2 October 2001

EDUCATION COMMITTEE

Minute of Meeting held in the Council Offices, Stornoway, on Tuesday 2 October 2001 at 2.00pm

PRESENT

Mr Norman L Macdonald (Chairman)

Mrs Morag Munro (Vice-Chairman)

Mr Norman M Macleod

Mr Alexander A Macdonald

Mr Finlay Morrison

Mr Ian M Macleod

Mr Donald M Mackay

Mr Roderick J Murray

Mr Archie K Campbell

Mr Murdo Macleod

Mr David Blaney

Mr Philip R McLean

Rev Andrew Coghill

Mr Donald I Nicholson

Dr Alan J F Fraser

APOLOGIES

Mr Malcolm J Macleod

Rev John Macleod

Rev Donald A Macdonald

MINUTES

Education Committee

E08

106

The minute of meeting of 28 August 2001 was approved.

Children Looked After Away From Home Monitoring Group

E08

107

The minute of meeting of the Children Looked After Away From Home Monitoring Group of 15 August 2001 was noted.

CONSTITUTION

Election of Teaching Staff Representative

E06.06

108*

The Director of Corporate Services submitted a report concerning the outcome of the election to fill the vacant place on the committee for a teaching staff representative and proposing an appropriate course of action. It was indicated in the report that following the meeting of the Committee in May 2001, Mr Alan Smithyman resigned as a member of the Committee. It was also indicated in the report that a Notice of Election was published on 13 August 2001 and that following the close of the nomination period on 28 August 2001, no nominations were received.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) the response to the Notice of Election to fill the current vacancy for a teaching staff representative on the Committee be noted; and

(2) the matter of filling the vacancy be discussed with the Teaching Staff Associations at the next meeting of the Joint Consultative Committee: Teaching Staff.

BUILDINGS

Capital Works: Programme and Progress

E03

109

With reference to item 99 of the minute of meeting of 28 August 2001 the Director of Technical Services submitted a report concerning the capital works programme and progress in relation to education properties.

It was agreed:

(1) to note the Report; and

(2) that the Director of Technical Services submit a report on progress with the Trial Schemes of 20mph for schools on a main road.

The Chairman ruled in accordance with Standing Order 8 that the following item be considered as a matter or urgency in order that the Officer Team remitted to produce the draft bid could be established and commence without delay.

Revenue Support for Public Private Partnership School Buildings Project

E02

110*

The Director of Education submitted a report concerning a circular from the Scottish Executive which described proposals to provide revenue support to Scottish local authorities to assist with the long term support of Public Private Partnerships for school building projects. It was proposed in the report that a Public Private Partnership Officer Team be established with a view to the production of a draft bid which would be considered at the November Committee series.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) a team consisting of officers from the Departments of Education, Finance, Technical Services and Sustainable Communities be set up with a remit to produce a draft bid for revenue support for a Public Private Partnership proposal which would be considered at the November Committee series; and

(2) consideration be given to putting the Sports Centre, Stornoway forward as a bid for revenue support.

EDUCATIONAL PROVISION

Lewis and Harris New Community Schools Project: Appointment of Elected Member to the New Community School Management Group

E01

111*

With reference to item 39 of the minute of meeting of 28 March 2000 the Director of Education submitted a report concerning the appointment of an Elected Member representative to the Lewis and Harris New Community Schools Management Group.

It was agreed to recommend that Mrs Morag Munro be appointed to serve on the Lewis and Harris New Community School Management Group.

Review of Catchment Areas: Secondary Schools

E01

112*

With reference to item 37 of the minute of meeting of 28 March 2000 the Director of Education submitted a report concerning issues relating to the catchment areas of secondary schools and requesting members to determine whether or not they wished to proceed to consultation with parents on possible changes in catchment areas. Possible options which could form a basis for the necessary consultation process were detailed in the report.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) the Comhairle do not proceed to consultation on possible changes to catchment areas for secondary schools, with the exeption of those noted in (2) and (3) below;

(2) consultation be undertaken regarding Stoneybridge School;

(3) the Director of Education consult with Carinish School Board regarding a proposal that on leaving p7, those pupils living north of Carinish had the option of going to Paible or, for those living nearer Sgoil Lionacleit, they could opt for Sgoil Lionacleit; and

(4) the Director of Education submit a report regarding (3) above.

RELATED MATTERS

Proposal for Annual Education Seminar

E07

113*

The Director of Education submitted a report concerning the concept of an Annual Seminar to discuss educational matters. It was suggested in the report that the holding of an Annual Seminar to discuss educational matters would give members an opportunity to discuss a wider range of educational matters than that which is possible within the normal committee forum.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) the Director of Education organise an annual Seminar to discuss all aspects of the Education Service; and

(2) the Seminar in (1) above be held on the basis of minimum cost to the Comhairle by holding it in conjunction with a Joint Consultative Committee: Teaching Staff Meeting, on the basis of a special invite to a small number of teachers to make specific contributions and during a meetings week when all members are present.

