Agendas, reports and minutes

A meeting of the Education, Children and Adult Services Committee will take place in the Council Chamber, Council Headquarters, Glenurquhart Road, Inverness on Wednesday 12 November 2014 at 10.05 am.

Webcast Notice: This meeting will be filmed and broadcast over the Internet on the Highland Council website and will be archived and available for viewing for 12 months thereafter.

You are invited to attend the meeting and a note of the business to be considered is attached.

Yours faithfully

Michelle Morris
Depute Chief Executive/
Director of Corporate Development

Business

1. Apologies for Absence
    Leisgeulan

2. Declarations of Interest
    Foillseachaidhean Com-pàirt

Members are asked to consider whether they have an interest to declare in relation to any item on the agenda for this meeting. Any Member making a declaration of interest should indicate whether it is a financial or non-financial interest and include some information on the nature of the interest. Advice may be sought from Officers prior to the meeting taking place.

3. Membership of Sub-Committees
    Ballrachd Fho-chomataidhean

The Committee is invited to agree that Mr J Stone replace Mr M Rattray on the Culture and Leisure Contracts Scrutiny Sub-Committee.

4. Presentation: Audit Scotland Report – School Education
    Taisbeanadh: Aithisg Sgrùdadh Alba – Foghlam Sgoile

There is circulated Report No ECAS/43/14 dated 4 November 2014 by the Director of Care and Learning which provides a brief summary to introduce the Audit Scotland Report on School Education and identifies key strategies for how the recommendations of the report might be taken forward.

Ms K White, Audit Scotland, will undertake a presentation in amplification of the report.

The Committee is invited note and comment on the content of the report and endorse the measures recommended as part of a Highland Strategy.

5. NHS Highland Change and Improvement Plan
    Plana Atharrachaidh is Leasachaidh NHS na Gàidhealtachd

There is circulated Report No ECAS/44/14 dated 3 November 2014 by the Director of Adult Care, NHS Highland on behalf of Deborah Jones, Chief Operating Officer, NHS Highland which explains that a further draft of the Adult Services Change and Improvement Plan has been developed following discussion at the Education, Children and Adult Services Committee, NHS Highland’s Health and Social Care Committee and across District Operational Teams.

Parallel work continues to ensure that the Highland Partnership is compliant with the requirements of the Public Bodies (Joint Working) (Scotland) Act 2014.  In line with this, the Change and Improvement Plan will form part of the Strategic Plan as described in statutory regulations.

The Change and Improvement Plan is now available in a District format for use within District Partnerships to support progress at District level and ensure the key outcomes and associated outputs as agreed in the Partnership Agreement are being achieved.

The Committee is invited to note:-

i. the progress in developing the Adult Services Change and Improvement Plan in the context of the emerging
   legislation; and
ii. the attached draft as part of the ongoing process.

6. Revenue Budget 2014/15 - Monitoring
    Buidseat Teachd-a-steach 2014/15 – Sgrùdadh

There is circulated Report No ECAS/45/14 dated 3 November 2014 by the Director of Care and Learning which provides the Care and Learning budget monitoring position for the period to 30 September 2014 and the forecast year-end position.

The Committee is invited to:-

i. approve the monitoring statement; and
ii. note the areas of budget pressures and mitigating actions to date.

7. Report on the Status of the Care and Learning Capital Programme and Estate Management Issues
    Aithisg mu Inbhe Prògram Calpa a’ Chùraim agus an Ionnsachaidh agus Ceistean Rianachd Oighreachd

There is circulated separately Report No ECAS/46/14 dated 4 November 2014 by the Director of Care and Learning which advises on progress with the Care and Learning capital programme and budget monitoring position and seeks approval for additional funding for several projects.  The report also updates on progress with the Sustainable School Estate Review and seeks approval for recommended actions on some specific matters.

