Agendas, reports and minutes

Care, Learning and Housing Committee (formerly the People Committee)

Date: Thursday, 5 December 2019

Minutes: Read the Minutes

Minutes of Meeting of the Care, Learning and Housing Committee held in the Council Chamber, Council Headquarters, Glenurquhart Road, Inverness on Thursday 5 December 2019 at 10.05 am.

Present:

Mrs J Barclay, Mr B Boyd, Mr R Bremner (video conferencing), Mr A Christie, Mrs M Cockburn, Mr J Finlayson (Chair), Mr A Graham, Mr T Heggie, Mr A Jarvie, Mr D Mackay, Mr G MacKenzie, Mrs I MacKenzie, Mr D Macpherson, Mr R MacWilliam, Mrs B McAllister, Mr G Ross, Ms N Sinclair (video conferencing), Mr C Smith

NHS Highland:

Prof H van Woerden    
    
Religious Representatives:

Ms S Lamont, The Very Rev S Murray, Mr W Skene    
    
In attendance:

Ms D Manson, Chief Executive
Ms L Weber, Executive Chief Officer Health and Social Care
Mr A Gunn, Chief Officer Resources, 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
Ms N Grant, Interim Head of Education, Care and Learning Service
Ms B Brown, Strategic Quality Improvement Manager, Care and Learning Service
Mr I Kyle, Children’s Planning Manager
Mrs F Shearer, Interim Care and Learning Manager – South, Care and Learning Service
Ms R Bell, Policy Officer, Care and Learning Service
Mr M Mitchell, Finance Manager, Finance Service
Ms J Douglas, Care and Learning Alliance (Third Sector)
Ms G Newman, Highland Children’s Forum (Third Sector)
Ms D Sutherland, YPeople (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 S Walsh, Chief Executive, High Life Highland
Mr R Henderson, Chair of Highland Youth Parliament
Ms K Brown, Member of the Scottish Youth Parliament for Inverness and Nairn, and the UK Youth Parliament
Ms P Gowie, Lucky2BHere
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 had been intimated on behalf of Mrs I Campbell, Mrs G Campbell-Sinclair, Ms E Knox, Mr W Mackay, Ms L Munro, Mrs M Paterson and Mrs F Robertson.

2.    Declarations of Interest
Foillseachaidhean Com-pàirt

The Committee NOTED the following declarations of interest:-

Item 4 – Mr T Heggie, Mr A Jarvie, Mr D Macpherson and Mr G Ross (all non-financial)
Item 6 – Mr A Christie (financial)
Item 7 – Mr A Christie (financial and non-financial)
Item 8 – Mr A Graham (financial)
Item 9 – Mr A Graham (financial)
Item 15ii – 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 Chair having explained that consideration was being given to how best to recognise the wide range of achievements throughout Highland, the Committee NOTED the good news and outstanding achievements.

4.    High Life Highland Progress Report and Highland Youth Parliament Presentation
Aithisg Adhartais High Life na Gàidhealtachd agus Taisbeanadh Pàrlamaid Òigridh na Gàidhealtachd 

Declarations of Interest:

Mr T Heggie, Mr A Jarvie and Mr D Macpherson 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.

Mr G Ross declared a non-financial interest as Treasurer of Highland Disability Sport 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/72/19 dated 25 November 2019 by the Chief Executive, High Life Highland.

The Chief Executive, High Life Highland, gave a presentation in amplification of the report.  In addition, Members of the Highland Youth Parliament gave a presentation on its work.

Discussion ensued, during which Members commended the wide-ranging work of High Life Highland, particularly the outreach and rehabilitation work taking place, and emphasised the need to ensure that funding was maintained at a reasonable level.  In responding to points raised, the Chief Executive, High Life Highland, undertook to liaise with Councillor M Cockburn regarding library social outreach, and to discuss with NHS Highland the possibility of providing rehabilitation for stroke patients.

Discussion also took place on the role of the Youth Convener, during which Members expressed concerned regarding the Youth Convener and other unelected Members of the Committee having voting rights, particularly given that Committees were reducing in size from 25 to 18 Elected Members.  It was confirmed that this issue would be considered as part of the ongoing Governance Review, and a report on the role of the Youth Convener would be presented to the first meeting of the Education Committee on 6 February 2020.

The value of the Youth Convener and the Highland Youth Parliament in terms of representing their peers was recognised and, in relation to Elected Member engagement with local Youth Forums, it was suggested that Members be notified of meeting dates at an early stage so they could make arrangements to attend.

