Agendas, reports and minutes

Present:

Highland Council:

Dr D Alston, Mrs I Campbell, Mr A Christie (Chair), Mrs M Davidson, Ms J Douglas, Mr B Fernie, Mr K Gowans, Mr M Green, Mr E Hunter, Mrs D Mackay, Mr G MacKenzie (Vice Chair), Ms L Munro, Mrs M Paterson, Mr M Rattray, Mrs F Robertson, Ms G Ross, Mr G Ross, Ms J Slater, Ms M Smith, Ms K Stephen, Ms A Taylor (Youth Convener)

NHS Highland:

Mrs M Duncan, Mrs G McCreath, Dr M Somerville

Religious Representatives:

Ms M McCulloch, Mr G Smith

Non-Members also present:

Mr B Clark, Mrs L MacDonald, Mr G Rimell, Mr J Stone

In attendance:

Mr H Fraser, Director of Education, Culture and Sport
Mr B Alexander, Director of Health and Social Care
Mr R MacKenzie, Head of Support Services, Education, Culture and Sport Service
Mr C MacSween, Head of Education, Education, Culture and Sport Service/Health and Social Care Service
Mr J Steven, Head of Education (Designate), Education, Culture and Sport Service/Health and Social Care Service
Ms F Palin, Head of Social Care, Health and Social Care Service
Mr M Vogan, Service Information and Support Manager, Education, Culture and Sport Service
Mr A Robb, Principal Service Information Officer, Education, Culture and Sport Service
Mrs B Cairns, Principal Officer, Additional Support Needs, Education, Culture and Sport Service
Mr E Foster, Finance Manager (Education, Culture and Sport and Health and Social Care)
Mr R Campbell, Estate Strategy Manager, Education, Culture and Sport Service
Ms S Russel, Principal Officer Nursing, Health and Social Care Service
Mr C Munro, Highland Children’s Forum  (Third Sector)
Ms V Gale, Care and Learning Alliance (Third Sector)
Miss J Maclennan, Principal Administrator, Chief Executive’s Office
Miss M Murray, Committee Administrator, Chief Executive’s Office

Also in attendance:

Ms C Baxter, Children’s Consultation Lead, Highland Children’s Forum
Ms K MacKay, Infant Feeding Advisor, NHS Highland
Mr P Mascarenhas, Principal Adult and Youth Services Officer, High Life Highland

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 A Christie in the Chair

Business

Preliminaries

The Chairman informed Members that this would be the last meeting attended by Mr Calum MacSween who was to leave the Council’s service on 27 September 2013.  Mr MacSween had served the Council as both a Head Teacher and as Head of Education.    Appreciation was expressed by Members for his input, professional manner and dedication towards improving the outcomes of young people in Highland.  Reference was made to his achievements as a Head Teacher and the skills and experience he had brought to the service in his role as Head of Education.

Members also expressed their best wishes to Mr B Gormley and wished him a speedy recovery.

1. Apologies for Absence
    Leisgeulan

Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of Mr B Gormley, Mr D Hendry, Mr T MacLennan, Mrs B McAllister and Rev C Mayo.

2. Declarations of Interest
    Foillseachaidhean Com-pàirt

The Committee NOTED the following declarations of interest:-

Item 6i – Ms J Douglas and Mr K Gowans (non-financial)
Item 6ii – Mrs G McCreath (financial)
Item 7i – Ms J Douglas, Mr K Gowans and Mrs F Robertson (non-financial)
Item 14ii - Ms J Douglas and Mr K Gowans (non-financial)

Ms G Ross declared a financial interest in those items which might raise discussion on Thurso High School, as her husband was a teacher at the School, and advised that if there was any specific discussion in relation to Thurso High School she would leave the room.

Dr D Alston declared a non-financial interest in those items relating to integrated health and social care services as a Board Member of NHS Highland but, in terms of the dispensation granted by the Standards Commission, remained to participate in discussion.

3. Presentation: Curriculum for Excellence
    Taisbeanadh: Curraicealam airson Sàr-mhathais

The Head of Education undertook a presentation on progress in developing and implementing Curriculum for Excellence. This was now the tenth year of Curriculum for Excellence and a full review of the approach in Highland had been provided to Members some time earlier.  In addition, there had been tabled at the meeting a Government produced summary, primarily prepared for parents.

Mr MacSween advised that the Curriculum for Excellence was the culmination of a period of 20 years of successful curriculum building and had been developed over three separate phases.  It was now applied from early years, through broad general education to the senior phase and centred on developing four main capacities in young people: successful learners, confident individuals, responsible citizens and effective contributors.  The challenge was to prepare young people for a world in which they would have to learn, unlearn and relearn skills, constantly have to upgrade their knowledge and for a world in which they would have to change jobs more than in any previous generation.  The aim was to develop resilient learners to meet the aspiration of the 2002 National Debate Report that all children and young people should share the opportunities previously enjoyed by the majority.

