Agendas, reports and minutes

Minutes of Meeting of the Care, Learning and Housing Committee held in the Council Chamber, Council Headquarters, Glenurquhart Road, Inverness on Thursday 14 March 2019 at 10.05 am.

Present:

Mrs J Barclay, Mr B Boyd, Mr R Bremner (video conferencing), Mrs I Campbell, Mr A Christie, Mr J Finlayson (Chair), Mr A Graham, Mr T Heggie, Mr A Jarvie, Ms E Knox, Mr D Louden (Substitute), Mr D Mackay, Mr W MacKay (video conferencing), Mr G MacKenzie, Mrs I MacKenzie, Mr D Macpherson, Mr R MacWilliam, Ms L Munro (Vice Chair), Mrs M Paterson, Mrs F Robertson, Mr G Ross, Ms N Sinclair, Mr C Smith

NHS Highland:

Prof H van Woerden    
    
Religious Representatives:

Ms S Lamont
Mr W Skene    
    
Youth Convener:

Ms E Leitch    
    
Non-Members also present:

Mr B Lobban, Mrs D MacKay, Mr J McGillivray
    
In attendance:

Ms S Campbell, Interim Director of Care and Learning
Mrs B Cairns, Head of Additional Support Services, Care and Learning Service
Mr B Porter, Head of Resources, Care and Learning Service
Ms K Ralston, Interim Head of Children’s Services, Care and Learning Service
Dr J Vance, Interim Head of Education, Care and Learning Service
Ms S Harrington, Senior Manager Early Years, Care and Learning Service
Mr R Campbell, Estate Strategy Manager, Care and Learning Service
Mr M Mitchell, Finance Manager, Finance Service
Ms R MacKinnon, Principal Policy Officer – Equalities, Chief Executive’s Office
Ms J Douglas, Care and Learning Alliance (Third Sector)
Ms G Newman, Highland Children’s Forum (Third Sector)
Ms C Nichols, Youth Highland (Third Sector)
Ms S Blyth, Highland Parent Council Partnership
Miss J Maclennan, Principal Administrator, Chief Executive’s Office
Miss M Murray, Committee Administrator, Chief Executive’s Office

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

Mr J Finlayson in the Chair

Business

1.    Apologies for Absence
Leisgeulan

Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of Mrs M Cockburn, Ms K Currie, Mrs B McAllister and The Very Rev S Murray.

2.    Declarations of Interest
Foillseachaidhean Com-pàirt

The Committee NOTED the following declarations of interest:-

Item 5 – Mr A Jarvie, Ms E Knox, Mr D Louden, Mr G MacKenzie, Mr D Macpherson, Mrs M Paterson, Mr C Smith (all non-financial) and Mr G Ross (financial and non-financial)
Item 6 – Mr A Christie (financial)
Item 7 – Mr A Christie (financial)
Item 8 – Mr A Christie (financial) and Mr G Ross (non-financial)
Item 12 – Mr A Christie (financial)
Item 13 – Mr A Christie (financial)
Item 14 – Mr G Ross (non-financial)

3.    Good News/Outstanding Achievements
Naidheachdan Matha/Coileanaidhean Air Leth

There had been tabled a list of outstanding achievements by people and groups.

In addition, the Chair highlighted that Highland schools had won several awards at the recent FilmG Awards, as follows:

• Bun-Sgoil Stafainn - The People’s Choice Award and Best Youth Group Film
• Millburn Academy: S4 pupils - FilmG Award for Gaelic – Learners; and Elissa Hunter-Dorans - Best Mobile Short in the Youth category
• Lochaber High School - Best Film in the Youth category

The winning films would be shown in the foyer during the course of the day.

The Committee:-

i.    NOTED the outstanding achievements; and
ii.    AGREED that the Interim Director of Care and Learning write to all those involved in recognition of their success.

4.    Equality Outcomes and Mainstreaming - Progress Report 2017-2019
Toraidhean Co-ionannachd agus Toirt don Phrìomh Shruth – Aithisg Adhartais 2017–2019 

There had been circulated Report No CLH/14/19 dated 5 March 2019 by the Acting Head of Policy, Chief Executive’s Office.

