Minutes of Meeting of the Education, Culture and Sport Committee held in the Council Chamber, Council Headquarters, Glenurquhart Road, Inverness on Thursday, 13 November 2008 at 10.30 a.m.
Present:
Mr W Fernie, Mr A M Millar, Ms L Munro, Ms K MacNab, Mrs D MacKay, Mrs I Campbell, Dr A Sinclair, Mrs J Urquhart, Ms M Smith, Mr M Finlayson, Mrs M E Paterson, Mr C Fraser, Mr E Hunter, Mr D Hendry, Mr H Wood, Mr K MacLeod, Mr R A C Balfour, Mr L Fraser, Mr A S Park, Ms J Douglas, Dr M E M Foxley
Non-Members also present:
Mr G Farlow, Mr J Rosie, Mr G Smith, Mr J McGillivray, Mr R Durham, Mr A Torrance, Mr A Rhind, Mrs A MacLean, Dr D Alston, Mr B Barclay, Mrs I McCallum, Mr H Fraser, Mr I Renwick, Mr B Clark, Mrs J Campbell, Mr P Corbett, Mr R Pederson, 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 G Watson, Community Development Manager, Education, Culture and Sport
Mr T McCulloch, Quality Improvement Manager, Education, Culture and Sport
Mrs B Dunthorne, Finance Manager, Finance Service
Ms E Johnston, Policy Officer, Education, Culture and Sport
Mr A Clark, Active Schools Manager, Education, Culture and Sport
Mr J Warde, Principal Facilities Manager, Education, Culture and Sport
Mr L Young, Senior Education Officer, Education, Culture and Sport
Ms L Jones, Health Promoting Schools Manager, Education, Culture and Sport
Mr J Allison, Principal Administrator, Chief Executive’s Office
Miss J Maclennan, Committee Administrator, Chief Executive’s Office
Also in Attendance:
Professor J Hunter, Director, UHI Centre for History
Mr R Houston, Highland Football Academy
Mr P Budge, Highland Football Academy
Ms F Hampton, Director, Highland 2007
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
Mrs M E Paterson opened the meeting with prayer.
1. Apologies for Absence
Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of Lady Thurso, Mrs E McAllister, Mr B Gormley, Rev A Glass, Rev D C Meredith and Rev D Kay.
2. Successes
The Committee NOTED a circulated list of recent Successes in the Education, Culture and Sport Service.
3. UHI Centre for History, Dornoch – Presentation
Professor Jim Hunter, Director of the UHI Centre for History in Dornoch made a presentation on the Centre’s progress and on future partnership opportunities between the Centre and the Highland Council. Individuals could now be educated to Honours degree level in the Highlands and Islands and, in outlining the Centre’s future plans, it would eventually be possible to study for a post-graduate Masters degree. The Centre, established in 2005, had attracted external funding in excess of £1.5m which was invested in a programme of research and teaching. It was important to publicise the opportunities available at the Centre and to broaden the age spectrum of students. The Centre was about to move to new permanent premises and there was the prospect of further collaboration with the Council on initiatives such as a local Archive centre and the 2009 Global Impact Conference.
Professor Hunter was thanked for his presentation and tribute was paid to his work in rekindling interest in Scottish history. In welcoming the developments taking place at the Centre for History, Members also recognised the opportunity it provided for developing something particularly worthwhile in Further Education in Dornoch. In addition, it highlighted the importance of giving young people the chance to learn about their own local history.
The Committee NOTED the presentation and AGREED:-
i. to support UHI’s aim in achieving full university status; and
ii. that regular updates be provided to the Committee on the Centre’s
activities and associated developments.
4. Revenue Budget 2008/09 – Monitoring
There had been circulated Report No ECS-52-08 by the Director of Education, Culture and Sport which set out the Revenue Budget monitoring position for the period 1 April 2008 to 30 September 2008 and which showed a projected overspend of £1.038m. In detailing the main pressures, it was pointed out that the significant price increases relating to energy and fuel accounted for the majority of the overspend and the corrective actions proposed to address this were detailed.
During discussion, concern was expressed that the cleaning savings target was, in some situations, having a detrimental effect. However, Members were assured that such cases were investigated thoroughly to ensure the necessary action was taken to avoid any deterioration in service.
The Committee NOTED:-
i. that where the reduction of cleaning staff exceeded the previously agreed
level of 6-10%, these situations were addressed on a case by case basis;
ii. the budget pressures outlined in the report;
and AGREED:-
iii. the corrective actions identified.