Mr J Steven, Head of Education (designate) undertook a presentation on the present situation, current priorities and the next steps in implementation.  He confirmed that the approach adopted in Highland had been to allow individual schools to develop their own flexibility in meeting the requirements of the Curriculum for Excellence.  Key national documents had recently been produced: the Inspection Advice Note 2013/14 and the Curriculum for Excellence Implementation Plan 2013/14.  These fitted well with Highland documents: Highland Steer for Primary and Secondary, Education Service 3 year strategic plan and the Highland Strategy summary.

In terms of next steps there was a huge agenda of future work and challenges.  This would involve work on the Curriculum itself: the curriculum structures, how this applied to broad general education and a review of senior phases.  Successful developments had been made on pastoral work for transition from primary to secondary but there was now a need for additional work in this area in the context of the Curriculum for Excellence. Literacy, numeracy and health and wellbeing were areas on which schools had appreciated flexibility and on which much developmental work had been carried out.

The skills for life, learning and work strategy was a vital aspect of Curriculum for Excellence and successes in these areas would be further developed.  Much attention had been given to vocational courses but links would be forged with the University of the Highlands and Islands.  The 16+ strategy would also play a vital role in ensuring positive destinations for young people.

Learning/teaching styles and assessment were constantly being developed and focussed more closely on engagement with young people.  Support for learners was essential to ensure that young people received the support they needed to move onto their next stage in life.  An update was provided on monitoring/tracking, qualifications and reporting to parents. Work done on profiles and examinations still played a vital role.

Schools still needed flexibility to find their way through the self-evaluation process to assess whether or not they were making the most of their resources and if they were using reliable data on which to base future developments.  Communication with pupils and parents was essential and the work undertaken by staff was commended.  This had been supported by the work of the Quality Improvement Team, Curriculum Development Officers and partners outwith the schools.  In conclusion, while significant progress had been made, it was recognised that this was an on-going process of further development.

During discussion, Members thanked Mr MacSween and Mr Steven for their presentations.  It would be important to ensure examples of best practice were replicated throughout the Highlands and to build on the firm foundations that had been created.  It was also important to ensure that communication with parents regarding the Curriculum for Excellence was clear and concise.

In particular, Mr MacSween was commended for the work he had undertaken, particularly at Tain Royal Academy and more generally in exposing the issue of school exclusions.  Children’s needs and development had always been at the centre of his considerations and this was also reflected as a key element of the Curriculum for Excellence.

Thereafter, the Committee NOTED the presentation.

4. Membership of Sub-Committees
    Ballrachd Fho-chomataidhean

The Committee AGREED the following:-

• Criminal Justice Sub-Committee – Mr M Green to replace Mrs F Robertson

5. Appointment of Representative to Highland Children’s Trust
    Cur Riochdaire an Dreuchd gu Urras Chloinne na Gàidhealtachd

The Committee was advised that the Highland Children’s Trust provided financial assistance to needy children and young people up to the age of 25 who were resident in, or had some connection to, Highland.  The Trust’s Board comprised 5 Governors, one of whom was appointed by the Highland Council.

The Committee AGREED to appoint Mrs M Paterson to the Highland Children’s Trust.

6. Revenue Budget 2013/14 – Monitoring
    Buidseat Teachd-a-steach 2013/14 – Sgrùdadh

i. Education, Culture and Sport
   Foghlam, Cultar agus Spòrs

Declarations of Interest: Ms J Douglas and Mr K Gowans declared non-financial interests in this item on the grounds of being 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 ACS-84-13 (90kb pdf) dated 16 September 2013 by the Director of Education, Culture and Sport which set out the Revenue Budget monitoring position for the four months to 31 July 2013 and the year-end outlook position.

The current estimated year-end position was an overspend of £0.855M.  However, management actions were being progressed which could reduce this figure by a further £0.200M.  The main budget pressures, details of which were provided in the report, related to Additional Support Needs; School Transport; and Catering, Cleaning and Facilities Management.  In recognition of the urgent requirement to offset the budget pressures, an instruction had been issued by the Director that only essential expenditure should be incurred and, wherever possible, filling of vacant posts should be delayed.  Management actions to identify compensatory savings would continue throughout the financial year.

Clarification was provided in relation to the Devolved School Budget section of the report which should have read at section 2.6 “where a school has a surplus of 5%...”

During discussion, Members commented as follows:-

• regarding the Devolved School Budgets, while acknowledging that final outturns would not be known until the end of the financial year, it was queried whether information could be presented on any potential variances on this budget since this was an area of risk;
• the details reported on school absence cover represented a challenging and complex situation and it was requested that a more detailed report be brought back to the Committee.  In particular, information would be helpful on the impact that the lack of supply teachers had on other staff, Head Teachers and on pupils’ education.  There was a need to address this issue as a matter of urgency, particularly since pressure on absence cover was most acute over autumn/winter months.  It would also be helpful if the report could address long-term and short-term absences separately;
• in Highland there was currently a total of 9002 children who had additional support needs and staff were commended for the level of support that was currently provided.  This represented a hugely complex situation with varying arrangements of support for each child.  It was queried whether Area Managers would be required to account for the £921,000 overspend when setting budgets for future years and, since the Review Group would report by November this year, it was unclear why forecasts were being made from April to August 2014;
• it was acknowledged that there were other factors affecting services for children with additional support needs.  In particular, many third sector organisations were relying on balances to fund their activities which increased the risk for the future of those services.  Families had been affected by welfare reform and the Council’s budget pressures e.g.  school transport.  It was queried whether a family perspective could be prioritised, particularly for families on low incomes and for families with children with additional support needs;
• the Sutherland school transport model was entering a period of transition and it would be important to be fully apprised of all relevant issues and seek the views of the Head Teacher and Local Members.  This covered a vast geographical area and transport was a key challenge to ensure that pupils were not disadvantaged.  It was hoped that the most appropriate forum for this to be discussed would be the Area Committee;
• it would be helpful to have information on where staff vacancies were being held;
• in relation to school transport issues, it was queried what timescales had been put in place and what dedicated resources would be available to oversee the actions required; and
• it was suggested that further discussion should address how school Business Support could more effectively provide assistance for Head Teachers.