During discussion, the following issues were raised:-

• information was sought, and provided, on the steps being taken to encourage more males into childcare and nurturing roles; how to facilitate a more natural conversation with Third Sector partners to enable them to have their voices heard; and whether children and young people were consulted when preparing reports such as the progress report that was the subject of discussion; and
• the Council was now placed eighth in the Stonewall Education Equality Index, and the substantial improvement was commended.  Reference was made to the support and training that had been provided for officers and it was requested that training be provided for Members in the near future.  The Principal Policy Officer – Equalities explained that equality and diversity training for Members had been carried out previously and could be provided in the future.  In addition, she undertook to explore whether proposed training for staff in conjunction with Waverley Care, specifically on LGBT+ issues, could be extended to Members.

Thereafter, the Committee AGREED the Equality Outcomes and Mainstreaming Progress Report for the Highland Council (and incorporating the Education Authority and Licensing Board) as detailed in Appendix 1 of the report.

5.    External and Third Sector Sports, Culture and Leisure Funding
Maoineachadh Spòrs, Cultair is Cur-seachad bhon Taobh A-Muigh is bhon Treas Roinn

Declarations of Interest:

The following Members declared non-financial interests in this item but, having applied the test outlined in Paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3 of the Councillors’ Code of Conduct, concluded that their interests did not preclude their involvement in the discussion:-

Mr A Jarvie – Board Member of Highland Disability Sport
Ms E Knox – Board Member of Highland Disability Sport
Mr D Louden – Board Member of the Duthac Centre
Mr G MacKenzie – Director of the Puffin Pool, Dingwall
Mr D Macpherson – Member of Inverness Area Sports Council
Mrs M Paterson – Director of the Puffin Pool, Dingwall
Mr G Ross – Council representative on Inverness Area Sports Council
Mr C Smith – Board Member of Highland Disability Sport

Mr G Ross also declared a financial interest as Treasurer of Highland Disability Sport and confirmed that he would leave the Chamber if there was any specific discussion on grant aid.

There had been circulated Report No CLH/15/19 dated 28 February 2019 by the Interim Director of Care and Learning.

In introducing the report, the Head of Resources referred to the proposed short-life subgroup and recommended a membership of nine, the political balance of which would be 3 Independent/3 SNP/2 Conservative/1 Liberal Democrat.  Nominations would be sought from Group Leaders following the Committee, the intention being that the group would meet as soon as possible to consider the methodology and the information required to develop recommendations.  A further consideration would be the extent to and manner in which Members felt that recipient organisations ought to participate in the review process.

During discussion, the following issues were raised:-

• it was necessary to help organisations to help themselves, and to look at the culture and leisure budget as a whole before reducing funding to individual organisations.  Many of the facilities in Appendix 1 of the report were leisure facilities and it was suggested that the possibility of using solar thermal or solar PV systems to generate income or lower costs be explored.  However, it was recognised that this would not be possible in listed buildings/conservations areas;
• the proposed cross-party working group was welcomed and the need to ensure, from the outset, that it had access to high quality specialist financial advice was emphasised;
• it was necessary to re-prioritise finances in the year ahead, concentrating on value for money.  In that regard, some Members expressed the view that allocating £180k per year to Aviemore Highland Resort did not represent value for money for the Council, and the need to look at how a publicly owned swimming pool in Aviemore could be financed was emphasised.  If a long-term financial plan emphasising what the major costs were, energy probably being the largest, could be put together quite quickly the Committee would have a good basis on which to reach a conclusion;
• an update having been sought on negotiations with the Special Needs Action Project, the Chair explained that it was not funded from the culture and leisure budget;
• the organisations in question provided very different services and evaluating them to ensure that funding was allocated in a way that added the greatest value would be challenging;
• the proposed 12 month notice period was welcomed; and
• it was necessary to give time and support to Members and ensure they had access to expertise and information.  In addition, it was suggested that it might be necessary to undertake site visits to talk to service users.

Thereafter, the Committee:-

i.    AGREED to funding for 2019/20 being confirmed at 2018/19 levels for all current recipients, while the review to achieve the 2020/21 saving progressed;
ii.    NOTED the current position regarding Caithness Horizons;
iii.    AGREED to the proposed notice periods, as set out within the report;
iv.    NOTED the standard form of communication that would be issued to all current funding recipients, as set out in Appendix 2 of the report;
v.    NOTED the process for review, with recommendations to come back to this Committee for decision, and notification, in August 2019; and
vi.    AGREED a short-life nine-Member sub group to assist with developing recommendations to come back to this Committee regarding review outcomes.

