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 Wednesday 29 May 2019 at 10.05 am.

Present:

Mr B Boyd, Mr R Bremner (by Video Conference), Mrs I Campbell, Mr A Christie, Mr J Finlayson (Chair), Mr T Heggie, Mr A Jarvie, Ms E Knox, Mr D Mackay, Mr W MacKay (by Video Conference), Mr G MacKenzie, Mrs I MacKenzie, Mr D Macpherson, Mr R MacWilliam, Ms L Munro (Vice Chair), Mrs F Robertson, Mrs T Robertson (Substitute), Mr G Ross, Ms N Sinclair (by Video Conference), Mr C Smith
    
Religious Representatives:

The Very Rev S Murray, Mr W Skene    

Non-Members also present:

Mr G Adam, Mrs A MacLean, Mr A Sinclair (by Video Conferencing)
    
In attendance:

Ms D Manson, Chief Executive
Mr W Gilfillan, Director of Community Services
Mr A Gunn, Interim Chief Officer Resources, Care and Learning
Mr B Porter, Head of Resources, Care and Learning Service
Dr J Vance, Interim Head of Education, Care and Learning Service
Mr D Goldie, Head of Housing and Building Maintenance, Community Services
Ms S Harrington, Senior Manager Early Years, Care and Learning Service
Mr I Kyle, Children’s Planning Manager, Care and Learning Service
Mr M Mitchell, Finance Manager, Finance Service
Ms J Douglas, Care and Learning Alliance (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

Also in attendance:

Mr I Murray, Chief Executive, High Life Highland
Senior pupils from Fortrose Academy
Head Teachers from the Change Team

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 J Barclay, Mrs M Cockburn, Ms K Currie, Mr A Graham, Ms S Lamont, Ms E Leitch, Mrs B McAllister, Ms M Newdick, Mrs M Paterson and Prof H van Woerden.

2.    Declarations of Interest
Foillseachaidhean Com-pàirt

The Committee NOTED the following declarations of interest:-

Item 7 – Mr A Christie (non-financial)
Item 8 – Mr A Christie (non-financial)
Item 11 – Mr A Christie (financial)
Item 14 – Mr A Jarvie and Mr T Heggie (both non-financial)
Item 20 – Mr A Jarvie, Mr T Heggie and Ms L Munro (all non-financial)
Item 21 – Mr A Christie (financial)

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

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

The Committee NOTED the good news and outstanding achievements.

4.    Presentation: Young Enterprise
Taisbeanadh: Iomairt Òigridh

Senior pupils from Fortrose Academy gave a presentation about their experiences leading to securing the Company of the Year accolade at the Highland and Moray regional finals of the Young Enterprise Scotland (YES) Company Programme in March. The team, who traded as Venture, devised a board game credited with bridging the generation gap and helping to tackle loneliness.  The game has a spinner function to stimulate conversation on a variety of topics. Pupils used their idea with senior citizens across the Black Isle and attended regular board game sessions at their school.  The Venture team also won awards for production and development, innovation, marketing and communications, financial management and the best company report. The team were due to travel to Edinburgh to represent the Highland and Moray area at the YES national finals and were also being considered for a Social Enterprise in Education Award.

During discussion, Members made the following comments:-

• the pupils were congratulated on both winning their award and on their presentation.  Not only were they a credit to their communities but to their school, a school which had a long history of entrepreneurial success;
• the project had been truly a social enterprise with the pupils forming close links with the Parklands Care Home.  This partnership had been rewarding for all concerned; and
• the pupils were asked, and informed Members of, what they had gained from taking part in the competition.

The Chairman having thanked the pupils, the Committee otherwise NOTED the presentation.

5.    Presentation: Education Transformation
Taisbeanadh: Cruth-atharrachadh Foghlaim

There had been circulated Report No CLH/27/19 dated 17 May 2019 by the Interim Director of Care and Learning.