The Committee:-

i.    AGREED that High Life Highland reporting be changed to reflect the Council’s Corporate Plan 2019-22 which had been approved by the Highland Council at its meeting held on 5 September 2019, and that the Service Delivery Contract with High Life Highland be changed to reflect that;
ii.    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 September 2019;
iii.    NOTED the general updates since the last report to the Care, Learning and Housing Committee in May 2019;
iv.    AGREED to reaffirm the Highland Council’s commitment to the Youth Convener position; 
v.    AGREED that the Youth Convener recruitment process be amended as outlined in the report to place a greater balance on the involvement of young people in it;
vi.    AGREED that more formalised links be developed between Council service managers and the Youth Convener position;
vii.    AGREED that the role of the Youth Convener be included on the agenda for the Education Committee on 6 February 2020; and
viii.     AGREED that Members be notified of the dates of local Youth Forums.

5.    Provision of Defibrillators and Emergency Life Support Training in Secondary Schools in Highland – Presentation by Lucky2BHere
Solar Dhì-fhibrilichean agus Trèanadh Taic-Beatha Èiginneach ann an Àrd-sgoiltean anns a’ Ghàidhealtachd – taisbeanadh le Lucky2BHere

There had been circulated Report No CLH/73/19 dated 15 November 2019 by the Chief Executive.

The report introduced a presentation by representatives of the Lucky2BHere charity, which continued to work with secondary schools across Highland.  Information was provided on the ongoing work to deliver emergency life support training and to support schools and communities to acquire an Automated External Defibrillator (AED).

During discussion, the following issues were raised:

  • training was especially important and, in addition to the training being provided to 3rd year pupils, it was hoped this could be expanded to include teachers and other school and Highland Council staff;
  • the importance of registering the location of AED with the Scottish Ambulance Service was stressed.  Signage would also be welcomed, with the example of how Comhairle nan Eilean Siar had addressed this being cited;
  • the on-going service costs of AEDs to communities was recognised; 
  • the practise adopted in other countries was referred to where, for example, empty telephone kiosks were used to house AEDs; and
  • it was disappointing that some commercial stores were reluctant to have them installed on their premises.

The Committee:-

i.    NOTED the progress being made as Highland Council continued to work collaboratively with the Lucky2BHere charity to support secondary and special schools to secure a defibrillator and to deliver a programme of emergency life support training to 3rd year pupils in 2020; 
ii.    AGREED to Lucky2BHere updating the Highland Council with school evaluations and next steps; and
iii.    AGREED that the possibility of extending emergency life support training to teachers and school and council staff be explored.

6.    Highland Health and Social Care Annual Performance Report 2018-19
Aithisg Coileanaidh Bliadhnail Slàinte agus Cùram Sòisealta na Gàidhealtachd 2018–19 

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/74/19 dated 27 November 2019 by the Chief Executive.

The Chief Executive expressed thanks for the feedback received from the third sector, particularly those who helped deliver commissioned services.  As Members were aware officers were working on a process which would provide a much more constructive and engaged partnership with NHS Highland in terms of working closer together both on children’s and adult services, and the detail of this was being explored at Members’ workshops.  In recognising that there were some inaccuracies in the report, she assured Members that this review would improve the quality of reporting and provide an opportunity to look at the surrounding governance arrangements.  It was recognised that the current process was not ideal and that third sector partners needed an opportunity to be involved in the construction of the reports and to feedback prior to reports being finalised.  Information would be brought back to both the Education and Health, Care and Wellbeing Committees outlining the reports which would be provided on an annual basis as well as the engagement process with the third sector, recognising their value, together with the voluntary sector, in achieving outcomes.

The Committee scrutinised and NOTED the Annual Performance Report.

7.    Performance of Young People from Deprived Backgrounds
Coileanadh Dhaoine Òga bho Chùlaibhean Easbhaidheach

Declarations of Interest: Mr A Christie declared a financial interest in this item as a Non-Executive Director of NHS Highland, and a non-financial interest 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 interests did not preclude his involvement in the discussion.

There had been circulated Report No CLH/75/19 dated 25 November 2019 by the Chief Executive.

During discussion, Members commented that the attainment of young people from deprived backgrounds and Adverse Childhood Experience awareness were community issues, and it was important to involve Community Partnerships.  It was necessary to accelerate the good work taking place and it was suggested that an Action Plan, including milestones, as well as information on what was working well in other areas of Scotland, be prepared so that progress could be monitored.  In addition, the need to recognise travelling communities was emphasised.

