1 October 2002

EDUCATION COMMITTEE

Minute of Meeting held in the Council Offices, Stornoway, on Tuesday 1 October 2002 at 2.00Pm

PRESENT

Mr Norman L Macdonald (Chairman)

Mrs Morag Munro (Vice-Chairman)

Mr Malcolm J Macleod

Mr Donald M Mackay

Mr Roderick J Murray

Mr Archie Campbell

Mr Murdo Macleod

Mr David Blaney

Mr Donald I NIcholson

Rev Andrew Coghill

Mr Norman M Macleod

Mr Murdo Macdonald

Mr Finlay Morrison

Dr Alan J F Fraser

APOLOGIES

Mr Iain Morrison

Mr Ian M Macleod

Mr Philip R McLean

Prayer

The meeting was opened with prayer led by Mr Donald I Nicholson.

Tribute: Castlebay School

The Chairman referred to Castlebay School who had participated in a very successful exchange visit in September, through their partnership with two primary schools in County Sligo, Ireland. The Chairman, on behalf of the Committee, commended the School for undertaking this valuable and positive initiative.

Tribute: The Nicolson Institute

The Chairman referred to Malcolm Murray and John Dickie, sixth year pupils from The Nicolson Institute who had spent their summer holidays working on projects under the Nuffield Science Bursaries scheme. Both projects were highly commended and each received a Gold Crest award, along with various other certificates. The Chairman, on behalf of the Committee, congratulated Malcolm Murray and John Dickie.

Tribute: Mr Alasdair Dunlop

The Chairman referred to Mr Alasdair Dunlop, Principal Teacher of Physical Education, who had retained his 800m European title this Summer and, on behalf of the Committee, congratulated Mr Dunlop on this outstanding achievement.

MINUTES

Minute of Meeting of 27 August 2002

1

The minute of meeting of 27 August 2002 was approved.

Sir E Scott School Member/Officer Working Group:

Note of Meeting of 4 June 2002 and Minute of Meeting of 29 August 2002

2

The note of meeting of 4 June 2002 and the minute of meeting of 29 August 2002 of the Sir E Scott Member/Officer Working Group were noted.

Minute of Meeting of School Board Appointments Committee of 6 September 2002

3

The minute of meeting of the School Board Appointments Committee of 6 September 2002 was noted.

BUILDINGS

Capital Works: Programme and Progress

E03

4

With reference to item 10 of the minute of meeting of 27 August 2002 the Director of Technical Services submitted a report concerning the capital works programme and progress in relation to education properties.

It was agreed to note the report.

Repairs to School Premises: Uist and Barra

E02

5

With reference to item 11 of the minute of meeting of 27 August 2002 the Director of Technical Services submitted a report concerning information regarding repairs to school premises in Uist and Barra. The background to the matter, Technical Services Department Procedures and staffing levels were outlined in the report.

It was agreed to note the report.

Delayed Completion of Repairs to School Premises

E02

6

The Principal Administrator sought and obtained the Chairman's permission to withdraw the item concerning repairs to school premises.

Future Use of the Gibson Site

E02

7

The Director of Education submitted a report concerning the possible disposal of the former Gibson Hostel which, in recent years, housed the Lews Castle School. The report indicated that, as was normal practice, expressions of interest had been sought from other Comhairle departments and the next step would be to seek expressions of interest from the community.

It was agreed that the Director of Education undertake consultation with the local community to determine the views of residents in the area prior to a final decision being taken on the disposal of the site.

It was agreed that the public, including the press, be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following item on the grounds that exempt information as defined in Paragraph 6 of Schedule 7A of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 would be disclosed, namely, information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person other than the Comhairle.

Disposal of Lochboisdale School

E02

8

With reference to item 132 of the minute of meeting of 20 November 2001 the Director of Education submitted a report concerning the disposal of the former school and schoolhouse at Lochboisdale. The report indicated that in June 2002, the Comhairle agreed that Lochboisdale School and Schoolhouse be readvertised on the open market. It was further indicated that the property had now been offered for sale and offers were sought by 27 September 2002.