5. Capital Expenditure 2008/09 – Monitoring
There had been circulated Report No ECS-53-08 by the Director of Education, Culture and Sport on Capital Expenditure on the Education, Culture and Sport Service for the period 1 April 2008 to 30 September 2008 and projected year-end estimates based upon the Education, Culture and Sport approved Capital Programme of 7 August 2008. It also included information on Public Private Partnership Contracts and Schools curricular equipment purchases and identified a projected underspend of £0.328M and recommendations as to how to manage this position. Additional capital information was also provided on Essential School Roll Accommodation for August 2009, an adjustment to the income receipt associated with Nairn Community Centre and an update on the fire at Inverness High School was given.
In discussion, issues relating to specific projects were raised. Members were informed of the intention to bring forward a report on an Investment Planning Model which would provide an objective analysis and significant progress had been made in ensuring the capital programme would be fully utilised. However, investment in those village halls being offered to communities was sought given the current poor state of the fabric of some of these buildings.
The Committee NOTED:-
i. the content of the report and, in particular, the measures being
undertaken to ensure that the 2008/09 Capital allocation was fully
committed;
ii. the works to be undertaken at Grantown Grammar School and Nairn
Academy to meet the statutory accommodation requirement of increasing
school rolls;
iii. the efforts of staff at Inverness High School and the Fire Service in
preventing what might have been a more serious fire at the school;
and AGREED:-
iv. to give consideration to improving the fabric of those village halls currently being offered to communities.
6. Consultation on a Proposal to Develop a Stand Alone Gaelic
Primary School for Greater Fort William
There had been circulated Report No ECS-54-08 by the Director of Education, Culture and Sport outlining the result of the statutory consultation undertaken by the Education, Culture and Sport Service regarding the proposal to develop a stand alone Gaelic Primary School for Greater Fort William.
In light of the consultation being overwhelmingly in favour of Option B, the importance of advancing bilingualism and the Highland Council’s commitment to develop stand alone Gaelic schools, the Committee AGREED:-
i. the principle of a stand alone Gaelic school for Greater Fort William (Option
B);
ii. that officers of the Council prepare an Option Paper on preferred sites for
consideration by Members;
iii. that Members and officers discuss with the Scottish Government and Bòrd
na Gàidhlig capital funding for the project; and
iv. that information on any additional running costs that might be incurred
per pupil of the new stand alone Gaelic Primary School and how it would
be met, be reported to a future meeting.
7. Consultation on a 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-55-08 by the Director of Education, Culture and Sport outlining the result of the statutory consultation undertaken by the Education, Culture and Sport Service regarding 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.
Although concern had been raised that the proposal might be divisive, Members were assured that Gaelic language and culture would continue to have a presence in Portree Primary. The proposal offered a clear opportunity to create a Gaelic Medium school to meet a demand raised by the community and would progress the aims of the Council’s Gaelic Language Plan. The potential for both the stand alone Gaelic Primary Schools for Greater Fort William and Portree to incur additional running costs was highlighted but assurances were given that these would be investigated and reported back to Committee.
In light of the consultation and the Council’s commitment to develop stand alone Gaelic schools, the Committee AGREED:-
i. the principle of a stand alone Gaelic School for Portree and communities
currently served by the Gaelic Medium Provision in Portree Primary School,
Isle of Skye (Option B);
ii. that officers of the Council prepare an Option Paper on preferred sites for
consideration by Members;
iii. that Members and officers discuss with the Scottish Government and Bòrd
na Gàidhlig capital funding for the project; and
iv. that information on any additional running costs that might be incurred per
pupil of the new stand alone Gaelic Primary School and how it would be
met, be reported to a future meeting.
8. Parliamentary Inquiry – Pathways Into Sport
There had been circulated Report No ECS-56-08 by the Director of Education, Culture and Sport proposing a response from the Highland Council to a series of questions posed by the Health and Sport Committee of the Scottish Parliament in connection with an inquiry into any barriers that people in Scotland, and young people in particular, were facing in the early stages of their participation in sport.
In commenting on the response, it was highlighted that some problems encountered by young people could be addressed by Sports Councils but whose funding had been withdrawn by Highlands and Islands Enterprise. Many young promising sportspeople faced substantial financial costs in accessing facilities which, in some instances, involved travelling considerable distances and possible sources of support had to be investigated. Other barriers could be overcome if more people were encouraged to volunteer for sport coaching, with the process made less onerous, and Head Teachers were encouraged to allow easier community use of school facilities.
The Committee APPROVED the submission of the response to the Health and Sport Committee of the Scottish Parliament and AGREED to:-
i. a proactive stance being made to encourage individuals to volunteer in
sport;
ii. support the petition to establish a fund to support talented young sports
people from remote and rural areas to compete at regional and national
level; and
iii. write to the Scottish Government seeking the reinstatement of funding
from Highlands and Islands Enterprise to Sports Councils, particularly in view
of the forthcoming Olympic and Commonwealth Games.
