Agendas, reports and minutes

Adult and Children's Services Committee

Date: Wednesday, 19 February 2014

Minutes: Read the Minutes (continued)

During discussion, Members raised the following issues:-

  • whilst reviewing processes within school offices was to be welcomed, concern was expressed that the review was being driven by savings targets and that the anticipated savings of £350,000 could not be achieved without loss of posts predominantly held by women.  To do so by natural wastage would be unplanned and inconsistent throughout Highland; 
  • school office staff were integral to the successful running of a school; 
  • unplanned interruptions were inevitable when dealing with children, parents and local issues.  They were a key part of the school office role and it was important not to be too prescriptive in terms of the tasks to be undertaken; 
  • it was essential to inform parents and Parent Councils of progress with the review and reassure them that it was not about job losses but about staff being supported to deliver the school office support function; and 
  • it was important that the review was carried out in conjunction with ICT Services to ensure that any recommendations in terms of ICT equipment were incorporated in the new ICT contract.
Thereafter, the Committee:-

i. NOTED progress to date; and
ii. AGREED that parents and Parent Councils be kept informed of the review’s
   progress.

14. SEEMiS Implementation Update
      Fios as Ùr air Lìbhrigeadh SEEMiS


There had been circulated Report No ACS-28-14 (46kb pdf) dated 6 February 2014 by the Director of Education, Culture and Sport which provided an update on progress with the implementation of SEEMIS, the new Education management information system to replace Pearson e1.


The report explained that, on 25 September 2013, it had been reported to the Committee that the Pearson e1 Management Information System (MIS) currently used in Highland schools was being withdrawn by the supplier. Information had been provided on the necessity for teaching staff, administration teams and senior managers to use an MIS to manage all aspects of school administration and the key information that supported learning and teaching.  It had been agreed that the Council should become a member of the SEEMis Limited Liability Partnership, subject to the appropriate due diligence requirements being satisfied, and that the appropriate resources be made available to ensure that the transition was successfully achieved within the challenging timescales.


The Council was continuing to engage closely with Pearson, SEEMis and the other affected local authorities in a monthly steering group.  In addition, a project board had been established with representation from Education, Culture and Sport management, ICT Services and school-based practitioners.  The appropriate governance and planning arrangements were in place to direct the project, including managing significant risks, and detailed information was provided on key activities including technical links, data migration and training.


The Committee NOTED:-


i. the good progress to date; and
ii. the challenging timescales within which the project had to be delivered and
   the significant interdependencies between establishing technical links, data
   migration and the delivery of training to the appropriate teaching and non-
   teaching staff within all Highland Schools during May and June 2014.


15. The Introduction of Universal Free School Meals in P1 to P3 from
      January 2015
      Tòiseachadh air Biadh Sgoile An-asgaidh Coitcheann ann an P1 –
      P3 bho Fhaoilleach 2015


Declaration of Interest: Mr A Christie declared a non-financial interest in this item as a family member received free school meals 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 ACS-29-14 (16kb pdf) dated 6 February 2014 by the Director of Education, Culture and Sport which set out the implications of the introduction of universal free school meals in P1 to P3 from January 2015.


The report explained that, on 7 January 2014, the Scottish Government announced that all Scottish P1-P3 pupils would receive free school meals from January 2015.  This would affect over 7000 children in Highland, improving health and wellbeing and saving some families at least £350 per year for each child.  The increase in uptake would require the catering service to accommodate and serve an estimated 5000 additional meals per day.  This raised several issues in terms of facilities, service delivery and revenue and these were set out in the report together with proposed management actions.


While welcoming the proposal and recognising the benefits it would bring in terms of better nutrition, health and education, the challenges in providing universal school meals in P1–P3 were also acknowledged.  It was important to be clear as to how much money the Council would receive and if it would include any element of capital spend.  It was also vital to ensure that the locally sourced and high quality food currently provided in schools continued.  Nevertheless, it would go some way to addressing the unmet needs for those pupils of working parents who did not presently qualify for free school meals but who were still on low incomes.


Thereafter, the Committee NOTED:-


i. the changes to free school meal arrangements from January 2015; and
ii. the potential impact on facilities, service delivery and revenue
   consequences.


16. School Lets Pilot Project – Progress Report
      Pròiseact Pìolait Ghabhaltasan Sgoile – Aithisg Adhartais


Declarations of Interest:


Ms J Douglas declared a non-financial interest in this item as a user of school lets in relation to a local Girl Guide group and elected to leave the room during the vote.


Mr K Gowans declared a non-financial interest in this item on the grounds of being a Director 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 his interest did not preclude his involvement in the discussion and voting.