6.    Performance Report – Children’s Services
Aithisg Choileanaidh – Seirbheisean Chloinne

Declaration of Interest: Mr A Christie declared a financial interest in this item as a Non-Executive Director of NHS Highland but, having applied the test outlined in Paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3 of the Councillors’ Code of Conduct, concluded that his interest did not preclude his involvement in the discussion.

There had been circulated Report No CLH/16/19 dated 28 February 2019 by the Interim Director of Care and Learning.

During discussion the following issues were considered:-

• it was disappointing the author of the report or a substitute was not at the meeting;
• concern was expressed that the data presented in the performance report did not properly facilitate the scrutiny required, with various aspects of this highlighted including the charts being open to interpretation and some of the data being too historic to be of sufficient value. Reference was made to the governance review from which it was intended more meaningful reports and agendas would be developed and for which Members’ comments were welcomed. It was intended that work would be undertaken to more closely align the Children’s Services Plan with statutory indicators and it was pointed out that For Highland’s Children 5 was in development;
• the reported percentages for achieving expected literacy were disappointing and reference was made to previous reports where the three elements that comprised these figures had been reported separately;
• it was welcomed that 96.5% of pupils were moving on to ‘positive destinations’ although the definition of ‘positive destination’ was subjective;
• it was important to also report on areas in which positive outcomes were being achieved to provide a balanced, measured view;
• the review of the partnership agreement with NHS Highland, due in 2020, was welcomed;
• information was sought and provided on the rising cost of preschool education, the rise in the exclusion rate, and the increasing amount of time being taken to match Looked After children into permanent homes;
• it was important to consider not only costs but values and outcomes, and to consider performance trajectories, not only historical data. It was suggested that consideration be given to only a small number of indicators being scrutinised in detail at each committee, or that exception reporting be adopted; and
• the Chair suggested the reporting format would be reconsidered to increase its relevancy and to consider including local benchmarking and positive local work.

The Committee:-

i.    scrutinised and NOTED the performance information; and
ii.    NOTED the information provided on quality improvement.

7.    NHS Highland Assurance Report
Aithisg Bharantais NHS na Gàidhealtachd

Declaration of Interest: Mr A Christie declared a financial interest in this item as a Non-Executive Director of NHS Highland but, having applied the test outlined in Paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3 of the Councillors’ Code of Conduct, concluded that his interest did not preclude his involvement in the discussion.

There had been circulated Report No CLH/17/19 dated 13 February 2019 by the Interim Director of Care and Learning.

During discussion the following issues were considered:-

• in relation to Health Visitors and School Nurses, the training being undertaken to address vacancies was welcomed but the level of vacancies remained of concern. A report on the roles and responsibilities of both posts was requested for a future meeting, to include reference to recent national reviews and the increasing focus on vulnerable children. It would be helpful if officers leading on this work could be invited to attend the Committee meeting;
• it was suggested that Indicator 31, waiting times for AHP service, with a baseline of 85%, a target of 95% and current performance being 66%, should be ragged in red rather than neutral;
• the numbers shown in Figure 13 did not add up to 100% and this was a clerical error that would be rectified; and
• ongoing IT challenges were frustrating and officers were encouraged to make explicit in reports any problems being faced as a result of IT inadequacies.

The Committee:-

i.    scrutinised and NOTED the data and issues raised in the report; and
ii.    AGREED that a report on the role and recruitment of Health Visitors and School Nurses be presented to a future meeting of the Committee.

8.    Adult Social Care Update
Cunntas às Ùr mu Chùram Shòisealta Inbheach

Declarations of Interest:

Mr A Christie declared a financial interest in this item as a Non-Executive Director of NHS Highland but, having applied the test outlined in Paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3 of the Councillors’ Code of Conduct, concluded that his interest did not preclude his involvement in the discussion.

Mr G Ross declared a non-financial interest as his mother and mother-in-law were care home residents but, having applied the test outlined in Paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3 of the Councillors’ Code of Conduct, concluded that his interest did not preclude his involvement in the discussion.

There had been circulated Report No CLH/18/19 dated 13 February 2019 by the Interim Director of Care and Learning.

The Committee NOTED the update in relation to Adult Social Care.

9.    1+2 Languages Update
Cunntas às Ùr mu Chànanan 1+2

There had been circulated Report No CLH/19/19 dated 13 February 2019 by the Interim Director of Care and Learning.