The Chairman confirmed that methods of monitoring and identifying variances throughout the financial year in the Devolved School Budget would be sought and an update presented to the next meeting of the Committee.  The allocation model was a tool to ensure a transparent and robust way of allocating resources to schools.  However, there were increasing demands on the additional support needs budget and there was a clear need for information on population growth to be built into the budget setting process.

School absence cover represented a very pertinent issue and would be reported to an early future meeting of the Committee.  Officers were meeting with representatives of Primary Head Teachers in the very near future to address the issue of supply and absence cover and to establish more local ways of advertising vacancies.  The meeting would also provide a forum for discussion on other issues raised during debate: a family approach to services for low income families and families with children with additional support needs.  It would also provide an opportunity to address the need for shared Business Support to relieve administrative pressures on Head Teachers.  The outcome of this meeting would be fed into any future report or briefing note to Members on this issue.

The Chairman also confirmed that it would be appropriate for the issue of Sutherland school transport to be discussed at the Area Committee so as to provide a local input and guidance on any potential solution.

The Committee:-

i. NOTED the current year-end position and the management actions identified
   so far to partially offset the known budget pressures;
ii. NOTED the actions being progressed in relation to the Additional Support
   Needs budget;
iii. AGREED that options for funding a dedicated resource to deliver
   efficiencies in the deployment of school transport were progressed in
   conjunction with the Director of Transport, Environmental and Community
   Services;
iv. NOTED the actions being progressed in relation to School Catering, in
    particular the analysis of the net cost of school meal provision on a school
    -by-school basis;
v. NOTED the progress being made with achievement of budget savings in the
   current financial year;
vi. AGREED, in relation to Devolved School Management budgets, that a
    means of providing variances earlier in the financial year be explored and an
    update be presented to the next meeting of the Committee; and
vii. AGREED that a detailed report on the issues surrounding school absence
    cover be presented to a future meeting of the Committee.

ii. Health and Social Care
    Slàinte agus Cùram Sòisealta

Declaration of Interest: Mrs G McCreath declared a financial interest in this item as a foster carer and advised that if there was any specific discussion in relation to fostering she would leave the room.

There had been circulated Report No ACS-85-13 (234kb pdf) dated 16 September 2013 by the Director of Health and Social Care which set out the revenue monitoring statement for the four months to 31 July 2013.

The current estimated year-end position was an overspend of £0.163M, a deterioration from the previous monitoring position reported to the Committee which indicated a balanced budget.  The changed position was largely due to two factors: revised assumptions of savings from staff vacancies due to the reduced level of current vacancies and overspend on Section 22 welfare payments, details of which were provided in the report.  As previously reported to the Committee, there was continuing overspend on out of authority placements and a breakdown of current placements was provided.

Responding to questions, it was confirmed that there was a clear link between those receiving assistance under Section 22 of the Children (Scotland) Act 1995 and those receiving assistance under the Scottish Welfare Fund.  However, there was a cohort under Section 22 who would not normally be eligible to receive assistance under the Scottish Welfare Fund.  This was an issue that was currently being investigated with the Depute Leader of the Council and the Chair of the Finance, Housing and Resources Committee to ensure that budgets and expenditure were aligned properly.

The Service continued to manage overspends in certain areas, particularly expenditure for looked after children, through a range of compensatory measures including savings made possible through vacancy management.  The level of underspends because of vacancies in Social Care, Nursing and Education Psychology was less than last year.  The Council had awarded the Service funding for additional staffing and proposals on the allocation of this funding would be presented to the next meeting of the Committee.

The overall number of looked after children had begun to fall significantly.  Practitioners and the Children’s Hearing system were confident that services were now in place to avoid the need for compulsory measures.  There had, as yet, not been any impact on the numbers of out of authority placements but this was expected to fall at a future date.  This situation was susceptible to a range of challenges, not least welfare reform.

The Committee NOTED the budget monitoring position.

7. Capital Expenditure 2013/14 – Monitoring 
    Caiteachas Calpa 2013/14 -  Sgrùdadh

i. Education, Culture and Sport
   Foghlam, Cultar agus Spòrs

Declarations of Interest:

Ms J Douglas and Mr K Gowans declared non-financial interests in this item on the grounds of being 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.