There had been circulated Report No ACS-30-14 (37kb pdf) dated 22 January 2014 by the Director of Education, Culture and Sport which provided an update on progress on the pilot school lets project and asked Members to agree a number of key principles and immediate actions in relation to school letting activity.


The report explained that, at its meeting on 22 May 2013, the Committee agreed proposals to change the operating model for school lets.  The first stage was to establish a pilot project from August 2013 to provide improved management and financial information that would better inform future policy and decision making.  The second stage was to implement a standard operating model from August 2014 that would streamline business processes; improve cost management and potentially improve income generation; provide an opportunity to proactively manage lets; and reduce/remove an administrative burden from schools.  The management information system had allowed for more detailed analysis of school lets than previously possible and, although there were still gaps in the information, a number of issues had been identified and were detailed in the report.  It was recommended that a number of key principles be established in relation to school letting activity and these were set out in section 2.2 of the report.  In addition, it was recommended that the 2009 policy that agreed standard charges for all Education, Culture and Sport facilities be implemented consistently throughout Highland from 1 April 2014.  However, where the policy had an adverse impact on a community group, charges would be phased in over three financial years.


During discussion, some Members were of the view that standardising a process for school lets was not possible given the difference in the size and nature of schools and the facilities available throughout Highland.  The geography of the area and the diversity of communities had to be taken into account and it was suggested that it would be better to wait until the report regarding the maximisation of community use of facilities was considered at the May Committee before any changes were made to school lets.  Disappointment was expressed that many of the issues identified surrounding school lets had highlighted that information was not being recorded and assurances were sought that the new management information system would address this.  Furthermore, it was hoped that the uniform approach to the use of school premises for community purposes would form part of the report requested on working together for the Highlands by investigating new and innovative ways of delivering more community access to existing buildings as part of the review of the schools’ estate.  Prior to this matter progressing, it was proposed that cross-party consultation take place with the Director of Education, Culture and Sport to address the concerns that had been raised.


Other Members pointed out that the proposal to standardise a charging policy and tariff structure had technically been in place since 2009 but that this time, where the policy had an adverse impact on a community user group, the Administration would phase any charges in over three financial years.  There were situations where charges for school lets were lower than for local halls and this could have a negative impact within a community especially where groups stopped using local halls.  Schools had to be maintained and therefore there had to be standardisation.


Following discussion, Mr M Green, seconded by Mr G Ross, MOVED to pause and review the project to address local concerns regarding standardisation of school lets.


As an AMENDMENT, Mr A Christie, seconded by Mr G MacKenzie, moved the recommendations in the report.


On a vote being taken, the MOTION received 6 votes and the AMENDMENT received 14 votes, with 1 abstention, the votes having been cast as follows:-


For the Motion:


Campbell, I; Davidson, M; Fernie, B; Green, M; Robertson, F; Ross, G (W14).


For the Amendment:


Alston, D; Christie, A; Somerville, Dr M; Gowans, K; Macaulay, C; Mackay, D (W5); MacKenzie, G; Smith, G; Duncan, M; McCulloch, M; Munro, L; Rattray, M, Slater, J; Stephen, K.


Abstention:


McCreath, G.


Thereafter, the Committee AGREED:-


i. the key principles relating to school letting activity as detailed in section 2.2
   of the report; and
ii. the implementation of the actions detailed in section 3.1 of the report.


It was further AGREED that Ward Business Meetings be informed, in advance, of which groups in their area would have increases in charges for school lets.


The Committee adjourned for lunch at 1.10 pm. and resumed at 1.40 pm.


17. Highland Culture Fund – Support for National and International
      Events taking place in Highland
      Maoin Cultair na Gàidhealtachd – Taic airson Tachartasan
      Nàiseanta is Eadar-nàiseanta a tha a’ tachairt sa Ghàidhealtachd


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-31-14 (24kb pdf) dated 4 February 2014 by the Director of Education, Culture and Sport which invited Members to approve funding from the Highland Culture Fund for key national or international events scheduled to take place in the Highland area during 2014 and 2015 including the Mountain Bike World Cup, the World Sheepdog Trials, Etape Loch Ness, the Queen’s Baton Relay and the Scottish Traditional Music Awards.  It was envisaged that other requests for support would be received during the months ahead and a further report would be submitted later in the financial year.


The report explained that the Highland Culture Fund, originally established as part of the legacy of the Highland Year of Culture 2007, had decreased over the years and stood at £200,000 in 2013/14.  As a result of agreed budget savings, it was set to reduce further to £100,000 from 1 April 2014.  At its meeting on 20 March 2013, the Adult and Children’s Services Committee agreed to commit funding for a number of national and international events; reserve up to £40,000 for advance payments for events in 2014 and 2015; and offer a small grants scheme during 2013/14.   The Committee was invited to note the prior commitments and approve a number of new requests.  The table set out in Appendix 1 of the report showed the effect on the available budget, assuming it remained at currently agreed levels, up to and including financial year 2015/16.