During discussion the following issues were considered:-

• concern was expressed that the reduced number of subjects chosen for study at S3 and S4 levels, from typically eight to only six, would lead to fewer pupils choosing to study languages;
• teacher recruitment challenges, especially in smaller rural schools, could result in difficulties providing language options;
• the wide variation in language provision at primary level, especially between small and large primary schools could result in significant differences in pupil ability entering secondary school;
• given the various challenges outlined, concern was expressed about the ability to meet the Scottish Government targets by 2021 and the relatively low level of funding. The Chair offered to circulate the Scottish Government’s evaluation report on the implementation of the 1+2 Languages policy;
• consideration was given to the cultural issues around learning languages and the lessons that could be learnt from other European nations;
• it would be useful to see progressive trend information on the programme as it rolled out to ensure actions were being monitored and achieved. Future reports on the subject should include statistics on uptake and attainment, information on the impact of and barriers to training, and details of the implications in relation to Gaelic;
• concern was expressed about the amount of time away from the classroom that was required for teachers to undertake training in language delivery and it was queried whether bespoke trips abroad were the best use of resources, noting that an alternative was shared practice within Scotland; and
• Gaelic implications should be detailed in the relevant section of the report.

The Committee:- 

i.    NOTED the progress made to date on the 1+2 Languages agenda;
ii.    AGREED that the Scottish Government’s evaluation report on the implementation of the 1+2 Languages policy be circulated to Members of the Committee; and
iii.    AGREED that future Committee reports on 1+2 Languages should include statistics on uptake and attainment, information on the impact of training, and details of the implications in relation to Gaelic.

10.    Highland Virtual Academy and e-Sgoil Update
Cunntas às Ùr mu Acadamaidh Bhiortail na Gàidhealtachd agus e-Sgoil

There had been circulated Report No CLH/20/19 dated 12 February 2019 by the Interim Director of Care and Learning.

During discussion it was suggested that a cost benefit analysis in respect of e-Sgoil should include information on the delivery of language learning in the classroom by teachers.

The Committee:-

i.    NOTED the levels of engagement with both the Highland Virtual Academy and e-Sgoil Highland schools; 
ii.    NOTED the plans to develop this further for session 2019-20; and
iii.    AGREED that, to provide the whole picture, any cost benefit analysis in respect of e-Sgoil should include information on the delivery of language learning in the classroom by teachers.

11.    Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) Update
Cunntas às Ùr mu Thràth-ionnsachadh agus Cùram-chloinne

There had been circulated Report No CLH/21/19 dated 28 February 2019 by the Interim Director of Care and Learning.

The Chair stated that it was necessary to recognise the enormity of the task.  There were ELC Boards in each area and the Estate Strategy Manager was involved in discussions in each area in terms of the capital and building challenges.  There were also challenges in terms of recruitment of new early years practitioners and work was ongoing in that regard.