9. Highland Sport and Activity Strategy
There had been circulated Report No ECS-57-08 by the Director of Education, Culture and Sport outlining the work of the Sport and Activity Working Group and recommending the content of a proposed Highland Sport and Activity Strategy.
In welcoming the strategy, it was felt that if girls were to be targeted effectively to participate in sport, appropriate changing facilities had to be provided. In addition, further weight had to be placed on the benefit of cultural activities, such as dance and drama, if they were to have a meaningful part in the strategy. The local environment provided ample opportunities for people to take part in outdoor exercise and this too should be given a higher profile.
The Committee AGREED:-
i. that the Strategy should emphasise the need for providing adequate
changing facilities for girls, the importance of cultural activity in contributing
to healthy and active lifestyles and the opportunities that the Highland
environment offered for outdoor activities;
ii. the publication of a concise version of the plan supported by web-based
documents; and
iii. to delegate approval of the final document to the Director of Education,
Culture and Sport in consultation with the Chairman and Vice Chairman of
the Education, Culture and Sport Committee.
10. Sports Facility Development Planning
There had been circulated Report No ECS-58-08 by the Director of Education, Culture and Sport providing a basis for determining the priorities for future investment in community sports facilities by the Council. This would be achieved by recommending Highland-wide standards for the level of provision of facilities in Highland communities and measuring existing provision against this standard. The report provided conclusions and recommendations for priorities over the next five years given that planned priorities were a prerequisite for some other funding agencies, particularly sportscotland, to become involved as partners in a funded programme.
Members explored the report’s findings, particularly on gradings awarded to facilities in regard to the equalisation process and considerable discussion also followed, in relation to swimming pool provision, the main points of which were as follows:-
• the pressures on the Council’s capital and revenue budgets had to be
recognised;
• the proposal to allow the Black Isle Swimming Pool to approach the Council
if and when lottery and capital funding had been secured would permit the
project to proceed with its Lottery Bid;
• it was acknowledged that there was un-met demand in the Eastern Black
Isle for a swimming pool;
• an objective analysis for a need for leisure facilities in the Highlands as a
whole had been carried out;
• the recommendation that no new swimming pool provision be considered
gave the Council no flexibility to explore any new swimming pool projects if
they arose in the next five years and would block any projects backed by
considerable private investment;
• the effort of the Black Isle community over 40 years to establish a
swimming pool had to be recognised and communities encouraged to take
forward such initiatives;
• it took 30 minutes for Fortrose Academy to bus pupils to the nearest
swimming pool;
• the rural index of multiple deprivation should be taken into account when
assessing applications for funding;
• equality of provision for all pupils had to be ensured; and
• the Council had a duty to look at each project on its merits.
Thereafter, the Committee AGREED:-
i. that the principle of equalisation of sporting facilities across Integrated
Learning Communities, taking into account population and travel times, be
adopted;
ii. the five year priority list;
iii. that meetings should be held with Ward Members, if required, and with
partner organisations to discuss external funding and that progress reports
be brought to future meetings of the Education, Culture and Sport
Committee; and
iv. that further work be undertaken to determine the full costs of
equalisation and that progress reports on this also be brought to future
meetings of the Education, Culture and Sport Committee.
In relation to swimming pool provision, Mr W Fernie, seconded by Mr H Wood, MOVED that the recommendation which proposed no new pools for the next five years be removed and, in light of the significant support and fundraising effort for a Black Isle Swimming Pool, should the project receive Lottery and other capital funding pledges to the point where the requested Council contribution of £500,000 was the last element, the Committee would receive a future report considering the project’s capital and revenue costs in detail.
As an AMENDMENT, Mr C Fraser, seconded by Mr D Hendry, moved that the recommendation stating that no new pool provision be brought forward as a priority in the next five years be removed.
On a vote being taken the MOTION received 15 votes and the AMENDMENT received 6 votes and the MOTION was therefore CARRIED – the votes having been cast as follows:-
For the Motion:-
Ms L Munro, Mr W Fernie, Ms K MacNab, Mrs D MacKay, Mrs I Campbell, Dr A Sinclair, Mr M Finlayson, Mrs M Paterson, Mr D Millar, Mr H Wood, Mr K MacLeod, Mr L Fraser, Mr A S Park, Ms J Douglas, Dr M E M Foxley
For the Amendment:-
Mrs J Urquhart, Ms M Smith, Mr C Frase, Mr E Hunter, Mr D Hendry, Mr R A C Balfour
11. Highland Football Academy Trust
Mrs M Paterson and Mr C Fraser declared non-financial interests in this item as Board Members of the Highland Football Academy Trust but, having applied the test outlined in Paragraph 5.18 of the Councillors’ Code of Conduct, concluded that their interest did not preclude their involvement in the discussion.