The Committee:-


i. NOTED the existing Highland Culture Fund commitments up to and including
   the 2015/16 financial year as detailed in Appendix 1 of the report;
ii. AGREED the following new commitments:-

Etape Loch Ness - £5,000 
World Sheepdog Trials Championships - £10,000 
UCI Mountain Bike World Cup - £25,000 in 2014 and 2015 
Queen’s Baton Relay - £20,000 
Scots Trad Music Awards - £9,000; and
iii. NOTED the budget implications as set out in Appendix 1 of the report,
    subject to the new awards being agreed.


18. Developing Leaders for the Future
      A’ Leasachadh Cheannardan airson an Ama ri teachd


There had been circulated Report No ACS-32-14 (24kb pdf) dated 6 February 2014 by the Director of Education, Culture and Sport which provided an update on leadership training within the Education, Culture and Sport Service and on the progress and implementation of the Next Generation Leadership Programme.


The report explained that leaders at all levels played a strong role in improvement and innovation in order to improve outcomes for all learners.  It was important that the Council provided opportunities for staff to undertake leadership roles in a variety of contexts to develop their expertise and confidence.  All leadership roles shared some common skills and attributes.  However, an individual had different needs at different stages in the leadership journey and the report set out how the Council would support present and future leaders in all stages of their journey.  Details were provided of the “Lead On” course, training for middle leaders, the Flexible Routes to Headship programme and early headship training.


The Committee NOTED the progress made to date to train educational leaders of the future.


19. New SQA National Qualifications
      Teisteanasan Nàiseanta Ùr SQA


There had been circulated Report No ACS-33-14 (38kb pdf) dated 11 February 2014 by the Director of Education, Culture and Sport which provided an overview of the new SQA qualifications being implemented in Highland secondary schools from 2013.  The report also set out a brief summary of the implementation strategy being developed in Highland schools.


The report explained that the new qualifications, Nationals, Highers and Advanced Highers, would be introduced in Scotland between 2013 and 2016 and would replace the existing Access, Standard Grade, Intermediate, Higher and Advanced Higher qualifications.  They had been developed to support Curriculum for Excellence, which had introduced a new way of learning to secondary schools in 2010.  SQA had designed the new qualifications to help learners demonstrate the knowledge and skills they had developed at school and prepare them for further learning, training and employment.  The new simplified format was intended to be easier for learners, parents and prospective employers to understand.  Detailed information was provided on the timescale for implementation, assessment, grading, support materials and the introduction of new wider achievement awards.


The Committee NOTED the key qualification information and progress on implementation in Highland schools.


20. Health and Safety Policy
      Poileasaidh Slàinte is Sàbhailteachd


There had been circulated Report No ACS-34-14 (53kb pdf) dated 9 February 2014 by the Director of Health and Social Care which provided an update on the revised Health and Safety Policy for the Health and Social Care Service and recent associated statistics for the Service.


The report explained that the Health and Social Care Service was required to produce a Health and Safety Policy which met the needs of the Service and identified specific roles and responsibilities in terms of its implementation.  The main areas of risk for staff were moving and handling; lone working; violence and aggression; infection control; and workplace stress.  Changes to the Service following the integration of health and social care in Highland and the imminent introduction of the new Care and Learning Service meant that it had become necessary to revise the Policy and this was set out in Appendix 1 of the report.


During discussion, the Chairman confirmed that an update would be presented to the May meeting of the Committee in relation to progress with the Health and Social Care Service’s Business Continuity Plan and how this fitted into Emergency Planning.  It was also confirmed that this would take into account Health and Safety considerations for driving, particularly in relation to home carer staff.


The Committee APPROVED the revised Health and Safety Policy for the Health and Social Care Service.


21. Scheme for Curators Ad Litem and Reporting Officers
      Sgeama Cùradairean Ad Litem


There had been circulated joint Report No ACS-35-14 (19kb pdf) dated 10 February 2014 by the Director of Health and Social Care and Head of Legal and Democratic Services which sought approval for an updated scheme for Curators ad Litem and Reporting Officers in Highland.


The report explained that the Curators ad Litem and Reporting Officers (Panels) (Scotland) Regulations 2001 provided for the appointment of Curators ad Litem and Reporting Officers to present independent reports to court on adoption and permanency plans for children.  The existing scheme operated by the Council had not been updated for a number of years and it was necessary to bring the standard fee into line with neighbouring authorities as well as to formalise the process of recruiting, appointing and supporting Curators ad Litem and Reporting Officers.  The proposed fees were detailed in the report and the revised scheme was set out in Appendix 1.