Mrs F Robertson declared a non-financial interest in this item as Vice Chairman of Tain Royal Academy Parent Council but, having applied the test outlined in Paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3 of the Councillors’ Code of Conduct, concluded that her interest did not preclude her involvement in the discussion.

There had been circulated Report No ACS-86-13 (121kb pdf) dated 17 September 2013 by the Director of Education, Culture and Sport which informed Members of progress on the 2013/14 Education, Culture and Sport capital programme and sought approval for new projects as well as amendments to the budgets for several projects.  The report also provided an update on the Sustainable School Estate Review and on-going measures to improve communication and performance. It also advised on a proposal to provide additional accommodation at Spean Bridge Primary School and, during a summary of the report, further details of this were presented.

A review of the anticipated year-end position for all projects and budget headings was currently being undertaken and the outcome would be reported to the Committee on 13 November 2013.  The report provided an update on the status of the major capital projects currently being progressed and it was highlighted that the Portree Hostel and Thurso Library projects were now on the list.  The new Portree Gaelic Primary School project had also been initiated and plans were being formulated for an access road and demolition of the existing hostel.

In amplification of the report, it was confirmed that following recent developments, the Wick Community Campus would be handed over to the Council in February 2016 with the new schools becoming operational in April 2016.  The school north of the river would be operational by August 2015.  Revised timescales had been agreed with Hub North Scotland Ltd and Miller Construction UK and communicated to Local Members and the Stakeholder Group.

During discussion, Members raised a range of issues, including the following:-

• with disappointment expressed at the delay in the Wick Community Campus project, it was unclear as to why the delay had occurred and a request for further information was made;
• the poor standard of the St Duthus School building had been raised before and it was disappointing that pupils would have to endure another winter in the building.  This raised issues regarding how the Council looked after vulnerable groups.  It was hoped that there would be no obstacles to progress emerging from the Planning system.  A realistic timeframe for the provision of new modular accommodation was requested so as to maintain the confidence of pupils, parents and staff;
• it had previously been understood that the consultation on the Tain Royal Academy Associated School Group would commence in November but the report did not confirm this commitment.  The November date had been advertised to Parent Councils and Community Councils and further clarification on this was requested;
• good progress had been made at St Clement’s School.  However, parents and staff looked forward to the work continuing and particular reference was made to the car park which was still in a poor condition;
• it would be useful to review the main issues arising from the Ben Wyvis Primary School project.  While parents, pupils and teachers were delighted with progress, there were still some negative issues outstanding that could have been prevented at an earlier stage and the review would highlight these;
• consideration should be given to involving the Council’s Internal Audit staff when reviewing large-scale projects rather than paying for expensive external consultants;
• it was hoped that for the Spean Bridge Primary School project, as with other PPP Projects, traditional janitorial support could be maintained;
• regarding the Wick project, Audit Scotland should be involved in addressing the activity and arrangements of Hub North Scotland Ltd as delays of this nature were costly;
• the buildings at the Black Isle Education Centre were now in a dreadful state and it would be costly to repair them.  This facility provided services to a small number of young people but they deserved a better message of their worth.  There might be alternative and better ways of meeting the needs of these young people, perhaps even with third sector assistance;
• there were still no timescales available for the Sustainable School Estate Review in the Plockton Associated School Group.  This was now becoming an issue as many parents were choosing to send their children to other schools;
• further clarification was requested as to why building condition surveys required to be validated as this appeared to be duplication;
• the introduction of a standard report for tracking issues at Ward level would be rolled out at Ward business meetings in the coming months.  However, concern was expressed at this vague timeframe and, if it had already been agreed, it should be implemented straightaway; and
• the work carried out at Milton of Leys Primary school was particularly welcomed and had been a credit to all who had been involved.

Responding to these comments, an explanation was offered for the rescheduling of the Wick Community Campus project.   The original dates were not achievable because the design and procurement packages had not progressed at the necessary pace.  A combination of factors had caused delays in the design and associated work packages and a pragmatic reassessment of timeframes had been required.

Regarding the Tain Associated School Group, it was still the intention to propose a location for this facility to the November meeting of the Committee.  Once a site had been agreed, proposals could be brought forward for a statutory consultation to build the campus on the site.  Regarding St Duthus School, all planning issues had to be addressed in advance and a briefing note would be provided to Local Members.

The Chairman confirmed that it was important to bring back to Committee the audits and reappraisals of large-scale projects so that lessons could be learned on a continuing basis.