The Committee is invited to:-

i.   note the position as at the end of September 2014 for the 2014/15 capital programme as outlined in
     Paragraph 2.1 and detailed in Appendix 1 of the report;
ii.   note the status of the major projects as detailed in Paragraph 2.2 and listed in Appendix 2 of the report;
iii.  agree that the budget for the projects at St Clement’s and St Duthus Schools is increased from £3.2 million
     to £4.5 million as detailed in Paragraph 2.5 of the report;
iv.  agree to allocate funding of up to a maximum of £1.2 million across 2014/15 to 2015/16 from slippage in
     the capital programme to fund the ICT refresh for ‘category F’ schools and agree the proposed pupil:device
     ratio
     for these schools, to ensure consistency with other schools, as set out in Paragraph 2.6, Appendix 4 and
     Appendix 5 of the report;
v.  note the current position in relation to the various phases of the Sustainable School Estate Review and the
     ongoing discussions regarding Phase 4 of the Scottish Schools for the Future Programme, all as detailed in
     Section 3 of the report;
vi.  note the current position with regard to the properties on the Care and Learning residential estate as
     described in Paragraph 4.1 of the report; and
vii. agree that Achiltibuie Primary School House be declared surplus to operational requirements as described
     in Paragraph 4.2 of the report.

7a. Care and Learning Capital Programme – Wick Campus Project Update

There is circulated Report No ECAS/64/14 dated 6 November 2014 by the Director of Care and Learning which provides an update on progress with the Wick Campus project.

The Committee is invited to agree:-

i.  the extended scope of the EWC2 contract to allow the contractor to place full orders; and
ii. that officers consider further acceleration of Wick Campus Design Build Finance Maintain works into Enabling
    Works Contracts, if this is required to maintain overall project cost and programme, pending completion of
    the main Design Build Finance Maintain contract.

8. Sustainable School Estate Review – Strontian
    Ath-sgrùdadh Oighreachd Sgoile Seasmhach – Sròn an t-Sìthein

There is circulated Report No ECAS/47/14 dated 31 October 2104 by the Director of Care and Learning which explains that, on 21 May 2014, the Education, Children and Adult Services Committee agreed to proceed to statutory consultation on proposals to improve the accommodation at Strontian Primary School.  Following the statutory consultation, undertaken per the requirements of the Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010, the report sets out a final proposal and recommendation for consideration.
 
The Committee is invited to:-

i.  consider the report, the attached proposal document (Booklet 1) and the further submissions received from
    interested parties (Booklet 2 plus any additions tabled on the day of the meeting); and
ii. agree to recommend to the Council that the installation (on land close to Ardnamurchan High School) of a 2
   -classroom demountable unit, with additional accommodation, is adopted as the best option for improving
    the current accommodation at Strontian Primary School and providing flexibility in future, in particular when
    the current PPP contract comes to an end in 2027.

9. Primary School Capacity Modelling and Roll Pressures in Inverness
    Modaileadh Meud-comais Bun-sgoile agus Cuideaman Clàran-sgoile ann an Inbhir Nis

There is circulated Report No ECAS/48/14 dated 4 November 2014 by the Director of Care and Learning which advises of the work that has been undertaken in relation to establishing a consistent approach to determining the capacity of primary schools across Scotland and outlines the associated methodology that is recommended for use by Highland Council.  It also summarises the factors that need to be taken into account in relation to establishing future capital investment priorities and identifies some of the issues affecting primary school capacity Inverness and options for future consideration.

The Committee is invited to:-

i.   agree that Highland Council adopt the Scottish Government guidance on Determining Primary School
     Capacity;
ii.  agree to adopt the recommended approach described in Section 4 of the report in relation to determining
     Planning Capacity and identifying the schools that are likely to exceed this figure at any point over a 15
     year period based on the roll projections;
iii.  note that consideration may be given in future to the application of the Primary School Teaching
      Entitlements in instances where schools would be able to accommodate a higher number of pupils in a
      particular session;
iv.  note that consideration will be given to capping school rolls and refusing placing requests, where deemed
      appropriate, from January 2015 onwards;
v.   note that any short to medium term requirements for additional classes in schools will continue to be
      managed where necessary by either using general purpose areas as classrooms or providing temporary
      accommodation;
vi.  agree that work should continue in analysing the pressures affecting schools in Inverness in the future as
      part of the wider Sustainable School Estate Review in order to allow the outcomes to be taken into account
      in any future review of the Council’s capital programme;
vii.  agree that further consideration be given to the measures required in relation to the immediate pressures
      affecting Bun-sgoil Ghàidhlig Inbhir Nis as well as the longer term requirements for additional
      accommodation in order to meet the anticipated future demand for places; and
viii. note that there will be further discussion at City of Inverness Area Committee and at Ward Business
      Meetings to progress discussions on the Inverness Primary School issues.