During discussion, the following issues were raised:-

• in relation to the proposed settings for delivering 1140 hours in phases 2 and 3, given the report stated that the focus was on areas of deprivation, information was sought, and provided, on why particular areas had been chosen over others.  For example, Tain, which had pockets of deprivation, had not been chosen, and there was only one setting in Alness, which was an area of deprivation.  However, Dornoch, which was not an area of deprivation, had been selected;
• information was sought, and provided, on how it was intended to progress the settings marked Amber and Red, and what the challenges were;
• Members commended the actions of the Boat of Garten community in relation to the Deshar Primary School project.  Pioneering communities proactively sought opportunities and drove forward initiatives and information was sought on what could be done to promote that idea to other communities and share the good practice happening elsewhere.  The Convener and Local Member added that the Deshar Primary School project had not been without challenges but once a process had been defined it had begun to fall into place and he paid tribute both to the community and Council officers for making it happen.  The end result was the community doing something for itself which also benefited the Council and the children in its care;
• it was important, in expanding ELC provision, not to lose sight of the children transitioning from nursery to primary school.  In that regard, reference was made to deferred entry to primary school, whereby children with winter birthdays were given the opportunity to start school at age 5½ rather than 4½ at the discretion of head teachers, teachers, nursery practitioners and parents.  Concern was expressed that that discretion was not being applied consistently, with some schools offering deferred entry and others adhering rigidly to entitlement dates.  Parents had reported being told their child could stay at nursery for an extra year but they would have to pay as they had used their free entitlement, and concern was expressed that this created a two-tier system with families who could not afford to pay being disadvantaged.  It was emphasised that children were unique and there were many different measures of a child’s ability and readiness to start school.  No one knew a child as well as their parents, and it was important that parents were listened to and that there was flexibility in the system.  There was no evidence across Europe that there was any benefit to starting school earlier and indeed children in the better performing Scandinavian countries started school later.  Whilst it was recognised that there were resource implications in extending nursery entitlement it was argued that starting children at school when they were not ready might lead to later resource implications in terms of Additional Support Needs.  It had been requested that a report be presented to the next meeting of the Committee clarifying the Council’s policy on deferred entry to give Members the opportunity to discuss whether they wanted to revisit it and how children were being provided for as they moved into primary school.  The Chair confirmed that a report would be presented to the next meeting, and that COSLA would be discussing the issue of deferred entry to primary school later in the week, information on which would be forwarded to Councillor N Sinclair;
• it was requested that further information on the Care and Learning Alliance provision at the Northern Meeting Park be provided to Ward Members;
• concern was expressed that Central and Dalneigh Primary Schools, both of which were in Inverness High School Associated School Group, were marked Amber;
• the complexity of the expansion exercise was recognised, and Members paid tribute to the work that had been carried out;
• it was queried whether Realising Change funding could be used to mitigate the issues in respect of the settings marked Red and Amber.  Elaboration having been sought on the Realising Change Fund, the Chair explained that it was Scottish Government funding to be spent specifically on ELC, and the Council was keen to obtain additional resources to support the Senior Manager Early Years and her team in delivering the continued expansion.  It was necessary to report back to the Scottish Government by the end of March on how any funding was being spent;
• on the point being raised, it was confirmed that phase 1, which consisted of six settings, had taken place in 2018; 
• although there was a proposed setting in Dingwall, there was nothing in the wider ward area and it was suggested that the concerns of parents in the areas not included in the current proposals could be allayed if a report was presented to the next meeting of the Committee outlining phase 4;
• in relation to the risk of providers being decommissioned if they were unable to achieve the necessary standard, it was important to be aware of the sensitivities of some partner providers.  The Chair added that local authorities throughout Scotland were concerned that the introduction of the National Standard might lead to some individual childminders and small nurseries reviewing whether it was viable to continue;
• clarification was sought in relation to Dingwall being prioritised over Alness or Tain in terms of deprivation; and
• it was important to use capital spend and ELC funding in the most sensible way possible to maximise the benefits.

 The Chair thanked the Senior Manager Early Years, the Estate Strategy Manager and their teams for their efforts and suggested that a further update be presented to the next meeting.

Thereafter, the Committee:-

i.    NOTED the key updates and progress towards delivery of the programme across Highland;
ii.    NOTED the risks around the capital expansion programme;
iii.    AGREED the recommendations in relation to progress and funding for the project at Deshar Primary School, as set out in section 8.3 of the report; and
iv.    AGREED that a further update on Early Learning and Childcare and a report on the Council’s policy on deferred entry to Primary School be presented to the next meeting of the Committee.

12.    Corporate Parenting
Pàrantachd Chorporra

Declaration of Interest: Mr A Christie declared a financial interest in this item as a Non-Executive Director of NHS Highland but, having applied the test outlined in Paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3 of the Councillors’ Code of Conduct, concluded that his interest did not preclude his involvement in the discussion.

There had been circulated Report No CLH/22/19 dated 13 February 2019 by the Interim Director of Care and Learning.

The Chair of the Corporate Parenting Board welcomed her appointment to the role and the opportunities it presented, particularly the opportunity to develop ideas with and through young people.  A lot of work had taken place in recent years and the Council was a long way from where it used to be but it was not yet where it needed to be and better engagement with young people was required.  It was necessary to change the conversation and discuss Looked After Children as real children and young people – for example, how much pocket money did they get, how much was spent on them at Christmas, and how were their interests and hobbies encouraged, developed and supported.  It was emphasised that all Members were corporate parents and that it was necessary to work locally and effectively.  Ambassadors would be sought from throughout Highland.  However, training came first as Looked After Children were vulnerable and fragile.  It was highlighted that, at present, 30 young people were awaiting a permanent home in Highland and help was sought to help them.

The Chair added that it was necessary to embrace the Corporate Parenting agenda and move forward.  He referred to the Corporate Parenting seminar that had taken place previously and suggested that there was scope for a different kind of Members’ Seminar to evaluate what was going to be done, how it would be done and who was going to be involved, and, importantly, involving young people.  Progress had been made in respect of the fostering and adoption website and the Council’s aspirations and plans in that area, which were interlinked with Corporate Parenting.