Integrated Passenger Transport Services

E07

114*

With reference to item 43 of the minute of meeting of 28 March 2000 the Director of Technical Services submitted a report concerning the re-tendering of school transport contracts, the continued spend of the Rural Transport Fund, and a mechanism to approve the award of contracts and changes to integrated passenger transport services. The background to the matter was outlined in the report.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) officers be authorised to undertake a re-tendering exercise for school and stage bus contracts as necessary, for 2 year contracts to run from April 2002 to April 2004, on the basis of vehicle age and seatbelt specification outlined in the report by the Director of Education;

(2) the extension to contracts WS8, NU12 and SU16 for the winter timetable 2001/2002 be approved;

(3) the other service changes outlined in the report by the Director of Education be approved; and

(4) an Integrated Passenger Transport Sub-Committee be re-established on a time and task specific basis, namely, for six months and to finalise the contracts for the next round of integrated passenger transport services and that the Committee Review Member/Officer Working Group be asked to consider the need for joint decision making on integrated passenger transport issues.

The Committee unanimously agreed, in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 17 of the Scheme of Administration, that the Committee conditionally determine, in respect of recommendations (2) and (3) above, on behalf of the Comhairle, under delegated powers, in light of the need to avoid any delay in extending the contracts and for its interest.

The Chairman ruled in accordance with Standing Order 8 that the following item be considered as a matter or urgency in order that the request from the Barra Local Mod Committee be determined before the next meeting of the Comhairle.

Sale of Alcohol in Education Premises: Request for Exemption - Castlebay School

E07

115*

With reference to item 52 of the minute of meeting of 27 March 2001 the Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a report concerning a request from the Barra Local Mod Committee for an exemption from the ban on the sale of alcohol in the case of Castlebay School, where a let of the premises to hold a ceilidh had been requested. The current arrangements for letting and the licensing position were outlined in the report.

It was agreed to recommend that the request from the Barra Local Mod Committee for an exemption on a one-off basis from the ban on the sale of alcohol in Castlebay School be granted, subject to the Licensing Board and Fire Officer's approval.

The Committee unanimously agreed, in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 17 of the Scheme of Administration, that the Committee conditionally determine the above recommendation, on behalf of the Comhairle, under delegated powers, in light of the need to determine the matter before the next meeting of the Comhairle.

PERFORMANCE REVIEW

Reports Outstanding: Progress

PR33.01.12

116

With reference to item 105 of the minute of meeting of 28 August 2001 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 Norman M Macleod
	Mr Alexander A Macdonald	Mr Finlay Morrison
	Mr Ian M Macleod	Mr Donald M Mackay
	Mr Roderick J Murray	Mr Archie K Campbell
	Mr Murdo Macleod	Mr David Blaney
	Mr Philip R McLean	Rev Andrew Coghill
	Mr Donald I Nicholson	Dr Alan J F Fraser

