and
vii. to progress a series of detailed asset reviews to inform future investment
planning beginning with Additional Support Needs provision in the eastern
sea-board area.
7. Brora Primary School Teaching Entitlement 2008/09
There had been circulated Report No ECS-33-08 by the Director of Education, Culture and Sport setting out the background to the teaching staffing position at Brora Primary School and seeking approval for the teaching allocation to be based on the formula contained within the current scheme of Devolved School Management.
To ensure fairness in the management of resources, it was accepted that the formula in place had to be adhered to. However, given that a similar issue had arisen elsewhere, Members felt that the Council should revisit how it communicated with the public.
The Committee AGREED:-
i. that the teaching allocation for Brora Primary School be based on the
formula contained within the current scheme of Devolved School
Management; and
ii. to address communication and community engagement.
8. Proposal to Develop a Stand-alone Gaelic Primary School for
Greater Fort William
There had been circulated Report No ECS-34-08 by the Director of Education, Culture and Sport setting out, for approval, a consultation paper on the proposal to develop a stand-alone Gaelic Primary School for Greater Fort William. Speaking to the report, the Director detailed a number of proposed amendments. Members were reminded that at its last meeting the Education, Culture and Sport Committee had remitted to the Gaelic Committee the preparation of the terms of a draft consultation paper.
Reference was made to the proposal to adapt existing buildings, namely, Camaghael Hostel but a clearer indication was required as to its proposed use by Lochaber High School during the High School’s renovations. Concern was also raised at the proposal to enter into any campus arrangement with an English Medium primary with shared common facilities as some felt, with the exception of playing fields, that this was impractical. The benefits of bilingualism were considerable and while the previous Scottish Office research confirmed this, a more detailed up-to-date review of the status of Gaelic Medium education was necessary. The advantages and disadvantages of providing stand-alone Gaelic Medium schools were raised but it was premature at this stage and would be explored once the outcome of the consultation was known. However, the development of integrated Gaelic Medium Units within schools, such as Millbank Primary, was highlighted and it would be beneficial to consider how well it was progressing.
The Committee AGREED:-
i. to the terms of the consultation paper subject to the following changes:-
- projected rolls for 3 and 4 year old Nursery provision being included in the table detailing Fort William RC Primary’s projected roll
- the amendment of the wording of Section 5iii, sentence 2 to read “Both schools might share common facilities……”
- the inclusion of additional wording to Section 5 (Consequences of
Possible Courses of Action – Staffing Implications), paragraph 1, sentence 1 to read “It would be necessary to appoint a Head Teacher and other promoted posts”.
ii. that the consultation paper be issued in accordance with the Authority’s
agreed procedure to meet the relevant statutory requirements;
iii. the outcome of the consultation be considered at the meeting of the
Education, Culture and Sport Committee on 13 November 2008;
iv. that there be an indication of the use of Camaghael Hostel, Fort William
by Lochaber High School;
v. in view of the length of time since the Johnstone Report had been
commissioned by the then Scottish Office in 1999, the Scottish
Government be asked to review the national status of Gaelic Medium
education;
vi. a report be submitted to the Gaelic Committee on the operation of the
integrated Gaelic Medium Unit in Millbank Primary, Nairn.
9. Proposal to Develop a Stand-alone Gaelic Primary School for
Portree and Communities Currently Served by the Gaelic Medium
Provision in Portree Primary School, Isle of Skye
There had been circulated Report No ECS-35-08 by the Director of Education, Culture and Sport setting out, for approval, a consultation paper on the proposal to develop a stand-alone Gaelic Primary School for Portree and communities currently served by the Gaelic Medium provision in Portree Primary School, Isle of Skye. As with the previous item, the Director detailed a number of proposed amendments. Members were again reminded that at its last meeting the Education, Culture and Sport Committee had remitted to the Gaelic Committee the preparation of the terms of a draft consultation paper.
In welcoming the broad public consultation, the Committee AGREED:-
i. to the terms of the consultation paper subject to the following changes:-
projected rolls for 3 and 4 year old Nursery provision being included in the table detailing Portree Primary’s projected English and Gaelic Medium rolls
the inclusion of additional wording to Section 5 (Consequences of
Possible Courses of Action – Staffing Implications), paragraph 1, sentence 1 so it reads “It would be necessary to appoint a Head Teacher and other promoted posts”.
ii. the consultation paper be issued in accordance with the Authority’s
agreed procedure to meet the relevant statutory requirements; and
iii. the outcome of the consultation be considered at the meeting of the
Education, Culture and Sport Committee on 13 November 2008.