During discussion, it was highlighted that there had previously been three Children’s Champions, and it was suggested that there might be merit in reinstating the positions.  In response, the Chair suggested that all Members should become children’s champions.

Thereafter, the Committee NOTED:-

i.    Highland’s data around Looked After and Accommodated children and young people;
ii.    Corporate Parenting duties and responsibilities of Elected Members; and
iii.    ongoing work to engage with Care Experienced Young People and their voices to shape how they are supported.

13.    Care and Learning Improvement Planning Framework
Frèam Leasachadh Dealbhaidh Cùraim agus Ionnsachaidh

Declaration of Interest: Mr A Christie declared a financial interest in this item as a Non-Executive Director of NHS Highland but, having applied the test outlined in Paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3 of the Councillors’ Code of Conduct, concluded that his interest did not preclude his involvement in the discussion.

There had been circulated Report No CLH/23/19 dated 5 March 2019 by the Interim Director of Care and Learning.

During discussion, the following issues were raised:-

• introducing the report, the Chairman emphasised the need to be more focused on the key performance indicators which Highland Council measured itself against and, as agreed at the Full Council meeting the previous week, a different approach had to be taken to benchmarking with a need to take cognisance of national benchmarking as well as local.  Proper evaluation was needed, not just of the reporting what had happened but in terms of the difference and the impact that had taken place;
• Elected Members should be more involved in scrutiny and, as a starting point, Members were invited to participate in meetings of the thirteen themed improvement groups;
• further information was sought about the articulation of the relationship which had been developed across the leadership and improvement groups and the self-evaluative approach the groups used to identify priorities for improvement;
• a new method of considering Education Scotland Inspection reports was necessary with greater scrutiny taking place at both community and Member level so good practice could be shared, points of concern addressed and proactive action plans compiled.  In response, the Chairman confirmed that steps were in place to look closer at preparing for inspections and learning lessons from them.  As well as parents receiving a report, the school and Council now received a Summary of Inspection Findings which clearly articulated the strengths and areas for development, providing another evaluation tool;
• detailed improvement plans for each Improvement group were maintained on the For Highland’s Children website but it was suggested that there was merit of having a rolling programme to bring these to Committee to allow Member scrutiny and participation; and
• transformation towards inclusion was to be welcomed although the timescale in which to provide training was challenging.

The Committee NOTED the information provided in the report.

15.    Transformational Change in Highland Education
Cruth-Atharrachadh ann am Foghlam na Gàidhealtachd

There had been circulated Report No CLH/25/19 dated 21 February 2019 by the Interim Director of Care and Learning.

During discussion, the following issues were raised:-

• concern was expressed at the condition of schools in Tain.  With yet more housing proposed, the schools already had capacity issues and the situation had deteriorated to such a degree that pupils had prepared a video which had been emailed to Elected Members.  The schools were not suitable for wheelchair users so there were serious equality issues to take into account. Staff were also demoralised and calls were made for the Council and the Scottish Government to work together to find a solution.  It was important that new schools reached the “shovel ready” stage and that site selection was confirmed. Parents had been promised new schools in Tain and St Clements and the lack of progress was disappointing.  In response the Chair acknowledged the concerns and confirmed that discussions were taking place regarding the whole school estate and how the capital required could be raised.  It was vital to remain actively involved so that the Council were in a position to act when funding was made available; 
• Members were frustrated with the speed of change and development of the school estate.  The situation had deteriorated so much that, if issues were to be addressed, cooperative working, community involvement and innovative solutions would need to be considered;
• a realistic grading of school buildings was needed and consideration taken of capacity issues.  Although new schools had been built this was not keeping pace with housing development.  The recent Council budget had seen competing demands and had significantly hit the Education budget so it was necessary to look at different approaches whilst not impacting on pupils’ outcomes. An united approach would help to deliver the budget;
• as there was only one more meeting of the Committee before it was implemented, Members needed much more detail on how it was proposed to deliver the radical transformation of Additional Support Needs (ASN), how adverse impacts would be mitigated and what the new proposals would actually look like in schools.  The whole-school nurturing approach was a huge cultural change and clarity was essential if the timescales were to be met.  In response the Chairman pointed out that the proposed ethos and practice was already taking place in some schools and it was a matter of making it more consistent;
• it was important to inform schools as soon as possible what impact the review of ASN would have given that subject selection and timetables were already being drawn up; and
• the Change Fund and the concentration on the self-improving school system was welcomed.