It was agreed:

(1) not to consider the expression of interest in Lochboisdale Old School and Schoolhouse, by a community interest; and

(2) that offer 2, as detailed in the report by the Director of Education, be accepted.

Preparation of Bid for Revenue Support for Public Private Partnership Project for Education Provision: Update on Progress

E02

9

With reference to item 110 of the minute of meeting of 2 October 2001 , the Director of Education submitted a report giving an update concerning progress in relation to the forthcoming submission of a bid to the Scottish Executive for financial support for a Public Private Partnership Project for School Buildings. The processes leading to the production of an Outline Business Case for submission to the Scottish Executive and the timescale were set out in the report.

It was agreed that:

(1) the contents of the Report by the Director of Education be noted; and

(2) it be noted that a report for approval of the submission will be submitted to the meeting on19 November 2002.

EDUCATIONAL PROVISION

Additional Scottish Executive Funding for Education

E07

10

The Director of Education submitted a report concerning recent additional Scottish Executive funding for education. The report indicated that the Education Department had received Scottish Executive approval for a programme bid in respect of the Comhairle's £55,000 CPD allocation and that proposals associated with "Better Behaviour - Better Learning" were currently being drafted.

It was agreed to:

(1) note the allocation of an additional £55,000 to the Comhairle for 2002/2003 to fund Continuing Professional Development for teachers;

(2) authorise the Education Department to prepare a 2002/2003 programme in respect of the additional £70,000 allocated to the Comhairle in respect of the implementation of the "Better Behaviour - Better Learning" report; and

(3) approve the capital expenditure of £80,000 on data cabling in schools as detailed in section 6 of the report by the Director of Education.

Arising out of consideration of this item it was agreed that the Director of Education submit a report concerning progress with regard to the provision of computer hardware and networking in Schools.

Quality Improvement in Primary Schools: Temporary Support Measures

E01

11

With reference to item 37 of the minute of meeting of 27 March 2001 the Director of Education submitted a report concerning the allocation of additional days for quality improvement issues for class committed Primary Headteachers. The background to the matter, the current situation and future proposals were outlined in the report.

It was agreed that additional days be allocated to class committed Primary Headteachers to progress quality improvement issues as indicated in section 6.1 of the report by the Director of Education, subject to increasing the supply cover at 3 schools (single teacher) to three days supply cover.

Standards and Quality Report 2001/02

E01

12

With reference to item 37 of the minute of meeting of 27 March 2001 the Director of Education submitted a report concerning the Comhairle's Standards and Quality Report for 2001/02. The Standards and Quality Report listed the key areas of educational provision which had been assessed using national performance indicators.

It was agreed to note:

(1) the contents of the Standards and Quality Report;

(2) that similar reports will be published in the future, on an annual basis, in line with the Standards in Scotland's Schools etc Act 2000; and

(3) that individual schools are now being asked to produce their own Standards and Quality Reports in line with local support and guidance.

School/Further Education College Collaboration

E01

13

The Director of Education submitted a report concerning the progress with collaboration in educational delivery between schools and the Further Education College. Details of collaboration with Lews Castle College and a review of the development were outlined in the report.

It was agreed to note:

(1) the increase in the number of pupils opting for courses which include Further Education input; and

(2) the intention to develop additional provision, relative to local circumstances.

TEACHING STAFF

Training Placements for Newly-Qualified Teachers

E06

14

The Director of Education submitted a report concerning the operation of the new scheme for training placements for newly qualified teachers. Details of the operation of the scheme in both primary and secondary schools, the financial aspects and issues arising from the scheme were outlined in the report.

It was agreed to:

(1) note that a new scheme for the training of newly qualified teachers is in place;

(2) note the issues presented by the operation of the new scheme; and

(3) authorise the Director of Education, in consultation with the Personnel Section, to quantify requirements in respect of permanent supply staff for primary education and to progress the establishment of posts to meet identified requirements.