The report introduced a detailed presentation on developments in the transformation of education within the Council since the paper presented to the Committee in March 2019.  There was also an introduction to the five Head Teachers on the Change Team, who outlined their main priorities/tasks.

The Chair thanked officers for the important and informative presentation which articulated why change was needed and how it was going to be achieved, and pulled together many of the issues at national and local level.  He emphasised the need to support Head Teachers and tackle bureaucracy, and the importance of tying in to the National Improvement Framework agenda and other Scottish Government agendas.  Evaluation and monitoring were key, and it was his ambition to have progress updates from the Interim Head of Education and the Change Team at Care, Learning and Housing Committees.  It was an exciting and challenging time, and he expressed confidence that, with support from Members, schools and communities, change would take place.

During discussion, the following issues were raised:-

• it would be helpful for Members to receive information on the Improvement Families for the schools in their ward;
• it was important to be positive and to recognise that it was not a case of starting from scratch;
• the importance of teamwork and keeping the lines of communication open were emphasised;
• reference was made to feedback in terms of the impact Regional Improvement Collaboratives were having on schools, and information was sought, and provided, on how the Northern Alliance fit into the proposals;
• in relation to school inspections, the Council and Education Scotland were working to the same agenda and, with greater collaboration, there was no reason why grades of good or better should not be achievable;
• the importance of engaging with parents was emphasised and information was sought, and provided, in that regard.  In addition, it was necessary to make effective use of Pupil Councils in terms of gathering pupil opinions;
• that Highland was not performing as well as it should was a relatively new concept, both to Members and parents, and a request was made for more open and consistent engagement with local Members by schools to allow Members to know what the attainment data indicated and to enable challenge, either with the Change Team or individual schools.  It was added that it would be helpful to have a more formalised plan for Member and Parent Council engagement;
• ongoing tracking, monitoring and reporting was key, and it was necessary to develop a creative and innovative solution that allowed all schools to move forward;
• Area Committees were key to moving the proposals forward.  In that regard, it was explained that the new Council structure would facilitate more engagement at area level.  In addition, it was clear from the Governance Review that Area Committees wanted more in-depth information on performance, benchmarking and attainment and it was envisaged that, by the end of the calendar year, Head Teachers would be presenting school-level data to Area Committees.  Members welcomed the reassurance;
• the difference that high-performing teachers could make to pupils’ performance was recognised;
• Members welcomed the skills, expertise and experience of the Head Teachers on the Change Team;
• there had previously been resistance to transformational change and information was sought, and provided, on the steps being taken to ensure that there was buy-in to the proposals by the teaching profession and what would happen if there was not;
• it was necessary to be more robust in terms of timescales and how improvements were going to be measured;
• it was important not to become insular and to be aware that many people would not understand the terminology being used and the proposed interventions.  In that regard, it was suggested that there might be a need for a further pillar – Wider Engagement on Evaluation - to ensure that non-educationalists understood how attainment and outcomes were improving, and how Additional Support Needs were being addressed;
• exam results were seen as a major indicator of how well schools were performing and how well children were doing in comparison with others.  However, whilst there was some merit in that, there were other factors that needed to be considered;
• the proposals represented a seismic change in culture and policy, and teachers would require support.  In addition, pupils would want to know why things were changing; and
• an assurance was sought that Members would get evidence that the sizeable investment from the Change Fund had been successful and the desired outcomes were being achieved.

Thereafter, the Committee:-

i.    NOTED the system of support and challenge being put in place to deliver better outcomes for young people;
ii.    NOTED the priorities of the Change Team;
iii.    AGREED that information be provided to Members on the Improvement Families for the schools in their ward; and
iv.    AGREED that further information on Member and Parent Council engagement be provided and a plan finalised.

In terms of Standing Order 9, the Committee AGREED to consider items 20, 21 and 14 at this stage.

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

Declarations of Interest: Mr A Jarvie, Mr T Heggie and Ms L Munro declared non-financial interests in this item as Directors of High Life Highland 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.