The Chair added that it was necessary to continue to make representations regarding the use of the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation to determine attainment in line with deprivation, as it did not take account of rural deprivation and working poverty.

The Committee:-

i.    NOTED the positive progress made overall in the performance of young people from deprived areas;
ii.    NOTED the emerging good practice in closing the poverty related attainment gap in schools across the Highlands;
iii.    AGREED that on an annual basis the attainment of young people from deprived backgrounds would be reported to Area Committees; and
iv.    AGREED that an Action Plan, including milestones, be prepared to monitor progress.

8.    Review of the Statutory Consultation Exercise to establish a Gaelic Medium catchment area for Mount Pleasant Primary School, Thurso
Ath-sgrùdadh dhen Eacarsaich Cho-chomhairleachaidh Reachdail gus sgìre-sgoile Foghlam tron Ghàidhlig a stèidheachadh airson Bun-Sgoil Mount Pleasant, Inbhir Theòrsa

Declaration of Interest: Mr A Graham declared a financial interest in this item as an employee of Bòrd na Gàidhlig and left the Chamber for the duration of the item.

There had been circulated Report No CLH/76/19 dated 6 November 2019 by the Chief Executive.

Gaelic Medium Education had been delivered in Thurso for over ten years and there was broad support for the formalisation of the catchment area.  However, parents had raised concerns relating to the transition of Gaelic Medium primary school pupils to secondary school and it was important the Council delivered the plans that had been indicated would be in place so there was continuity in Gaelic teaching and learning both in Mount Pleasant High School and Thurso High School.

The Committee:-

*    i.    NOTED the Proposal set out within the Consultation Report and associated appendices;
ii.    NOTED the representations received and the report from Education Scotland; and
iii.    AGREED TO RECOMMEND to the Council the creation of a Gaelic Medium catchment area for Mount Pleasant Primary School encompassing the whole of the Thurso Associated School Group, as shown on the map at Appendix B of the report.

9.    Statutory Consultation – Gaelic Medium Catchment Proposals for Gairloch Primary School
Co-chomhairle Reachdail – Molaidhean airson Sgìrean-sgoile Foghlam tron Ghàidhlig airson Bun-Sgoil Gheàrrloch

Declaration of Interest: Mr A Graham declared a financial interest in this item as an employee of Bòrd na Gàidhlig and left the Chamber for the duration of the item.

There had been circulated Report No CLH/77/19 dated 6 November 2019 by the Chief Executive.

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

10.    Reviewing the Curriculum to Improve Outcomes for All
Ag Ath-sgrùdadh a’ Churraicealaim gus Coileanadh a Thoirt air Adhart airson nan Uile

There had been circulated Report No CLH/78/19 dated 26 November 2019 by the Chief Executive.

During discussion, the following issues were raised:

  • in reviewing curriculum provision Members needed to be aware of the timelines, milestones, the reporting process and the officers involved;
  • in adopting a positive approach it was important to be careful with the use of language.  The successes which had been achieved over the years needed to be recognised and built on, recognising that it would be important to identify areas that needed to be refined; and
  • the need to recruit and retain staff was paramount, especially in small rural schools, and this was why the development of a virtual school was necessary.  

The Committee AGREED that:-

i.    a Highland Council review of curriculum provision take place in response to the findings and recommendations of the national curriculum review currently underway by the Scottish Government;
ii.    schools should use innovation and creativity to design a curriculum suited to their individual context, giving the autonomy to decide locally on the number of qualifications offered to given year groups, including taking account of the distinct nature and needs of the culture, heritage and economy of the Highlands;
iii.    curriculum rationales should reflect the right to inclusion, with scope for individual pathway planning;
iv.    schools and the local authority should maximise the opportunities for achievement through effective collaboration and partnership working; 
v.    good practice visits locally, nationally and internationally would strengthen the work in curriculum review and planning, providing scaffolding for construction of new curriculums to close the attainment gap and improve outcomes for all; and
vi.    that Members be advised of timelines, milestones, the reporting process and the officers involved in the review of curriculum provision.

11.    Supporting Education Transformation
A’ Toirt Taic do dh’Eadar-ghluasad Foghlaim

There had been circulated Report No CLH/79/19 dated 24 November 2019 by the Chief Executive.