Redesignation of Advisers as Quality Improvement Officers

E06

15

The Director of Education submitted a report concerning the national agreement concerning the redesignation of the post of Adviser as Quality Improvement Officer and the duties to be carried out by Quality Improvement Officers. A sample job description , indicating the main duties and responsibilities, was appended to the report.

It was agreed to note the change in title and duties associated with the posts of Education Advisers as Quality Improvement Officers.

RELATED MATTERS

Review of Provision of Educational Psychology Services in Scotland

16

The Director of Education submitted a report indicating that the Education Minister has accepted all of the recommendations contained in the review of the delivery of educational psychology services across Scotland. The recommendations and comments on the Comhairle's position in relation to each of them were outlined in the report.

E07

It was agreed to note the report and, in particular, the action being taken in relation to each of the recommendations accepted by the Education Minister following the review of educational Psychology Services in Scotland.

ADDITIONAL ITEM

The Chairman ruled that in accordance with the provisions of Section 50B(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, as detailed in terms of Standing Order 8 the following item be considered as a matter of urgency in order to that the minibus provision could be reinstated as soon as possible.

Community Education Minibuses

E07

17

The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a report concerning the withdrawal of three Community Education Minibuses, used by community groups, as requested by the Comhairle meeting of 27 August 2002. Financial details relating to the minibuses in Uist, Harris and Lewis were set out in the report.

It was agreed to:

(1) note that a multi agency Working Group has been established to quantify the demand for minibuses by public and voluntary sector agencies and community groups and to develop a sustainable partnership solution to meet this demand; and

(2) reinstate the Community Education Minibuses until 31 March 2003 with the financial shortfall being met from the Scottish Executive windfall for support to groups.

PERFORMANCE REVIEW

Reports Outstanding: Progress

PR33.01.12

18

With reference to item 19 of the minute of meeting of 27 August 2002 the Director of Corporate Services submitted a report concerning reports outstanding arising from decisions of the Education Committee.

It was agreed to note the Report.

PRESENT	Mr Norman L Macdonald (Chairman)
	Mrs Morag Munro (Vice-Chairman)
	Mr Malcolm J Macleod	Mr Donald M Mackay
	Mr Roderick J Murray	Mr Archie Campbell
	Mr Murdo Macleod	Mr David Blaney
	Mr Donald I NIcholson	Rev Andrew Coghill
	Mr Norman M Macleod	Mr Murdo Macdonald
	Mr Finlay Morrison	Dr Alan J F Fraser