The Committee:-

i.  NOTED the status of the 2013/14 capital programme at the end of July
    2013 as detailed in Appendix 1 of the report;
ii.  NOTED the status of the major capital projects as detailed in Appendix 2 of
    the report;
iii.  AGREED the new projects and amendments to existing budget allocations
    as detailed in Section 3 of the report;
iv. NOTED the status of the Sustainable School Estate Review as detailed in
    Section 4 of the report;
v. NOTED the progress on measures to improve communication with Ward
    Members and on the post project review of the Ben Wyvis Primary School
    project as detailed in Section 5 of the report;
vi. AGREED the proposed provision of additional accommodation at Spean
    Bridge Primary School;
vii. AGREED that a timetable and update in respect of the Sustainable School
    Estate Review in the Plockton Associated School Group be provided to
    Local Members;
viii. AGREED, in relation to Building Condition Surveys, that a timetable,
     together with an explanation of the complexity of the exercise, be
     provided to Members of the Committee; and
ix. AGREED that a timetable for the introduction of the standard report for
    tracking issues at Ward level be provided to Members of the Committee.

ii. Health and Social Care
   Slàinte agus Cùram Sòisealta

There had been circulated Report No ACS-87-13 (52kb pdf) dated 16 September 2013 by the Director of Health and Social Care which updated Members on progress to date with the Health and Social Care Capital programme and provided a monitoring report on expenditure as at 31 July 2013 and an update on work being undertaken on fire safety and other health and safety capital works.

The budget for 2013/14 was £3.914M and expenditure to date was £0.677M which represented 17% of the budget.  At this stage in the financial year, it was anticipated that the budget would be fully spent.  Information was provided on a number of major projects, namely, Grant House in Grantown-on-Spey, Invernevis House in Fort William and Ach an Eas in Inverness.  In relation to the new Children’s Unit in Caithness, contractors were on site and completion was due at the end of the June 2014.

The Committee APPROVED the report and budgetary position.

8. Performance Report – Children’s Services
    Aithisg air Dèanadas – Seirbheisean Chloinne

There had been circulated Report No ACS-88-13 (110kb pdf) dated 16 September 2013 by the Director of Health and Social Care which provided an update on the Performance Framework for Children’s Services.

The Performance Framework had been agreed by the Council and NHS Highland as part of the lead agency arrangements and the performance report was presented to NHS Highland as well as to the Adult and Children’s Services Committee.  The report provided commentary on a number of measures where performance was not broadly on target or was otherwise of note.

During discussion, Members welcomed the progress on some indicators, particularly the increase in the number of statutory health assessments carried out within four weeks of children becoming Looked After, and commended all those involved.

In relation to kinship care, whilst recognising the efforts which had been made in recent years, disappointment was expressed that the number of Looked After Children supported in this manner remained at around 20%.  A report was requested on how the Practice Model was impacting on different groups of Looked After Children and how an increase in kinship care might be achieved.

With regard to the Performance Framework, the Chairman confirmed that it continued to be refined and new performance indicators would be submitted in the future.  The Committee would have the opportunity to examine the dynamics within the indicator headings and where action was needed to improve children’s services during the life of For Highland’s Children 4 (FHC4).

In response to questions, it was explained that data was collected monthly, quarterly, six-monthly and annually.  The Committee usually only received new data but the full list of indicators was presented periodically and could be provided at any time.  With regard to child healthy weight, the target for interventions continued to be met and was ahead of the trajectory.

Thereafter, the Committee:-

i.  NOTED the performance information; and
ii. AGREED that a report be presented to a future meeting of the Committee
   on how the Practice Model was impacting on different groups of Looked
   After Children and how an increase in kinship care might be achieved.

9. Support for Breastfeeding
    Taic airson Biadhadh-broillich

There had been circulated Report No ACS-89-13 (87kb pdf) dated 16 September 2013 by the Director of Health and Social Care which outlined the current breastfeeding rates in Highland and described the work underway to increase breastfeeding awareness, promotion and rates over the next few years.

The report explained that breastfeeding statistics were derived from data collected by Health Visitors, normally around 10 to 14 days post-birth and again at 6 to 8 weeks.  During these contact visits, the Health Visitor recorded the method of feeding on the Child Health Surveillance Programme form.  At the 6 to 8 week check, a GP carried out a medical examination of the  baby and, following this, the form was returned to NHS Highland so that the data could be entered on to the national system.  A HEAT target was launched in 2007 to increase the proportion of babies being fed breast milk exclusively at 6 to 8 weeks to 33.3% and statistics were provided on rates in Highland in comparison with Argyll and Bute and Scotland as a whole.  These showed that, in 2011/12, nearly 40% of babies in Highland received breast milk and 31% were exclusively breastfed.  Information was also provided on the work being undertaken to improve the rate of return of the 6 to 8 week review forms.  A range of actions had already been implemented to support mothers to breastfeed their babies and these were detailed in the report together with proposed further actions to improve breastfeeding rates.

The Director emphasised the importance of support for breastfeeding and that it was a priority to monitor and evaluate the impact of the various activities in the report on breastfeeding rates. Rates in Highland were higher than much of the rest of Scotland but the aim was to excel and increase rates considerably.  In relation to Child Health Surveillance Programme forms, it was highlighted that non-returns did not count as a “zero” towards the overall breastfeeding rate as indicated in the report.