10. Education Standards and Quality Report
      Aithisg Inbhean agus Càileachd Foghlaim

There is circulated Report No ECAS/49/14 dated 3 November 2014 by the Director of Care and Learning which provides an overview of Standards and Quality in Highland primary and secondary schools and identifies areas for improvement across the service.

The Committee is invited to note and comment on the contents of the Standards and Quality Summary Report 2013/14.

11. Learning for Sustainability Strategy
       Ro-innleachd Ionnsachadh airson Seasmhachd

There is circulated Report No ECAS/50/14 dated 4 November 2014 which is a follow up to a report presented to the Adult and Children’s Services Committee by the Director of Education, Culture and Sport in January 2013.  In that earlier report, Members agreed a proposal to update the existing Developing Global Citizenship Strategy, taking account of the new national Learning for Sustainability Policy.  This latest report summarises the proposed Highland Council Strategy and informs Members about recent developments in Highland before asking for endorsement of the new strategy.

The Committee is invited to:-

i. note the progress made in Learning for Sustainability in Highland; and
ii. agree to endorse the strategy summarised in the report and available in full in Appendix 1 of the report.

12. High Life Highland Progress Report
       Aithisg Adhartais High Life na Gàidhealtachd

There is circulated Report No ECAS/51/14 dated 4 November 2014 by the Director of Care and Learning, which presents information on the establishment, governance and future reporting on the performance of High Life Highland.

The Committee is invited to note that:-

i.  a cross party group of Members together with two High Life Highland Directors will be meeting to review
    reporting arrangements;
ii.  future High Life Highland reports will be twice per year and cover: reporting required by the Service Delivery
    Contract, which is derived from Working Together for the Highlands; and how HLH is supporting the delivery
    of the Single Outcome Agreement themes;
iii. that HLH libraries are first in Scotland for cost per attendance and visits per 1000 population; and
iv. the positive recognition of the High Life Leisure scheme by the Scottish Government Working Group on
    Sport.

13. Chief Social Work Officer Report 2013/14
       Aithisg Prìomh Oifigear Obair-shòisealta 2013/14

There is circulated Report No ECAS/52/14 dated 3 November 2014 by the Director of Care and Learning which introduces the annual report for 2013/14 by the Chief Social Work Officer.

The Committee is invited to consider and comment on the issues raised in the annual report.

14. Positive Relationships and Bullying Prevention Policy, Guidance and Toolkit
       Poileasaidh, Stiùireadh is Inneal airson Dàimhean Deimhinne agus Burraidheachd a Bhacadh

There is circulated Report No ECAS/53/14 dated 3 November 2014 by the Director of Care and Learning which provides information on work undertaken to revise the anti-bullying policy and guidance for Highland schools and local research on homophobic bullying.  Members are asked to agree to the introduction of the new Positive Relationships and Bullying Prevention Policy, Guidance and Toolkit and to the Care and Learning Service Participating in the Stonewall Education Champions Programme.

The Committee is invited to agree:-

i.  the introduction of the Positive Relationships and Bullying Prevention Policy, Guidance and Toolkit to all
    Highland schools;
ii. that the Council sign up to participate in the Stonewall Education Champions Programme; and
iii. that a progress report be submitted to the Committee in November 2015.

15. Care and Learning Service Area Management Structure
       Structar Rianachd Sgìre Seirbheis a’ Chùraim agus an Ionnsachaidh

There is circulated Report No ECAS/54/14 dated 3 November 2014 by the Director of Care and Learning which updates Members and seeks agreement for an Area management structure for the Care and Learning Service.

The Committee is invited to agree the deletion of posts associated with the former Area management structures and the establishment of the posts in the proposed structure for the Care and Learning Service as set out in the report.

16. Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014
       Achd na Cloinne agus nan Daoine Òga (Alba) 2014

There is circulated Report No ECAS/55/14 dated 31 October 2014 by the Director of Care and Learning which explains that the Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014 will come in to being on 1 April 2015.  The report contains a summary of the Bill and some of its impacts for Highland Council and its partner services.

The Committee is invited to consider and comment on the issues raised in the report and endorse the establishment of a Children’s Champion’s Board.