APOLOGIES	Mr Iain Morrison	Mr Ian M Macleod
	Mr Philip R McLean

Prayer		The meeting was opened with prayer led by Mr Donald I Nicholson.
Tribute: Castlebay School		The Chairman referred to Castlebay School who had participated in a very successful exchange visit in September, through their partnership with two primary schools in County Sligo, Ireland. The Chairman, on behalf of the Committee, commended the School for undertaking this valuable and positive initiative.
Tribute: The Nicolson Institute		The Chairman referred to Malcolm Murray and John Dickie, sixth year pupils from The Nicolson Institute who had spent their summer holidays working on projects under the Nuffield Science Bursaries scheme. Both projects were highly commended and each received a Gold Crest award, along with various other certificates. The Chairman, on behalf of the Committee, congratulated Malcolm Murray and John Dickie.
Tribute: Mr Alasdair Dunlop		The Chairman referred to Mr Alasdair Dunlop, Principal Teacher of Physical Education, who had retained his 800m European title this Summer and, on behalf of the Committee, congratulated Mr Dunlop on this outstanding achievement.
		MINUTES
Minute of Meeting of 27 August 2002	1	The minute of meeting of 27 August 2002 was approved.
Sir E Scott School Member/Officer Working Group: Note of Meeting of 4 June 2002 and Minute of Meeting of 29 August 2002	2	The note of meeting of 4 June 2002 and the minute of meeting of 29 August 2002 of the Sir E Scott Member/Officer Working Group were noted.
Minute of Meeting of School Board Appointments Committee of 6 September 2002	3	The minute of meeting of the School Board Appointments Committee of 6 September 2002 was noted.
		BUILDINGS
Capital Works: Programme and Progress E03	4	With reference to item 10 of the minute of meeting of 27 August 2002 the Director of Technical Services submitted a report concerning the capital works programme and progress in relation to education properties. It was agreed to note the report.
Repairs to School Premises: Uist and Barra E02	5	With reference to item 11 of the minute of meeting of 27 August 2002 the Director of Technical Services submitted a report concerning information regarding repairs to school premises in Uist and Barra. The background to the matter, Technical Services Department Procedures and staffing levels were outlined in the report. It was agreed to note the report.
Delayed Completion of Repairs to School Premises E02	6	The Principal Administrator sought and obtained the Chairman's permission to withdraw the item concerning repairs to school premises.
Future Use of the Gibson Site E02	7	The Director of Education submitted a report concerning the possible disposal of the former Gibson Hostel which, in recent years, housed the Lews Castle School. The report indicated that, as was normal practice, expressions of interest had been sought from other Comhairle departments and the next step would be to seek expressions of interest from the community. It was agreed that the Director of Education undertake consultation with the local community to determine the views of residents in the area prior to a final decision being taken on the disposal of the site.
		It was agreed that the public, including the press, be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following item on the grounds that exempt information as defined in Paragraph 6 of Schedule 7A of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 would be disclosed, namely, information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person other than the Comhairle.
Disposal of Lochboisdale School E02	8	With reference to item 132 of the minute of meeting of 20 November 2001 the Director of Education submitted a report concerning the disposal of the former school and schoolhouse at Lochboisdale. The report indicated that in June 2002, the Comhairle agreed that Lochboisdale School and Schoolhouse be readvertised on the open market. It was further indicated that the property had now been offered for sale and offers were sought by 27 September 2002. It was agreed: (1) not to consider the expression of interest in Lochboisdale Old School and Schoolhouse, by a community interest; and (2) that offer 2, as detailed in the report by the Director of Education, be accepted.
Preparation of Bid for Revenue Support for Public Private Partnership Project for Education Provision: Update on Progress E02	9	With reference to item 110 of the minute of meeting of 2 October 2001 , the Director of Education submitted a report giving an update concerning progress in relation to the forthcoming submission of a bid to the Scottish Executive for financial support for a Public Private Partnership Project for School Buildings. The processes leading to the production of an Outline Business Case for submission to the Scottish Executive and the timescale were set out in the report. It was agreed that: (1) the contents of the Report by the Director of Education be noted; and (2) it be noted that a report for approval of the submission will be submitted to the meeting on19 November 2002.
		EDUCATIONAL PROVISION
Additional Scottish Executive Funding for Education E07	10	The Director of Education submitted a report concerning recent additional Scottish Executive funding for education. The report indicated that the Education Department had received Scottish Executive approval for a programme bid in respect of the Comhairle's £55,000 CPD allocation and that proposals associated with "Better Behaviour - Better Learning" were currently being drafted. It was agreed to: (1) note the allocation of an additional £55,000 to the Comhairle for 2002/2003 to fund Continuing Professional Development for teachers; (2) authorise the Education Department to prepare a 2002/2003 programme in respect of the additional £70,000 allocated to the Comhairle in respect of the implementation of the "Better Behaviour - Better Learning" report; and (3) approve the capital expenditure of £80,000 on data cabling in schools as detailed in section 6 of the report by the Director of Education. Arising out of consideration of this item it was agreed that the Director of Education submit a report concerning progress with regard to the provision of computer hardware and networking in Schools.
Quality Improvement in Primary Schools: Temporary Support Measures E01	11	With reference to item 37 of the minute of meeting of 27 March 2001 the Director of Education submitted a report concerning the allocation of additional days for quality improvement issues for class committed Primary Headteachers. The background to the matter, the current situation and future proposals were outlined in the report. It was agreed that additional days be allocated to class committed Primary Headteachers to progress quality improvement issues as indicated in section 6.1 of the report by the Director of Education, subject to increasing the supply cover at 3 schools (single teacher) to three days supply cover.
Standards and Quality Report 2001/02 E01	12	With reference to item 37 of the minute of meeting of 27 March 2001 the Director of Education submitted a report concerning the Comhairle's Standards and Quality Report for 2001/02. The Standards and Quality Report listed the key areas of educational provision which had been assessed using national performance indicators. It was agreed to note: (1) the contents of the Standards and Quality Report; (2) that similar reports will be published in the future, on an annual basis, in line with the Standards in Scotland's Schools etc Act 2000; and (3) that individual schools are now being asked to produce their own Standards and Quality Reports in line with local support and guidance.
School/Further Education College Collaboration E01	13	The Director of Education submitted a report concerning the progress with collaboration in educational delivery between schools and the Further Education College. Details of collaboration with Lews Castle College and a review of the development were outlined in the report. It was agreed to note: (1) the increase in the number of pupils opting for courses which include Further Education input; and (2) the intention to develop additional provision, relative to local circumstances.
		TEACHING STAFF
Training Placements for Newly-Qualified Teachers E06	14	The Director of Education submitted a report concerning the operation of the new scheme for training placements for newly qualified teachers. Details of the operation of the scheme in both primary and secondary schools, the financial aspects and issues arising from the scheme were outlined in the report. It was agreed to: (1) note that a new scheme for the training of newly qualified teachers is in place; (2) note the issues presented by the operation of the new scheme; and (3) authorise the Director of Education, in consultation with the Personnel Section, to quantify requirements in respect of permanent supply staff for primary education and to progress the establishment of posts to meet identified requirements.
Redesignation of Advisers as Quality Improvement Officers E06	15	The Director of Education submitted a report concerning the national agreement concerning the redesignation of the post of Adviser as Quality Improvement Officer and the duties to be carried out by Quality Improvement Officers. A sample job description , indicating the main duties and responsibilities, was appended to the report. It was agreed to note the change in title and duties associated with the posts of Education Advisers as Quality Improvement Officers.