During discussion, the following comments were made:-

• the importance of peer support was emphasised and the work of peer volunteers was commended.  The team approach, with volunteers receiving the same UNICEF training programme as trained staff, was welcomed;
• the wide range of activity being undertaken was also welcomed.  In particular, the Facebook page offering support from peers, including a myth-buster section, was helpful and it would be beneficial to circulate the information contained therein to a wider audience;
• in relation to the re-launch of the “baby welcome” sticker scheme, it was suggested this should be on an “opt out” basis whereby all premises would be assumed to be breastfeeding friendly unless otherwise indicated;
• the importance of monitoring and evaluating the impact of the various activities being undertaken was emphasised and it was suggested that a progress report be presented in six months’ time;
• it was important to promote the ease and cost-free nature of breastfeeding as well as the health benefits to both mother and baby;
• breastfeeding was a prime example of early intervention and preventative spend and it was important to invest in it to improve outcomes later in life;
• the excellent work being undertaken by the Infant Feeding Adviser was commended.  However, there was currently only one such post covering Highland and Argyll and Bute and there were issues to be addressed in terms of capacity if the desired increase in rates was going to be realised.  It would not be possible to offer bespoke solutions to target different areas unless capacity was increased;
• there were lessons to be learnt from other countries with high breastfeeding rates and it was suggested that a follow-up report examining best practice, how it could be implemented in Highland, existing resources and what else could be done to support breastfeeding be presented to a future meeting; and
• information was sought on the age of mothers and the level of family support they had.

In response to questions, it was explained that:-

• in Raigmore Hospital, peer volunteers had assisted with the UNICEF assessment and were now very much seen as part of the team.  It had been more difficult to introduce volunteers in Caithness General Hospital as it had a much smaller number of staff.  However, the hospital was going for reaccreditation in February 2014 and it was intended to use the same approach as adopted in Raigmore.  Work was already underway in that regard and two new volunteers had just completed their training;
• teenage mothers were the most likely not to breastfeed and targeted work was being undertaken which included working with family nurse practitioners and Barnardo’s Bump and providing antenatal to postnatal peer support.  Three mothers, aged 16 to 19, had just undergone peer training and a new support group had been established in the Hilton area in partnership with the Archie Foundation;
• in relation to monitoring and evaluation, the Early Years Collaborative approach of carrying out small tests of change was proving to be an effective improvement model; and
• areas of deprivation in relation to breastfeeding were mapped out and could be included in the proposed follow-up report together with information on the reasons women decided not to breastfeed.

Ms V Gale, Care and Learning Alliance, highlighted that there were a significant number of third sector toddler groups throughout Highland which would be a valuable platform to promote breastfeeding and identify future peer support volunteers.  It was suggested that toddler group facilitators work in collaboration with the Infant Feeding Adviser and her extended team to build upon the good work already being undertaken.

Thereafter, the Committee:-

i. NOTED the actions in place to improve data collection and the work
   underway to support increased rates of breastfeeding; and
ii. AGREED that a follow-up report, taking into account the points raised
   during discussion, be presented to a future meeting of the Committee.

10. “Being A Part, Not Apart” - Highland Children’s Forum Inclusion
      Report
      “Being A Part, Not Apart” - Aithisg In-ghabhaltais Fòram Chloinne
      na Gàidhealtachd

There had been circulated joint Report No ACS-90-13 (25kb pdf) dated 17 September 2013 by the Directors of Education, Culture and Sport and Health and Social Care which introduced a presentation by Highland Children’s Forum (HCF) on their inclusion report, “Being A Part, Not Apart”, which had been circulated separately as Booklet A (1563kb pdf).

The report explained that the term “inclusion” meant embracing all people, irrespective of race, gender, disability or other need.  It involved equal access and opportunities and the elimination of discrimination and intolerance.  For young people growing up, inclusion was about learning how to become a full and responsible member of society and being included in all aspects of that society.

HCF was contracted by the Council to represent the views of young people and families with additional needs.  It had provided a series of reports on the issue of inclusion - for example, “What Difference Would There Be If Children’s Experience Framed Policy?” was published in 2005.  Inclusion also formed part of the “Are We There Yet?” study in 2008.  The latest report, “Being A Part, not Apart”, revisited some of the issues in the previous reports and considered whether there had been changes or improvements in the level of inclusion for Highland’s children and young people.

Ms C Baxter, Children’s Consultation Lead, HCF then undertook a presentation during which it was explained that over 500 children and young people had been consulted as well as 27 parents and 24 service providers.  The consultation had been carried out in urban, rural and sparsely populated areas of Highland and the Associated School Group in each area had been approached with the proposal which took the form of an activity relevant to Curriculum for Excellence.

In terms of the children’s responses, of the range of 14 additional medical and social needs examined, the most common need was that someone the child loved had died or left home.  Children, particularly at primary school age, attended a wide range of activities and the most common response, when asked if they had felt excluded, was that they had never felt excluded.  There appeared to be a correlation between feeling included/excluded and happiness, wellbeing, self-esteem and confidence and contexts involving friends and family scored high in both the included and excluded responses.  Whilst children with specific additional needs had positive experiences to relate, there were a number of barriers to their inclusion – for example, accessible literature for visually impaired children often had to be ordered in and there was a lack of educational options for those with Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD).  Children with additional needs had experienced varying levels of support and understanding, with those diagnosed at the beginning of their school life appearing to fare better than those diagnosed later.  For children and young people who were either non or part attenders at school, particularly those on the autistic spectrum, the amount of support was not the critical factor but rather it was the school environment they could not cope with.