There had been circulated Report No CLH/42/19 dated 1 May 2019 by the Chief Executive, High Life Highland.

The Chief Executive, High Life Highland, gave a presentation in amplification of the report during which he reported on the company’s performance, its continuing reduction on reliance on Council funding, the development of its new Business Plan for 2019-24, the 4-year investment by Sportscotland for the Active Schools programme, and recent recognitions and awards.

High Life Highland had joined in with Moray, Orkney, the Western Isles, and Argyll and Bute with a venture that would see High Life members able to access free use of leisure facilities in these areas at no extra cost.  In addition, High Life members were entitled to discounts at a wide range of local and national retailers.  However, Members felt that this latter benefit could  be promoted more.

The Committee:-

i.    AGREED that High Life Highland had met or exceeded the outcomes expected in the Service Delivery Contract with The Highland Council for the operating period to March 2019; and
ii.    NOTED the general updates since the last report to the Care, Learning and Housing Committee in December 2018.

21.    Schools Music Tuition
Oideachadh Ciùil Sgoiltean

Declaration of Interest: Mr A Christie declared a financial interest in this item as a family member received music tuition 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/43/19 dated 1 May 2019 by the Chief Executive, High Life Highland.

Following a presentation in amplification of the report, Members made the following comments:-

• the provision of a pipe band drumming tutor in Skye and Lochalsh was welcomed and it had had a huge positive impact on pipe band participation in the area; 
• the additional focus had enabled schools music tuition to grow, not only in terms of the number of children taking up music tuition but its expansion in to other areas such as adult tuition and intergenerational classes.  It was also evident that there was more of an inclusive approach, thus enhancing communities.  Other local authority areas had seen participation numbers drop and it was suggested that the High Life Highland approach should be promoted as a model of good practice elsewhere;
• a timetable as to when the new service in Culloden providing evening music lessons for adults and children would be rolled out would be welcomed;
• information was sought as to the attrition rate from classes through the school term.  Also, to enable performance indicators to be established, information was sought as to what capacity the service was at in terms of the number of musical instruments and tutors available;
• the more business-like approach High Life Highland had been able to adopt had enabled schools music tuition to be safeguarded.  Furthermore, the freezing of prices was a tremendous achievement;
• recognition was given to the music tutors who gave up some of their time and attention and it was important to encourage more people to attend the public concerts displaying the talent of Highland young people; and
• High Life Highland was still evolving as a company but the success achieved to date was acknowledged.  In this regard, it was questioned if, looking to its long-term purpose, there was a possibility of capitalising on this success and expanding further into the arts and festivals. 

The Committee NOTED:-

i.    the successful completion of the transfer of music tuition to High Life Highland;
ii.    early indications of improvement in service delivery since the transfer;
iii.    the joint guidance published in February 2019 by the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities, the Scottish Government and the Music Education Partnership Group; and
iv.    that historically, the service had complied well with the new national guidance and that this approach was being continued by High Life Highland.

14.    Community and Leisure Capital Programme and Related Revenue Implications                                         
Prògram Calpa Coimhearsnachd is Cur-seachad agus Seaghan Teachd-a-steach Buntainneach

Declarations of Interest: Mr A Jarvie and Mr T Heggie declared non-financial interests in this item as Directors of High Life Highland 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.

There had been circulated Report No CLH/36/19 dated 16 May 2019 by the Interim Director of Care and Learning.