APOLOGIES	Mr Malcolm J Macleod	Rev John Macleod
	Rev Donald A Macdonald

		MINUTES
Education Committee E08	106	The minute of meeting of 28 August 2001 was approved.
Children Looked After Away From Home Monitoring Group E08	107	The minute of meeting of the Children Looked After Away From Home Monitoring Group of 15 August 2001 was noted.
		CONSTITUTION
Election of Teaching Staff Representative E06.06	108*	The Director of Corporate Services submitted a report concerning the outcome of the election to fill the vacant place on the committee for a teaching staff representative and proposing an appropriate course of action. It was indicated in the report that following the meeting of the Committee in May 2001, Mr Alan Smithyman resigned as a member of the Committee. It was also indicated in the report that a Notice of Election was published on 13 August 2001 and that following the close of the nomination period on 28 August 2001, no nominations were received. It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the response to the Notice of Election to fill the current vacancy for a teaching staff representative on the Committee be noted; and (2) the matter of filling the vacancy be discussed with the Teaching Staff Associations at the next meeting of the Joint Consultative Committee: Teaching Staff.
		BUILDINGS
Capital Works: Programme and Progress E03	109	With reference to item 99 of the minute of meeting of 28 August 2001 the Director of Technical Services submitted a report concerning the capital works programme and progress in relation to education properties.
		It was agreed: (1) to note the Report; and
		(2) that the Director of Technical Services submit a report on progress with the Trial Schemes of 20mph for schools on a main road.
		The Chairman ruled in accordance with Standing Order 8 that the following item be considered as a matter or urgency in order that the Officer Team remitted to produce the draft bid could be established and commence without delay.
Revenue Support for Public Private Partnership School Buildings Project E02	110*	The Director of Education submitted a report concerning a circular from the Scottish Executive which described proposals to provide revenue support to Scottish local authorities to assist with the long term support of Public Private Partnerships for school building projects. It was proposed in the report that a Public Private Partnership Officer Team be established with a view to the production of a draft bid which would be considered at the November Committee series. It was agreed to recommend that: (1) a team consisting of officers from the Departments of Education, Finance, Technical Services and Sustainable Communities be set up with a remit to produce a draft bid for revenue support for a Public Private Partnership proposal which would be considered at the November Committee series; and (2) consideration be given to putting the Sports Centre, Stornoway forward as a bid for revenue support.
		EDUCATIONAL PROVISION
Lewis and Harris New Community Schools Project: Appointment of Elected Member to the New Community School Management Group E01	111*	With reference to item 39 of the minute of meeting of 28 March 2000 the Director of Education submitted a report concerning the appointment of an Elected Member representative to the Lewis and Harris New Community Schools Management Group. It was agreed to recommend that Mrs Morag Munro be appointed to serve on the Lewis and Harris New Community School Management Group.
Review of Catchment Areas: Secondary Schools E01	112*	With reference to item 37 of the minute of meeting of 28 March 2000 the Director of Education submitted a report concerning issues relating to the catchment areas of secondary schools and requesting members to determine whether or not they wished to proceed to consultation with parents on possible changes in catchment areas. Possible options which could form a basis for the necessary consultation process were detailed in the report.
		It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the Comhairle do not proceed to consultation on possible changes to catchment areas for secondary schools, with the exeption of those noted in (2) and (3) below;
		(2) consultation be undertaken regarding Stoneybridge School; (3) the Director of Education consult with Carinish School Board regarding a proposal that on leaving p7, those pupils living north of Carinish had the option of going to Paible or, for those living nearer Sgoil Lionacleit, they could opt for Sgoil Lionacleit; and (4) the Director of Education submit a report regarding (3) above.
		RELATED MATTERS
Proposal for Annual Education Seminar E07	113*	The Director of Education submitted a report concerning the concept of an Annual Seminar to discuss educational matters. It was suggested in the report that the holding of an Annual Seminar to discuss educational matters would give members an opportunity to discuss a wider range of educational matters than that which is possible within the normal committee forum. It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the Director of Education organise an annual Seminar to discuss all aspects of the Education Service; and (2) the Seminar in (1) above be held on the basis of minimum cost to the Comhairle by holding it in conjunction with a Joint Consultative Committee: Teaching Staff Meeting, on the basis of a special invite to a small number of teachers to make specific contributions and during a meetings week when all members are present.
Integrated Passenger Transport Services E07	114*	With reference to item 43 of the minute of meeting of 28 March 2000 the Director of Technical Services submitted a report concerning the re-tendering of school transport contracts, the continued spend of the Rural Transport Fund, and a mechanism to approve the award of contracts and changes to integrated passenger transport services. The background to the matter was outlined in the report. It was agreed to recommend that:
		(1) officers be authorised to undertake a re-tendering exercise for school and stage bus contracts as necessary, for 2 year contracts to run from April 2002 to April 2004, on the basis of vehicle age and seatbelt specification outlined in the report by the Director of Education; (2) the extension to contracts WS8, NU12 and SU16 for the winter timetable 2001/2002 be approved; (3) the other service changes outlined in the report by the Director of Education be approved; and (4) an Integrated Passenger Transport Sub-Committee be re-established on a time and task specific basis, namely, for six months and to finalise the contracts for the next round of integrated passenger transport services and that the Committee Review Member/Officer Working Group be asked to consider the need for joint decision making on integrated passenger transport issues.
		The Committee unanimously agreed, in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 17 of the Scheme of Administration, that the Committee conditionally determine, in respect of recommendations (2) and (3) above, on behalf of the Comhairle, under delegated powers, in light of the need to avoid any delay in extending the contracts and for its interest.
		The Chairman ruled in accordance with Standing Order 8 that the following item be considered as a matter or urgency in order that the request from the Barra Local Mod Committee be determined before the next meeting of the Comhairle.
Sale of Alcohol in Education Premises: Request for Exemption - Castlebay School E07	115*	With reference to item 52 of the minute of meeting of 27 March 2001 the Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a report concerning a request from the Barra Local Mod Committee for an exemption from the ban on the sale of alcohol in the case of Castlebay School, where a let of the premises to hold a ceilidh had been requested. The current arrangements for letting and the licensing position were outlined in the report. It was agreed to recommend that the request from the Barra Local Mod Committee for an exemption on a one-off basis from the ban on the sale of alcohol in Castlebay School be granted, subject to the Licensing Board and Fire Officer's approval.
		The Committee unanimously agreed, in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 17 of the Scheme of Administration, that the Committee conditionally determine the above recommendation, on behalf of the Comhairle, under delegated powers, in light of the need to determine the matter before the next meeting of the Comhairle.
		PERFORMANCE REVIEW
Reports Outstanding: Progress PR33.01.12	116	With reference to item 105 of the minute of meeting of 28 August 2001 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.