Head Teachers, parents and service providers had been asked to comment on what contributed to inclusion in schools; what worked well; and barriers to inclusion, whether structural, environmental or attitudinal.  Their responses, as set out in detail in the inclusion report, were summarised.

The report contained a number of recommendations in terms of reducing barriers.  For example, in terms of attitudinal barriers, it was proposed that training be examined to ensure there was not only sufficient basic training but also more specialised training in specific conditions and behaviour management. Service providers and schools appeared to be maintaining the status quo but, to prevent regression, inclusion training and support for ASN should not be further reduced.  In relation to environmental barriers, there should be more consultation with children and young people with a disability to ensure that public spaces and buildings were fit for purpose.  With regard to structural barriers, children with ASD were not always best served by integration within mainstream education and planning should be more individual and timely to reduce the numbers either not in education or attending part-time.

In conclusion, there did not appear to be a significant improvement in inclusion but, equally, there did not appear to be a significant deterioration.  There did seem to be some crystallisation of views – for example, the parents view that mainstream education was not the right place for children with ASD.  In addition, there would be serious implications for the support of inclusion and children and young people’s experience of it if the budgetary situation became more challenging.

During discussion, the following comments were made:-

• the comprehensive and thought-provoking report was welcomed;
• the importance of progressing the recommendations contained in the inclusion report to improve outcomes was emphasised and a cross-service report was sought in this regard;
• it was important that the topics in the report were taken into consideration in FHC4, the ASN Review and the next budget setting process;
• it was essential to recognise the rights of the child and that enforcing a policy of inclusion for all was not always beneficial to children and young people;
• the ASN facilities being incorporated in new school developments were welcomed; and
• in relation to staff training and qualifications, it was suggested that consideration be given to working with HCF with a view to sourcing funding to encourage academic and practical development.

In response to points raised, the Chairman undertook to circulate information on current staff training arrangements to Members and commented that this could be discussed at a future meeting if there was a need to enhance it.  It was important to take a holistic approach and it was confirmed that the issues raised in the report would be taken into account in both FHC4 and the ASN Review and that this would ensure further scrutiny at the Committee.  Some issues were not directly within the remit of FHC4.  For example, it was suggested that the report be provided to the Chair of the Transport, Environmental and Community Services Committee for consideration in relation to the role of transport in inclusion.

Mr C Munro, HCF informed Members that the inclusion report would be the last major report by Ms C Baxter as she was retiring and, on behalf of the Forum, he thanked her for the quality of the report.  It was emphasised that it was through the experience and voice of children and young people that agencies could measure whether the strategies in place were correct.  The report highlighted a number of issues which demonstrated that the strategic direction of travel was not being delivered on the ground and it was important that these issues were examined and addressed.

Thereafter, the Committee:-

i.  NOTED the issues raised in the report; and
ii. AGREED that information on staff training be circulated to Members of the
   Committee.

11. Education, Culture and Sport Health, Safety and Wellbeing Policy
      Poileasaidh Slàinte, Sàbhailteachd agus Sunnd aig Foghlam, Cultar
      agus Spòrs

There had been circulated Report No ACS-91-13 (134kb pdf) dated 2 September 2013 by the Director of Education, Culture and Sport (ECS) which sought approval of the ECS health, safety and wellbeing policy document.

The report explained that it was a requirement of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 that all organisations with five or more employees have a written health and safety policy.  The Council’s current policy on health, safety and wellbeing at work had been approved by the former Resources Committee in April 2011.  In the intervening period, and in accordance with the requirements of the corporate policy, the ECS Service had established a Health, Safety and Wellbeing Group with multi-sector representation, including Head Teachers and Trade Union representatives.  To further raise the profile of health, safety and wellbeing, a Service-specific policy had been progressed by the Group.  The policy, which was appended to the report, would be underpinned by a health, safety and wellbeing manual and was intended to provide all ECS employees with a single document containing the relevant information required to discharge their respective responsibilities in relation to health, safety and wellbeing.

During discussion, Members commented that the policy largely related to health and safety legislation.  The importance of promoting mental health and wellbeing was emphasised, particularly in relation to teaching staff who were known to be affected by stress at work.  In addition, concern was expressed that there was no reference to bullying and it was suggested that the Council’s policies on bullying, mental health and other wellbeing issues be cited in the policy.

In response to points raised, it was explained that section 3.2 of the policy document set out the contents of the relative health, safety and wellbeing manual which included a section on stress management.  During the next stage of implementation, the existing corporate policy statements for each topic in the manual would be reviewed from an ECS perspective and adapted where necessary.

Thereafter, the Committee:-

i. APPROVED the Education, Culture and Sport policy on health, safety and
   wellbeing; and
ii. NOTED that the contents of the related manual, which underpinned the
   policy document, would be completed as soon as is practical.

12. Amendments to Adult Services Performance Framework
      Atharrachaidhean do Fhrèam Dèanadais Sheirbheisean Inbheach

There had been circulated Report No ACS-92-13 (47kb pdf) dated 16 September 2013 by the Director of Health and Social Care which included proposed amendments to the Performance Framework for Adult Services from 2013/14.