From discussion of the report, the following comments were made:-

Considerable investment had been made in Caithness Horizons in the recent years and it was disappointing that urgent capital works were now required before the building could be opened.  Caithness Horizons was an asset to both the local community and to Highland and had made a positive contribution to tourism, especially with the popularity of the North Coast 500, and consequently all Caithness Members had been looking at solutions to have it reopened as soon as possible.  There was a tremendous footfall going past the building and there was therefore potential to raise its profile and, to ensure its long-term future with an appropriate operator in place, to maximise it commercially. The Council faced risks and challenges, taking into consideration the National Lottery funding arrangement and potential the Council may be asked to repay grant funding if the facility was not re-opened.  There were also the additional challenges  on the External and Third Sector Sports, Leisure, Culture and Community Funding Working Group who had been tasked with trying to find savings of £200k out of a budget of £600k.  Protecting facilities or organisations from budget reductions by the Committee further removed the Working Group’s ability to achieve savings, consequently having a negative impact on the remainder of the third sector groups.  However, given the potential repayment of £1m to the National Lottery Fund and that the Dounreay Site Restoration Fund were willing to match the Council funding, it was essential Caithness Horizons was brought back up to standard and reopened.  

The Committee AGREED to:-

i.    the capital and revenue commitments to support the re-opening of Caithness Horizons, Thurso, all as detailed in section 4 of the report; and
ii.    the novation of the existing agreement with the National Lottery, currently co-signed by Highland Council and Caithness Horizons, solely to Highland Council.

6.    Housing Revenue Account (HRA) and Non-HRA Budget: Near-final Outturn Report 2018/2019
Sgrùdadh Teachd-a-steach Cunntas Buidseat Taigheadais

There had been circulated Report No CLH/28/19 dated 20 May 2019 by the Director of Community Services.

During discussion, information was sought, and provided, on how the Council recovered current bad debt, the delays in fully implementing mobile technology for trade operatives, and the impact of limiting non-essential repairs.

The Committee APPROVED the near-final revenue budget position for 1 April 2018 to 31 March 2019.

7.    Community Services Performance Report – 1 April 2018 to 31 March 2019
Aithisg Choileanaidh Taigheadais - 1 Giblean 2018 gu 31 Màrt 2019

Declaration of Interest: Mr A Christie declared a non-financial interest in this item as General Manager of Inverness, Badenoch and Strathspey Citizens Advice Bureau 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/29/19 dated 20 May 2019 by the Director of Community Services.

During discussion, Members made the following comments:-

• the disposal of the property at Achow, Lybster was welcomed as it was not in keeping with the remainder of the housing stock in the area;
• several properties in Wick were to be marketed to reduce the number of voids in Caithness.  This high level of voids had a detrimental impact on Highland’s overall performance and in this regard a feasibility study was suggested as to how best to review the housing stock and to determine which properties should be declared surplus to requirements;
• to drive voids down further a pilot project was proposed in an area like Hilton to gauge if extra resource could drive down voids and make properties available to re-let sooner.  Local knowledge was key to this;
• Members welcomed the improvements in relation to the performance on repairs;
• the reduction in rent arrears for Quarter 4 2018/19 from 76.5% to 68.3% was also welcomed.  This could partly be attributed to more tenants requesting direct landlord payments through Scottish Choices.  This arrangement gave tenants security over their tenancy and was an option which should be promoted further;
• a reduction in the number of homeless presentations and households in temporary accommodation was reported but this appeared to conflict with the information contained in Report No CLH/30/19; and
• in response to concerns raised that improvements in performance were not replicated in Ross and Cromarty the Head of Housing and Building Maintenance offered to have further discussion with Ward Members to discuss local performance issues. 

The Committee:-

i.    NOTED the information provided on housing performance for the period 1 April 2018 to 31 March 2019; 
ii.    AGREED that a Housing Revenue Account property at Achow, Lybster, be declared surplus and available for disposal on the open market; and
iii.    AGREED that consideration be given to a pilot improvement initiative in a specific estate to drive down the number of void properties.

8.    Homelessness: Rapid Rehousing Transition Plan Update
Cunntas às Ùr mu Phlana Eadar-ghluasaid a thaobh Ath-thuineachadh Luath

Declaration of Interest: Mr A Christie declared a non-financial interest in this item as General Manager of Inverness, Badenoch and Strathspey Citizens Advice Bureau 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/30/19 dated 20 May 2019 by the Director of Community Services.