The Committee AGREED the scheme for Curators ad Litem and Reporting Officers, including the level of fee set out in paragraph 2.1 of the report.


22. Highland Child Protection Committee Biennial Report
      Aithisg Dà-bhliadhnail Chomataidh Dìon Chloinne na Gàidhealtachd


There had been circulated Report No ACS-36-14 (169kb pdf) dated 10 February 2014 by the Director of Health and Social Care which introduced the Highland Child Protection Committee Biennial Report.


The report explained that Child Protection Committees were the key local bodies for developing and implementing child protection strategy across and between agencies and the Scottish Government provided guidance on their operation in each local authority.  Each Child Protection Committee prepared an annual report and work plan and this was an ongoing process in Highland as part of the For Highland’s Children improvement structure and the Community Planning Safer Highland structure.  Given the amount of organisational change in 2012/13, it was decided there would be value in producing a biennial plan.  A new child protection improvement plan would be published as part of For Highland’s Children 4.


During discussion, Members endorsed the Director’s commendation to staff across all agencies for their dedicated and high quality work in what was a challenging and often traumatic environment.  Members welcomed the development that self-evaluation was now embedded in established routines and reflected on national good practice. Members queried whether there was a need for consideration to be given to whether targeted organised prostitution, trafficking and forced marriages in Highland might be impacting on services to protect young people.


It was confirmed that specialist training had taken place on these particular areas.  This would also be raised at the Child Protection Development training day.


The Committee NOTED the issues which had been raised in the Highland Child Protection Committee Biennial Report.


23. Duncraig Castle Educational Trust Scheme 1999
      Sgeama Urrais Foghlaim Chaisteil Dhùn na Creige 1999


There had been circulated Report No ACS-37-14 (43kb pdf) dated 22 January 2014 by the Director of Education, Culture and Sport which recommended the approval of an amendment to the Duncraig Educational Trust Scheme Plan to change the minimum qualifying age for sports awards from 16 to 14.


The report explained that the Duncraig Trust Scheme Sub-Committee, at its meeting on 26 February 2013, agreed to recommend to the Adult and Children’s Services Committee that the minimum age to qualify for financial assistance in the sports category be reduced from 16 to 14.  It was felt that in some sports, such as swimming and gymnastics, intensive training was required from a younger age.  No changes were proposed to the minimum qualifying age for the arts, language, heritage, environment and science category as funding related to post-school accredited specialist training and courses.  The Adult and Children’s Services Committee approved the recommendation at its meeting on 20 March 2013.


In terms of the Trust Scheme, any proposed amendment to the Plan of Scholarships, Grants and Assistance required formal approval by the Council and the Committee was therefore invited to recommend the amended Plan, as set out in Appendix 1 of the report, to the Council.


* The Committee AGREED TO RECOMMEND to the Council that the approved Duncraig Educational Trust Scheme Plan be amended to change the minimum qualifying age for scholarships, grants or assistance to individuals participating in sporting events at national and international level and/or for assistance with costs of attendance at specialist sports coaching from 16 to 14.


24. Minutes
      Geàrr-chunntas


There had been circulated Minutes of Meetings for noting or approval as appropriate.


During discussion, comments were made in relation to the Adult Services Development and Scrutiny Sub-Committee:-

this Sub-Committee provided the only forum for Members to scrutinise Adult Services, the governance of which was the responsibility of all Members and which needed to be undertaken in an open forum.  There were steps the Council should take to assist in the scrutiny and support of NHS Highland in delivering Adult Services and this should be undertaken in an inclusive manner; 
feedback had been given to the Leader and Depute Leader of the Opposition Group on the outcome of discussions between the Council and NHS Highland.   From the recent seminar with NHS Highland the importance of an Improvement and Development Plan had been confirmed; and  
consideration of Adult Services would feature more clearly and prominently at the Committee in the future and this would include reporting of the NHS Highland Adult Balanced Scorecard which comprised local and national objectives and targets.
Thereafter, the Committee NOTED, and APPROVED where necessary, the following Minutes of Meetings:-


i. Highland Alcohol and Drugs Partnership Strategy Group of 6 November 2013
  (39kb pdf);
ii. Adult Services Development and Scrutiny Sub-Committee of 24 January
   2014 (36kb pdf); and
iii. Culture and Leisure Contracts Scrutiny Sub-Committee of 30 January 2014.


The meeting concluded at 2.00 pm.





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