There had been circulated Report No ECS-59-08 by the Director of Education, Culture and Sport on the work of the Highland Football Academy and its place in delivering the Regional Youth Action Plan for Football.
In amplification of the report, Mr Houston, Development Manager, outlined the process leading to the establishment of the Football Academy and facilities which it provided. It had been used not just for football but for a wide range of purposes including cheerleading and as a theatre venue. He also detailed the process involved in implementing the delivery of the Regional Youth Football Action Plan through encouraging participation, Player Pathways, Club Development and Coach Education and, on a more local level, working with all football interests in a given area to take stock of the game. Furthermore, football had been shown to be an effective tool for working with the less advantaged and the projects run at the Football Academy to date were listed. However, despite its success, it recognised that it faced a number of challenges in the future including reinforcing its revenue sustainability.
Having thanked Mr Houston for his presentation and the valuable work the Football Academy had achieved in Highland, the Committee NOTED the work to date and the future plans of the Highland Football Academy.
The Committee adjourned for lunch at 1.40 pm and reconvened at 2.20 pm.
12. Senior Open Golf Championship 2011
Mr A S Park declared a non-financial interest in this item as a member of Nairn Dunbar Golf Club but, having applied the test outlined in Paragraph 5.18 of the Councillors’ Code of Conduct, concluded that his interest did not preclude his involvement in the discussion.
There had been circulated Report No ECS-60-08 by the Director of Education, Culture and Sport on the proposed bid by Nairn Golf Club to host the Senior Open Golf Championship in 2011 and recommending the future commitment of £60,000 from the Highland 2007 Legacy Programme, split between financial years 2009/10 and 2010/11, to assist the Club in securing the event for the Highlands and to contribute towards the capital and revenue costs of hosting the event.
The Committee APPROVED the recommendation of the Highland 2007 Legacy Programme Central Panel to award £60,000 to Nairn Golf Club towards the costs of attracting and hosting the Senior Open Golf Championship in 2011, with the award being split as follows:-
a) £30,000 towards capital costs in 2009/10; and
b) £30,000 towards revenue costs in 2010/11.
13. E-Safety Developments
There had been circulated Report No ECS-61-08 by the Director of Education, Culture and Sport detailing the proposed developments in e-safety for young people and highlighting the main elements in e-safety to be rolled out to young people and staff within Highland and the proposals to address issues such as cyber bullying.
The Committee AGREED to the proposals for e-safety as detailed in the report, including the existence of an e-safety strategic and operational group and not a steering group as had been outlined.
14. Biometric Technologies
There had been circulated Report No ECS-62-08 by the Director of Education, Culture and Sport introducing the Scottish Government’s current consultation on biometric technologies in schools, reviewing the Council’s current position and proposing a response.
While concern was expressed at the negative message that the use of biometric technology in schools could have, it was pointed out that the Highland Council was itself committed to rolling out the non-biometric smart card.
The Committee AGREED to:-
i. confirm their general support for and adoption of the draft guidance on
biometric technologies in schools; and
ii. the suggested response to the consultation.
15. A Curriculum for Excellence – Literacy Project
There had been circulated Report No ECS-63-08 by the Director of Education, Culture and Sport on progress of The Highland Literacy Project and its central place within the development and implementation of a Curriculum for Excellence and its contribution to other Council and Scottish Government key priorities.
The Committee NOTED the key stages, progress and future development of the literacy project.
16. Class Size Reduction P1-P3 – Update
There had been circulated Report No ECS-64-08 by the Director of Education, Culture and Sport providing details of the indicative costs associated with the full implementation of the Scottish Government’s policy to move towards the introduction of maximum class sizes of 18 in P1 to P3.
While recognising the benefit of class size reduction, there were currently insufficient revenue resources to implement it. However, assurances were given that work towards achieving this aim was continuing and capital funding provided by the Scottish Government would roll forward until it could be utilised. Members would be kept informed of progress through a series of future reports which would also look at how a phased and targeted approach might be achieved.
The Committee AGREED that, given that the additional annual teaching staff costs associated with the implementation of introducing maximum class sizes of 18 in P1 to P3 was at least £3.12M plus the costs of any additional non-teaching staff required and on the basis that there was no funding provision within the current approved budget to meet those additional costs, the introduction of maximum class sizes could not be implemented at this stage but that work to assess the implications should continue to be undertaken.