		RELATED MATTERS
Review of Provision of Educational Psychology Services in Scotland	16	The Director of Education submitted a report indicating that the Education Minister has accepted all of the recommendations contained in the review of the delivery of educational psychology services across Scotland. The recommendations and comments on the Comhairle's position in relation to each of them were outlined in the report.
E07		It was agreed to note the report and, in particular, the action being taken in relation to each of the recommendations accepted by the Education Minister following the review of educational Psychology Services in Scotland.
		ADDITIONAL ITEM
		The Chairman ruled that in accordance with the provisions of Section 50B(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, as detailed in terms of Standing Order 8 the following item be considered as a matter of urgency in order to that the minibus provision could be reinstated as soon as possible.
Community Education Minibuses E07	17	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a report concerning the withdrawal of three Community Education Minibuses, used by community groups, as requested by the Comhairle meeting of 27 August 2002. Financial details relating to the minibuses in Uist, Harris and Lewis were set out in the report.
		It was agreed to: (1) note that a multi agency Working Group has been established to quantify the demand for minibuses by public and voluntary sector agencies and community groups and to develop a sustainable partnership solution to meet this demand; and (2) reinstate the Community Education Minibuses until 31 March 2003 with the financial shortfall being met from the Scottish Executive windfall for support to groups.
		PERFORMANCE REVIEW
Reports Outstanding: Progress PR33.01.12	18	With reference to item 19 of the minute of meeting of 27 August 2002 the Director of Corporate Services submitted a report concerning reports outstanding arising from decisions of the Education Committee. It was agreed to note the Report.