During discussion, Members made the following comments:-

• it was suggested that there was merit in discussing with other local authorities, especially those where homeless rates were high, the possibility of using voids in areas such as Wick.  In doing so it was recognised that many individuals would have specific needs and the necessary portfolio of services to support them and bring them back into society might not necessarily be available.  However, this approach had been tried within Highland with limited success as many individuals from an urban area identified with a city environment and found it difficult to settle in a more rural area;
• the content of the plan was welcomed and confirmation was sought, and received, that it was based on good practice taking place elsewhere, the networking of which had been facilitated by the Scottish Government;
• providing housing fitting the needs of an individual was life changing.  With all agencies in the Community Planning Partnership working together a sustainable tenancy could be achieved.  In this regard, it was highlighted that decisions taken by individual partners might have an impact elsewhere and this was not always recognised; 
• it was important to remember the person when dealing with homelessness.  There was good work taking place in this regard by the Scottish Government;
• the lack of capital funding had led to the shortage of suitable housing.  However, there were interventions which could be put in place to address the root causes of homelessness; and
• local authorities were the only statutory providers of housing and it was felt that other publicly funded agencies delivering social housing should be subject to the same rules and regulations.  

The Committee:-

i.    APPROVED the updated Highland Rapid Rehousing Transition Plan and associated Action Plan as attached at Appendices 1 and 2 of the report;
ii.    NOTED that Scottish Government phase 2 funding was now anticipated for confirmation from August 2019;
iii.    NOTED that a further report would be presented to Committee with details of progress against the Action Plan once funding was confirmed; and
iv.    NOTED that a further report would be presented on the homeless appeals process.

9.    Annual Monitoring Report: Housing Allocations Policy
Aithisg Sgrùdaidh Bhliadhnail: Poileasaidh Riarachadh Taigheadais

There had been circulated Report No CLH/31/19 dated 20 May 2019 by the Director of Community Services.

The Committee NOTED:-

i.    the information contained in the Annual Monitoring Report on housing allocations and that the policy was achieving its objectives in relation to meeting housing needs; and
ii.    that a policy review was in process and that Members would be invited to a Policy Development Group in Autumn 2019.

10.    Care and Learning Revenue Budget Near Final Out-turn 2018/19
Suidheachadh Faisg air Deireannach Buidseat Teachd-a-steach Cùraim agus Ionnsachaidh 2018/19

There had been circulated Report No CLH/32/19 dated 13 May 2019 by the Interim Director of Care and Learning. 

During discussion, Members made the following comments:-

• concern was expressed at the £4.7m overspend for Looked After Children.  Whilst it was acknowledged that there would always be children who needed to be placed Out of Authority, it was feared that some were placed out of authority due to a lack of capacity in Highland.  It was essential this was addressed and it was suggested greater use could be made of Foster Carers who were approved for two to three placements but only had one child in their care.  If payments were provided to them for additional children it would help address this overspend as well as substantially improving life outcomes for the young people.  However, other Members urged caution as fostering additional children could have a detrimental effect on the existing fostering arrangement;
• a lot of exciting work was taking place in terms of bringing out of authority children back to Highland, and all suggestions were being taken into consideration.  However, there was only a finite amount of money available and therefore it was important to take time, to get it right and to build up capacity, also with families, so that more sustainable respite and residential provision could be delivered across Highland and better outcomes ensured;
• assurances had been given during the budget process that the revisions to funding would not affect support needs schools but recent press reports had suggested that the Scope autism unit in Caithness had been mothballed.  In response, the Chairman pointed out that these press reports had been misleading and there had now been a retraction.  Local Members had been kept informed of the situation and this communication would now be shared with all Members;
• whilst this long-term approach was to be applauded, action was needed now to address the budget overspend.  The same budget pressures arose every year and it was disappointing that the remedial action taken had impacted on the Devolved School Management budget.  Assurance had been given during the budget-setting process that this was a one-off and confirmation was sought that this would not be repeated;
• the needs of the child should be at the centre of the decision-making process but a small number of children with complex needs placed in out of authority care could have a significant detrimental impact on the budget.  If children were to be returned to Highland the correct level of care needed to be in place; and
• clarity was sought as to the exact level of savings to be made from the Additional Support Needs budget and over what timescale this was to be achieved.