17. Highland 2007 Legacy Fund Outcomes
Mr A M Millar declared a financial interest in this item as a recipient of grant funding and left the room.
There had been circulated Report No ECS-65-08 by the Director of Education, Culture and Sport informing Members of the outcome from the first funding round of the Highland 2007 Legacy Programme and seeking feedback on potential amendments to the Programme Guidelines and decision making process in advance of the second funding round in February 2009.
Having thanked the Director of Highland 2007 for the considerable work undertaken, disappointment was expressed that some projects had not been granted funding in the first funding round. A summary of proposed changes was provided to improve the guidelines and decision making process for the next funding round and this would be aided by enhanced clarity of the criteria involved being communicated to applicants.
The Committee NOTED:-
i. the high volume and quality of applications during Round 1 of the Highland
2007 Legacy Programme;
ii. that the Director of Highland 2007 would attend Ward Business Meetings,
if required, to discuss the basis of decisions of individual applications; and
iii. the decisions of the central Legacy Programme Panel.
18. Healthy Living Centres
Following the unsuccessful bid for Big Lottery Funding, there had been circulated Report No ECS-66-08 by the Director of Education, Culture and Sport on funding issues relating to Healthy Living Centres and, in light of the lack of funding sources, recommending the winding up of the work of the Janny’s Hoose, Inverness and Healthways, Ross and Cromarty, together with the resultant redeployment/redundancy of the staff involved.
Alternative sources of funding were actively being investigated which might allow the Healthy Living Centres to continue. In support of such action, Members backed a request of a letter of support being sent to the Scottish Government’s Health Minister.
Unless alternative funding could be secured for the projects, in which case the Committee would reconsider the position at its meeting on 15 January 2009, the Committee AGREED that the work of the Janny’s Hoose and Healthways Healthy Living Centres be wound up and that from the Council’s earmarked £100,000 for Healthy Living initiatives:-
i. a sum of £20,000 be retained for health promotion work;
ii. use of the remaining £80,000 be considered as part of the budget
preparations for financial year 2009/2010; and
iii. the future of the staff affected be considered in accordance with the
Council’s redeployment/redundancy policy.
19. Curriculum for Excellence Health and Wellbeing Experiences and
Outcomes Consultation – Progress Report
There had been circulated Report No ECS-67-08 by the Director of Education, Culture and Sport providing an update on progress and recommendations for agreement on the final feedback from the consultation. Highland Council was one of seven authorities in Scotland which were officially trialling the Curriculum for Excellence Health and Wellbeing Outcomes and Experiences.
The Committee AGREED that the process of approving the final report on the Highland formative feedback from the consultation process be devolved to the Director of Education, Culture and Sport in consultation with the Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Education, Culture and Sport Committee.
20. A Curriculum for Excellence – Consultation on the next
Generation of National Qualifications in Scotland
There had been circulated Report No ECS-68-08 by the Director of Education, Culture and Sport on the response to the Scottish Government’s Consultation on the next generation of National Qualifications as submitted by Officers by the closing date of 31 October 2008.
The Committee NOTED the response submitted by Officers.
21. Education, Culture and Sport Statutory Performance Indicators
2007/08
There had been circulated Report No ECS-69-08 by the Director of Education, Culture and Sport providing an analysis of the outcomes of the Statutory Performance Indicators for the Education, Culture and Sport Service for 2007/08 and highlighting the key issues arising from the 2007/08 performance data.
The Committee:-
i. NOTED the Service’s Statutory Performance Indicator outcomes for
2007/08;
ii. AGREED that a further report on the Education, Culture and Sport Service
national benchmark position for 2007/08 be submitted following the
publishing of data by Audit Scotland early in 2009; and
iii. NOTED that an annual Standards and Quality report would be published
early in 2009.
22. Highland Institute of Sport – Representation
A request had been received from the Highland Institute of Sport
requesting that the Council appoint a representative to its Board.
Members were reminded that the Highland Institute for Sport, one of six
area institutes within Scotland, provided a variety of support services for
28 performance athletes for 8 sports and had facilities throughout the
region with many local partners providing support.
* The Committee did not make an appointment to the Highland Institute
of Sport.
23. Minutes of Meetings
There had been circulated and APPROVED, the following Minutes of Meetings:-
i. the Sport and Activity Working Group (29kb) , as amended by Item 10
above, held
on 2 October 2008; and
ii. the Annual General and Ordinary Meeting of the Local Negotiating
Committee for Teaching Staff held on 8 October 2008.
The meeting ended at 3.30 p.m.