10. A Curriculum for Excellence – 16+ Learning Choices
There had been circulated Report No ECS-36-08 by the Director of Education, Culture and Sport informing Members of a new development in relation to supporting young people in their transition from school to employment, education and training. This development built on the work undertaken on the original Highland “Not in Education, Employment or Training” Strategy now entitled More Choices, More Chances.
The integrated approach and the move towards ensuring equality of access were welcomed. In particular, it was important to treat these young people as adults to equip them better to deal with life once they left school. Additional instruction in social and life skills would prepare them for the future and assist them in becoming effective contributors to society.
The Committee NOTED the development of 16+ Learning Choices and AGREED:-
i. to confirm the arrangements for a secure partnership of key services and
agencies;
ii. to commission appropriate additional provision for young people through
Fairer Scotland Funding; and
iii. that Personal and Social Development classes in schools include social and
life skills to help prepare young people for life after they left school.
11. Highland Archive Strategy
There had been circulated Report No ECS-37-08 by the Director of Education, Culture and Sport detailing progress towards implementation of the Highland Archive Strategy and the delivery of the Programme for Administration commitment.
It was vital that good links were forged between the spokes, both now and in the future, and that staff were prepared to work within other sectors of the hubs and spokes. Members sought an assurance that they would be kept informed of the collections which would form part of the various spokes and they urged that every effort be made to encourage the return of relevant archives to the Highlands. In so doing, it was important to promote the Highland Archive and Registration Centre to the public and to provide good public access.
The Committee NOTED progress towards:-
i. the delivery of the Highland Archive Strategy and the delivery of the
Programme for Administration commitment;
ii. the review of the Council’s Records Management Strategy;
and AGREED:-
iii. a report on the Records Management Strategy be submitted to a
subsequent meeting of the Committee;
iv. arrangements be progressed for ceremonies at appropriate times to mark
the topping out of the Highland Archive and Registration Centre;
v. investigations be made as to how the 2009 International History
Conference, to be held in Eden Court in October 2009, could be linked to
the Highland Archive and Registration Centre;
vi. to ensure that the good links that existed within the Archive Service were
maintained and developed;
vii. Members be kept informed of the content of the archive within their
area;
viii. strenuous efforts be made to ensure relevant Highland collections were
deposited with the Archive Service; and
ix. arrangements be progressed to implement the final stage of the staffing
structure detailed in the contract with the Heritage Lottery Fund.
12. Funding of Additional Support for Learning
There had been circulated Report No ECS-38-08 by the Director of Education, Culture and Sport setting out the legislative and policy background to the Council’s provision of Additional Support for Learners (ASL), giving an overview of the budget and describing the factors which drove the allocation of resources. It described the work done to date to ensure that resources were appropriately targeted and managed and set out proposals for the next phases of budget review and targeting.
The Committee AGREED the proposals set out in the report, namely to:-
i. implement the next stage of phased resource transfer between Areas
based on the ASL budget model for financial year 2009/10;
ii. begin devolving Inclusion and Better Behaviour Better Learning (BBBL)
funding to Areas, in proportions generated by the ASL Budget model for
financial year 2009/10;
iii. review and adjust the amount of BBBL funding each school received
using the ASL budget model for financial year 2009/10;
iv. review the Additional Support Needs element of the Devolved School
Management formula so that it more accurately reflected pupil numbers in
secondary schools, with effect from April 2009;
v. review annually, with effect from April 2009, the proportion of available
funding delegated to individual secondary schools using the ASL budget
model and adjust the amounts which individual schools received in
accordance with the outcomes of the budget model;
vi. delegate to secondary schools, with effect from August 2009, the
element of funding held at Area level for special bases and facilities in
secondary schools, the continuing need for those facilities being reviewed
annually by Area Education Officers; and
vii. retain some centrally managed contingency funding.
13. Health Education – Guidance on Use of Outside Agencies
There had been circulated Report No ECS-39-08 by the Director of Education, Culture and Sport proposing guidelines for the use of outside agencies in the delivery of Health topics in schools and youth work settings.
The Committee AGREED the Health Education - Guidance on Use of Outside Agencies (i.e. other than those from the Highland Council and NHS Highland).
14. Minutes of Meetings
There had been circulated, and APPROVED, the following Minutes of Meetings:-
i. Local Negotiating Committee for Teaching Staff held on 24 June 2008 ;
and
ii. Sport and Activity Working Group held on 25 June 2008 2008.
The Meeting ended at 1.25 p.m.