The Committee:-

i.    NOTED the revenue budget near-final outturn for 2018/19 and the actions being taken to address the budget position in the current year;
ii.    AGREED that the communication to Local Members in relation to the Scope autism unit in Caithness be circulated to all Members; and
iii.    AGREED that a briefing on recent developments in relation to Looked After Children provision be provided to all Members of the Committee.

11.    Care and Learning Service Plan 2019/20
Plana Seirbheis a’ Chùraim agus an Ionnsachaidh 2019/20

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/33/19 dated 20 May 2019 by the Interim Director of Care and Learning.

During discussion, Members made the following comments:-

• a request for cross-party Member involvement in For Highland’s Children 5 was made, an approach which had been adopted in For Highland Children’s 4.  In this regard, the Member involvement across the 13 Improvement Groups was welcomed;
• it was felt that there was a plethora of plans in Education and too much time was spent reviewing them rather than addressing the substantive issues.  The Plan before Members contained a list of objectives but it did not explain outcomes and strategic methods as to how they could be achieved.  For example, concerns had been raised in the recent Education Scotland Authority report about mixed outcomes from inspections and performance information in Highland but there was no detail as to how these would be tackled; and
• it was important that there was a synergy between the various plans and that they had defined purposes and provided positive outcomes for young people.  In this regard it was important that Members continued to question if plans achieved what they set out to do.

The Committee AGREED the draft Care and Learning Service Plan for 2019/20, subject to the points raised during discussion, and that latest performance against the updated plan for 19/20 be presented to Committee in August 2019.

12.    Early Learning and Childcare Update
Cunntas às Ùr mu Thràth-ionnsachadh agus Cùram-chloinne

There had been circulated Report No CLH/34/19 dated 17 May 2019 by the Interim Director of Care and Learning.

During discussion, Members made the following comments:-

• the expansion of Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) was an ambitious programme and there was a tight timescale in which to deliver the necessary capital infrastructure.  Information was therefore sought, and provided, as to what contingency plans were in place in Highland if these deadlines were not met;
• the challenges being faced had been well articulated but it was also important to acknowledge the good progress made.  Working with partners was crucial if equality of provision was to be achieved;
• the excellent work undertaken in partnership with CALA through the Peep Progression Pathway was commended. This programme supported fathers in prison to undertake units relating to early years and, for many, offered an opportunity to gain knowledge about positive parenting; and
• the Peep Progression Pathway was also being run at UHI and the number of young men wishing to consider a career in ELC was welcomed as this would provide positive male role models for many children.

The Committee NOTED the current national and local position

13.    Care and Learning Capital – Early Learning and Childcare/School Estate Improvement Programmes
Calpa Cùraim agus Ionnsachaidh – Tràth-ionnsachadh agus Cùram-chloinne/Prògraman Leasachaidh Oighreachdan Sgoile

The Committee NOTED that this item had been withdrawn following discussion at the monthly Members’ budget meeting.  Members were assured that the report would be discussed at the next Members’ budget meeting on 18 June and thereafter the intention was to take  to full Council for consideration in the context of the wider Capital Programme. Any delay would not impact on planning for Early Years arrangements.

15.    Statutory Consultation – Closure of Altnaharra Primary School
Bun-Sgoil Allt na h-Eirbhe – aithisg dheireannach le moladh airson dùnadh

There had been circulated Report No CLH/37/19 dated 15 May 2019 by the Interim Director of Care and Learning.

*    Having acknowledged the excellent work of officers working with the community, the Committee AGREED TO RECOMMEND to the Council that education at Altnaharra Primary School be discontinued and its catchment area divided between those of Tongue Primary School, Farr Primary School and Lairg Primary School.