The Committee NOTED:-

i.    the need to respond to the issues raised in the Local Government Benchmarking Framework data; and
ii.    the plan for the formation of a Change Team to support the implementation of an ‘empowered and collaborative system’.

14.    Community Learning and Development Inspection – Update Report
Sgrùdadh Ionnsachadh agus Leasachadh Coimhearsnachd – Aithisg as Ùr

Declaration of Interest: Mr G Ross declared a non-financial interest in this item as Chair of Inverness Community Partnership but, having applied the test outlined in Paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3 of the Councillors’ Code of Conduct, concluded that his interest did not preclude his involvement in the discussion.

There had been circulated Report No CLH/24/19 dated 13 February 2019 by the Interim Director of Care and Learning.

During discussion, the following issues were raised:-

• Community Learning and Development (CLD) impacted positively on people’s lives and the contribution made by the voluntary sector was acknowledged.  CLD also played an important part in developing Community Partnerships and without the support of the voluntary sector Community Partnerships would otherwise struggle.  Consequently, it was essential that the voluntary sector had a more prominent role in Partnership development;
• Community Engagement Officers had been recently recruited to each of the nine Community Partnerships and were already making a positive contribution.  However, disappointment was expressed that funding was limited to one year.  For this to have a lasting difference and for real progress to be achieved, these posts should be made permanent and calls were made to the Community Planning Board’s main partners to jointly fund posts of Community Development Workers;
• an approach to the Change Fund for the Community Development Worker posts was suggested as it was undoubtedly a resource that would pay for itself repeatedly; and
• the Third and Voluntary Sector were keen to engage at all levels and it was highlighted that they had capacity to draw in funding from elsewhere.

The Committee AGREED the action plan set out in Appendix 1 of the report, which was based on the improvement priorities identified by Education Scotland and would be delivered through the Community Planning Board and local Community Partnerships. 

16.    Early Years Funding
Maoineachadh Thràth-bhliadhnaichean

There had been circulated Report No CLH/26/19 dated 27 February 2019 by the Interim Director of Care and Learning.

During discussion, the following issues were raised:-

• unlike the External and Third Sector Sports, Culture and Leisure service providers, the Early Years organisations had not been given notice regarding the change to their funding.  Many of these organisations relied on Council funding and, while there was support that applications be sought from these groups, it was suggested that the decision should be the responsibility of Members and the remit of the Working Group set up at Item 5 be expanded to include this;
• applications should be looked at on a case by case basis and the needs of service users taken into account;
• it was important to recognise that there was a reduced amount of funding available to allocate;
• there were some applications which might require an urgent decision.  However, it was argued that is such cases the Chief Officer could seek Members views by email; and
• clarification was sought, and provided, on the proposal received from the Highland Third Sector Interface.

Thereafter, Mr J Finlayson, seconded by Ms L Munro, MOVED a MOTION that the proposed new process to determine the allocation of funding for financial year 2019/20 onwards be approved.

As an AMENDMENT, Mr A Christie, seconded by Mr R MacWilliam, moved that the decision be made by Councillors either in consultation with Chief Officers or at a Working Group meeting. 

On a vote being taken, the MOTION received 6 votes and the AMENDMENT received 14 votes, with no abstentions, and the AMENDMENT was therefore CARRIED, the votes having been cast as follows:- 

For the Motion:
Mrs J Barclay, Mr J Finlayson, Mr T Heggie, Mr W MacKay, Mr D Macpherson and Ms L Munro. 

For the Amendment:
Mr B Boyd, Mr R Bremner, Mrs I Campbell, Mr A Christie, Mr D Louden, Mr A Jarvie, Mrs E Knox, Mr D Mackay, Mr G MacKenzie, Mr R MacWilliam, Mrs F Robertson, Mr G Ross, Ms N Sinclair and Mr C Smith.

Decision

The Committee AGREED that the decision be made by Councillors either in consultation with Chief Officers or at a Working Group meeting.

17.    Minutes
Geàrr-chunntas

The Committee:-

i.    NOTED the Minutes of the Highland Violence Against Women Partnership Group – 21 November 2018; and
ii.    APPROVED the Minutes of the Adult Services Development and Scrutiny Sub-Committee – 8 February 2019.

The meeting concluded at 1.25 pm.