17. Free School Meals P1-3 Update
       Fios às Ùr mu Bhiadh-sgoile An-asgaidh do P1-3

There is circulated Report No ECAS/56/14 dated 31 October 2014 by the Director of Care and Learning which provides an update on progress with the implementation of free school meals for Primary 1 to 3 pupils, effective from January 2015.

The Committee is invited to note progress in relation to the implementation of free school meals for Primary 1 to 3 pupils from January 2015.

18. Early Learning and Childcare – Update
      Ionnsachadh Tràth agus Cùram-chloinne – Fios às Ùr

There is circulated Report No ECAS/57/14 dated 4 November 2014 by the Director of Care and Learning which is part of the regular reporting on progress with the implementation plan for the expansion of Early Learning and Childcare.

The Committee is invited to note the progress to date with the Implementation Plan for the delivery of the expansion of Early Learning and Childcare.

19. Early Years Assessments
       Measaidhean Thràth-bhliadhnaichean

There is circulated Report No ECAS/58/14 dated 3 November 2014 by the Director of Care and Learning which explains that the Early Years Collaborative stretch aims include the goal that 85% of children will achieve their expected developmental milestones at 27-30 months, 90% will achieve them by the time they enter Primary 1 and 90% will have reached the expected developmental milestones and learning outcomes by the end of P4.  This has prompted a review of the assessment frameworks being used in Highland for all pre-school children.

The Committee is invited to consider and comment on the work being undertaken towards measurement and achievement of the Early Years Collaborative stretch aims.

20. Alternatives to Out of Authority Placements
       Roghainnean Eile airson Suidheachaidhean Taobh A-muigh an Ùghdarrais

There is circulated Report No ECAS/59/14 dated 4 November 2014 by the Director of Care and Learning which updates Members on the progress of projects within the programme to find alternatives to out of authority placements for Highland children. 

The Committee is invited to note:-

i.  the progress of projects to identify alternatives to out of authority placements for the young people of
    Highland; and
ii. that there is significant confidence that plans are in place to return all young people for whom a provision
    exists in Highland and further cost effective returns are planned between November 2014 and March 2015
    through identifying additional suitable Highland provision.

21. Self Directed Support Update
       Fios às Ùr mu Thaic Fèin-stiùirichte

There is circulated Report No ECAS/60/14 dated 21 October 2014 by the Director of Care and Learning which sets out the critical issues that need to be considered by the Council as implementation of Self Directed Support progresses in children’s social care services in Highland.  It summarises the more detailed Implementation Plan and sets out key activities and decisions required now and over the next year.

The Committee is invited to:-

i.  consider and comment on the issues raised in the report; and
ii. seek further reports as the various activities are taken forward.

22. Trainee Schemes
       Sgeamaichean Luchd-trèanaidh

There is circulated Report No ECAS/61/14 dated 3 November 2014 by the Director of Care and Learning which explains that maintenance of a qualified professional workforce in children’s services is at times undermined by difficulty in recruiting to vacant Care and Learning service posts in Health Visiting, School Nursing, Educational Psychology and Social Work.  Workforce planning and recruitment is helped through arrangements to recruit trainees to the staffing establishment.  Solutions to difficulties in different professional sectors demand varied approaches.  Some budget savings can be secured due to the differential between trainee and qualified staff grades.

The Committee is invited to agree to endorse the use of trainees across these various professional disciplines.

23. Complaints Review Committee Outcome
       Toradh Comataidh Ath-sgrùdaidh nan Gearanan

There is circulated Report No ECAS/62/14 dated 29 October 2014 by the Director of Care and Learning which sets out the findings and recommendations following a Complaints Review Committee held on 3 September 2014.  The report also provides an overview of the complaints process and highlights the requirement for decisions of the Complaints Review Committee to be reported to the Education, Children and Adult Services Committee.

The Committee is invited to note:-

i.  that the Complaints Review Committee met to consider the case, and the findings; and
ii. note the recommendations made by the Complaints Review Committee.

24. Minutes
      Geàrr-chunntas

The following Minutes are circulated for noting or approval as appropriate:-

i.  Child Protection Committee – 1 July 2014;
ii.  Duncraig Trust Scheme Sub-Committee – 3 September 2014;
iii. Criminal Justice Sub-Committee – 3 September 2014;
iv. Highland Strategic Commissioning Group of 8 September 2014; and
v.  Adult Services Development and Scrutiny Sub-Committee – 24 September 2014.