16.    Statutory Consultation – Proposal to Proceed to Statutory Consultation for Formal Closure of Uig Primary School
Bun-Sgoil Ùige – iarrtas co-chomhairle reachdail a thòiseachadh a thaobh dùnadh

There had been circulated Report No CLH/38/19 dated 25 April 2019 by the Interim Director of Care and Learning.

During discussion it was suggested that, with the closest school having a majority of Gaelic Medium Education (GME) pupils, the possibility of splitting the schools separately into GME and mainstream be explored.  In response it was confirmed that all viable options raised through the consultation process would be considered but the knock-on effects of such proposals would also have to be taken into account. 

The Committee AGREED to proceed to statutory consultation on the basis of the Proposal appended to the report.

17.    Statutory Consultation – Proposal to Proceed to Statutory Consultation for Formal Closure of Stoer Primary School
Bun-Sgoil an Stòir – iarrtas co-chomhairle reachdail a thòiseachadh a thaobh dùnadh

There had been circulated Report No CLH/39/19 dated 25 April 2019 by the Interim Director of Care and Learning.

During discussion, Members commented that, whilst education should be delivered as locally as possible, this had to be balanced against the other curricular activities that could be provided and which school could offer the best educational experience.

The Committee AGREED to proceed to statutory consultation on the basis of the Proposal appended to the report.

18.    Review of the Statutory Consultation Exercise to establish a Gaelic Medium catchment area for Ullapool Primary School
FtG Ullapuil – aithisg dheireannach le molaidhean sgìre-sgoile FtG a stèidheachadh

There had been circulated Report No CLH/40/19 dated 25 April 2019 by the Interim Director of Care and Learning.

*    The Committee AGREED TO RECOMMEND to the Council the creation of a Gaelic Medium catchment area for Ullapool Primary School on the basis shown on the map at Appendix 2 of the report.

19.    Statutory Consultation – Gaelic Medium Catchment Proposals for Mount Pleasant Primary School, Thurso
Bun-Sgoil Mount Pleasant, FtG Inbhir Theòrsa – iarrtas co-chomhairle reachdail a thòiseachadh a thaobh stèidheachadh sgìre-sgoile FtG

There had been circulated Report No CLH/41/19 dated 25 April 2019 by the Interim Director of Care and Learning.

Whilst supportive of proceeding to consultation the point was made that, when looking at catchment areas, it was important to consider how the Council was going to resource the expansion of GME in the future.  It was important that GME was sustained in to secondary schools and a meeting was shortly to be held with representatives from Bòrd na Gàidhlig and the Scottish Government to pull all interested parties together to address this issue.  In the meantime, it was important to progress communication with parents, teachers and communities to assure them that their concerns were being listened to.  Recruitment of GME teachers had historically been a problem but at last there appeared to be more teachers available, although where they chose to teach might still be a problem.  This matter could be further considered at the Gaelic Strategy and Implementation Group.

The Committee AGREED:-

i.    to proceed to statutory consultation on the basis of the Proposal appended to the report; and
ii.    to progress, as soon as possible, communication with relevant communities regarding future resourcing of Gaelic Medium Education provision.

22.    Minutes
Geàrr-chunntas

The Committee:-

i.    NOTED the Minutes of the Highland Alcohol and Drugs Partnership Strategy Group – 4 December 2018;
ii.    NOTED the Minutes of the Highland Child Protection Committee – 4 December 2018;
iii.    NOTED the Minutes of the Highland Community Justice Partnership – 12 December 2018;
iv.    APPROVED the Minutes of the Poverty and Inequalities Working Group – 13 March 2019;
v.    APPROVED the Minutes of the Adult Services Development and Scrutiny Sub-Committee – 28 March 2019;
vi.    APPROVED the Minutes of the External and Third Sector Sport, Leisure, Culture and Community Funding Working Group – 26 April 2019; and
vii.    APPROVED the Minutes of the External and Third Sector Sport, Leisure, Culture and Community Funding Working Group – 17 May 2019.

The meeting concluded at 2.55 pm.