During discussion, Members welcomed the report.  However, it was suggested that, in addition to regular reports, it would be helpful to continue to receive presentations from the Change Team on the individual workstreams.  The Chair added that Members could also approach the Change Team outwith Committee to seek more detail on the work taking place.

Discussion also took place on the issue of self-evaluation, during which Members commented that it was necessary to understand why other areas of Scotland achieved better inspection results than Highland, and to support all staff involved in self-evaluation to make improvements.  In addition, it was necessary to re-emphasise, as part of the school improvement planning process, the importance of self-evaluation and that it needed to include the whole school community.

The Committee:-

i.    NOTED the update provided regarding Education Change Team activities; and
ii.    AGREED that presentations continue to be provided by the Change Team on the individual workstreams.

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

There had been circulated Report No CLH/80/19 dated 26 November 2019 by the Chief Executive.

During discussion, an update was sought, and provided, on the issue of hours being restricted to 600 for any given nursery if parents chose to split their 1140 hours between two different nursery provisions.  The Chief Executive emphasised the need to recognise the diversity of families in Highland and that, in terms of setting policy for 2020, it was necessary to be as responsive as possible.  A communication would be provided to Members in advance of visits to Area Committees in the new year, and feedback was sought on any local issues.

Members also raised the issue of significant renovations being carried out in leased premises, and it was questioned whether a best value approach had been taken to negotiations.  In response, it was explained that the expansion of early learning and childcare was an opportunity not only to invest in Council buildings but to invest in partners who were working with the Council to deliver provision, and to sustain buildings in communities.  Information on specific premises could be provided outwith the meeting.

On the point being raised, it was explained that the Northern Meeting Park setting referred to in Appendix 1 was not local authority provision but related to early discussions regarding developing a small outdoor setting.

The Committee NOTED:-

i.    and acknowledged the developments and progress in early years and the Early Learning and Childcare Expansion Programme;
ii.    and acknowledged the continued risks to the Early Learning and Childcare programme; and
iii.    that a briefing would be provided to Members on how the expanded hours would be provisioned within their local area before March 2020.

13.    Deferred and Early Entry to School
Inntrigeadh Dàilichte agus Tràth dhan Sgoil

There had been circulated Report No CLH/81/19 dated 26 November 2019 by the Chief Executive.

In introducing the report, the Chair highlighted that the policy had been modified in response to feedback from Members, parents and staff.  In addition, the Chief Executive thanked Third Sector partners for raising the issue of deferred entry, which had then become the subject of national debate, and for advocating on the Council’s behalf for policy change.

During discussion, Members welcomed the report, the flexibility the policy provided, and the decision of the Scottish Government to introduce legislation to entitle children whose school start was deferred to access funded early learning and childcare in their deferred year.  However, concern was expressed that some of the wording in the guidance could be misleading.  In particular, the statement on page 4 of the guidance that placing children with classes of younger peers made no difference to outcomes, and the majority of the evidence cited, related not to deferral but to grade retention, which was entirely different.  In addition, it was suggested that the guidance could be worded more positively.

The Chair proposed that the guidance be approved subject to the wording being amended to reflect Members’ concerns, with the final decision being delegated to the Interim Head of Education in consultation with the Chair and Vice Chair of the Education Committee.  It was confirmed that Members of the Opposition would have the opportunity to provide input.

The Committee:-

i.    APPROVED the Guidance (at Appendix A of the report) on being educated outwith the peer group, including deferred and early entry to school, subject to the wording being amended to reflect Members’ concerns with final agreement being delegated to the Interim Head of Education in consultation with the Chair and Vice Chair of the Education Committee; and
ii.    NOTED the supporting information and references.

14.    Family Nurse Partnership Board
Bòrd Com-pàirteachais nan Nursaichean Teaghlaich

The Committee AGREED that Ms L Munro be appointed to the Family Nurse Partnership Board.

15.    Minutes
Geàrr-chunntas

Declaration of Interest: Mr A Christie declared a financial interest in item 15ii 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.

The Committee:-

i.    NOTED the Minutes of the Highland Child Protection Committee – 28 May 2019;
ii.    APPROVED the Minutes of the Adult Services Development and Scrutiny Sub-Committee – 4 October 2019;
iii.    NOTED the Minutes of the Annual General Meeting of the Local Negotiating Committee for Teachers – 13 November 2019; and
iv.    NOTED the Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of the Local Negotiating Committee for Teachers – 13 November 2019.

The meeting concluded at 12.50 pm.