The report explained that the Adult Services strategic commissioning structure had been developing as part of the new lead agency arrangements.  A Statistical Group had been established to ensure that data was available to populate the Performance Framework and consider new, improved outcome measures.  The Group, which involved senior officers of NHS Highland and the Council, had been reporting to NHS Highland’s Improvement Committee and had made good progress in an initial overview of the Performance Framework.  It had developed proposals for amendments to the Framework, as set out in the report, which had been agreed by the Council’s Adult Services Development and Scrutiny Sub-Committee and the Strategic Commissioning Group.  They now required to be agreed by the Committee, and subsequently the full Council, to enable changes to be made to performance and reporting processes.

* The Committee AGREED TO RECOMMEND to the Council the amendments to the Performance Framework for Adult Services from 2013/14 as set out in the report.

13. School Meals Stakeholder Group Progress Report
      Aithisg Adhartais Buidheann Chom-pàirtichean Bìdh Sgoiltean

There had been circulated Report No ACS-93-13 (43kb pdf) dated 16 September 2013 by the Director of Education, Culture and Sport which explained that the Adult and Children’s Services Committee had agreed, in November 2012, that a Stakeholder Group (the Group) be formed to examine how school meal uptake could be improved.  Progress had been reported to the Committee in January 2013 and this report provided Members with the second update on the progress of the group.

The report explained that improving children’s diet could have a positive impact on their health and educational attainment.  The Group aimed to improve the diet of children through increasing the uptake of school meals, particularly free school meals, and to make links to curricular activity to ensure a whole school approach was taken.  It had met four times to date and reviewed earlier work to explore what lessons could be learnt.  Details were provided of previous pilots and measures such as onsite policies, band systems in primary schools and catering staff involvement in Parent Evenings.  The Group had also sought future pilots and Head Teachers had been contacted to ask if they would volunteer to run schemes over the 2013/14 school year, or longer if required, that might increase school meal uptake.  A menu of potential pilots had been circulated to prompt ideas and eleven schools had responded positively.  Of those, Kingussie High School, Invergordon Academy, Charleston Academy and Cawdor Primary School had been selected and progress would be reported to the Committee.

The Committee:-

i. NOTED the progress of the School Meals Stakeholder Group; and
ii. AGREED that a report on the progress of the pilot sites be submitted to a
   future meeting of the Committee.

14. Minutes
      Geàrr-chunntas

Declarations of Interest: Ms J Douglas and Mr K Gowans declared non-financial interests in Item 14ii on the grounds of being 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 various Minutes of Meetings for noting or approval as appropriate.

During discussion in relation to the Adult Services Development and Scrutiny Sub-Committee Minutes, it was requested that the document referred to at item 7(iv), setting out both the outcomes in the Partnership Agreement and the relative performance indicators, be provided to Members of the Sub-Committee as soon as possible as this would provide the framework for scrutinising the delivery of adult social care.

In addition, a date was sought for the meeting to discuss governance arrangements, referred to at item 4 of the Minutes.  Elected Members who had previously been involved in adult social care now felt removed from it and there were issues to be addressed in terms of the provision of information and the ability to have input.  All Members dealt with the public and it was important that they understood the issues in relation to, for example, home care and delayed hospital discharge.

In response, the Chairman confirmed that the document referred to would be circulated as soon as possible.  In relation to the meeting to discuss governance arrangements, a date would be set following the District Partnership Seminar on Friday 27 September 2013.

Thereafter, the Committee NOTED, and APPROVED where necessary, the following Minutes of Meetings:-

i. Highland Alcohol and Drugs Partnership Strategy Group of 8 May 2013 (37kb
   pdf);
ii. Culture and Leisure Contracts Scrutiny Sub-Committee of 27 August 2013
(17kb pdf);
iii. Criminal Justice Sub-Committee of 27 August 2013 (16kb pdf);
iv. Adult Services Development and Scrutiny Sub-Committee of 30 August
    2013 (52kb pdf);
v. Duncraig Trust Scheme Sub-Committee of 3 September 2013 (14kb pdf);
    and
vi. Education Transport Entitlement Review Sub-Committee of 3 September
    2013 (15kb pdf).

The Committee also AGREED, in relation to the Adult Services Development and Scrutiny Sub-Committee, that the document referred to at item 7(iv) of the Minutes be circulated to Members of the Sub-Committee as soon as possible.

15. Exclusion of Public
      Às-dùnadh a’Phobaill

The Committee RESOLVED that, under Section 50A(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, the public be excluded from the meeting during discussion of the following item on the grounds that it involved the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 9 of Part 1 of Schedule 7A of the Act.

16. Membership of SEEMiS Limited Liability Partnership
      Ballrachd Com-pàirteachas Buailteachd Cuibhrichte SEEMiS

There had been circulated to Members only Report No ACS/94/13 dated 17 September 2013 by the Director of Education, Culture and Sport.

Following discussion, during which Members requested sight of the associated Risk Register, the Committee AGREED the recommendations as set out in the report.

The meeting concluded at 12.35 pm.