20 November 2001

EDUCATION COMMITTEE

Minute of Meeting held in the Council Offices, Stornoway, on Tuesday 20 November 2001 at 1.30pm

PRESENT

Mr Norman L Macdonald (Chairman)

Mrs Morag Munro (Vice-Chairman)

Mr Norman M Macleod

Mr Iain Morrison

Mr Archie K Campbell

Mr Ian M Macleod

Mr David Blaney

APOLOGIES

Mr Philip R McLean

Mr Finlay Morrison

Rev Donald A Macdonald

Rev John Macleod

Prayer

The meeting was opened with prayer led by Mr Murdo Macleod.

The Chairman adjourned the meeting in order that the Committee could visit Sgoil nan Loch.

The meeting re-convened at 3.15 pm, when the following members were found to be present:

Mr Norman L Macdonald (Chairman)

Mrs Morag Munro (Vice-Chairman)

Mr Malcolm J Macleod

Mr Donald I Nicholson

Mr Iain Morrison

Mr Norman M Macleod

Mr Alexander A Macdonald

Mr Donald M Mackay

Mr Ian M Macleod

Mr Archie K Campbell

Mr Roderick J Murray

Mr David Blaney

Mr Murdo Macleod

Rev Andrew Coghill

MINUTES

Education Committee

E08

117

The minute of meeting of 2 October 2001 was approved, subject to the following amendment at item 115, delete the second paragraph and insert the following:

Mr David Blaney, seconded by Mr Philip McLean, moved that it be recommended 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.

Mr Finlay Morrison, seconded by Rev Andrew Coghill, moved 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 not granted.

On the matter being put to the vote the motion received the majority of the votes cast.

Mr Iain Morrison declared an interest in the following item and left the meeting during consideration of the item.

Integrated Passenger Transport Services Sub-Committee

E08

118

The minute of meeting of the Integrated Passenger Transport Services Sub-Committee of 31 October 2001 was approved, insofar as the Committee's interest was concerned.

Higher Still and Standards in Schools Monitoring and Implementation Group

E08

119

The minute of meeting of the Higher Still and Standards in Schools Monitoring and Implementation Group of 13 June 2001 was noted.

The Chairman ruled in accordance with Standing Order 8 that the following item be considered as a matter or urgency in order that the Committee could be informed of progress on the matter.

Higher Still and Standards in Schools Monitoring and Implementation Group

E08

120

The minute of meeting of the Higher Still and Standards in Schools Monitoring and Implementation Group of 14 November 2001 was noted.

Children Looked After Away From Home Monitoring Group

E08

121

The minute of meeting of the Children Looked After Away From Home Monitoring Group of 4 October 2001 was noted.

Sir E Scott School Member/Officer Working Group

E08

122

The minute of meeting of the Sir E Scott School Member/Officer Working Group of 9 October 2001 was noted.

School Board Appointments Committee

E08

123

The minutes of meetings of the School Board Appointments Committees of 20 September 2001 and 11 October 2001 were noted.

FINANCE

Additional Funds Allocated to Schools by the Scottish Executive

E01

124*

The Director of Education submitted a report concerning a further allocation of funding for schools and to seek approval for its distribution. Appended to the report were SEED Circular No 9/2001: End Year Flexibility - Additional Financial Resources for Schools and the Allocation of Funds to Western Isles Schools.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) the allocation be distributed to schools on a flat rate plus per capita basis as set out in Appendix B of the report by the Director of Education; and

(2) it be noted that a circular on revised Schemes of Devolved School Management is expected soon and that proposals would be brought to Committee in due course.

BUILDINGS

Mr Donald I Nicholson declared an interest in the following item and left the meeting during consideration of the item.

Capital Works: Programme and Progress

E03

125

With reference to item 109 of the Minute of Meeting of 2 October 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 Education submit a Report on the provision of drinking water in Schools, detailing the options and costs of the proposal.

The Chairman ruled in accordance with Standing Order 8 that the following item be considered as a matter or urgency in order that demolition works could be undertaken as soon as possible.

Sandwick School - General Purpose Room

E02.26

126*

The Director of Education submitted a report concerning the replacement of the general purpose room in Sandwickhill School. It was indicated in the report that following a survey of the condition of the general purpose room at Sandwickhill School it had been necessary to take the room out of use. It was also indicated that significant construction work would be required to be undertaken to provide the necessary facilities for the pupils physical education and other school activities.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) following the report by the Director of Education regarding the condition of the GP hall at Sandwickhill School and the subsequent options presented, the demolition of the hall be undertaken as soon as possible in the interests of safety;

(2) the Director of Education be instructed to investigate the possible options for the early replacement of the GP hall and integration of the canteen, including design and build and Community Partnerships and that a report be brought to the next meeting of the Committee; and

(3) when preparing its Capital Programme for 2002-2004, the Comhairle be asked to give recognition to the need to replace the GP hall at Sandwickhill School and the consequent requirement for funding in 2002 as set out in the Project Initiation Report.

The Committee unanimously agreed that, in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 17 of the Scheme of Administration, the Committee determine the above recommendation on behalf of the Comhairle, under delegated powers, in light of the need to have the matter dealt with prior to the next meeting of the Comhairle, on the basis that the recommendation was not contentious and did not breach a major policy position of the Comhairle.

Repairs and Maintenance (Revenue) Programme 2001/2002: Quarterly Expenditure Report to 30 September

E03

127

With reference to item 100 of the Minute of Meeting of 28 August 2001 the Director of Technical Services submitted a report concerning the situation in respect of expenditure on the repairs and maintenance of properties held on the Education account, to the end of the second quarter of the current financial year.

It was agreed to note the report.

Window and Door Replacement in Schools using UPVC Materials

E02

128*

The Director of Education submitted a report proposing that window and door materials be specified as UPVC for all school window and door replacement contracts unless specific circumstances which would prevent this have been identified and alternative options agreed with the Client Department. The background to the matter was outlined in the report.

It was agreed to recommend that window and door materials be specified at UPVC for all school window and door replacement contracts unless specific circumstances have been identified and alternative options have been agreed with the Client Department.

Disposal of Former Leurbost School Premises: Application for `In Principle' Lease of Land

E02

129*

The Director of Education submitted a report proposing that an `in principle' decision be taken to grant a lease of the football pitch at Leurbost School to the North Lochs Amenity Group to allow the Group to develop a playpark on the site. It was indicated in the report that the request from the North Lochs Amenity Group was the only expression of interest received for the football pitch at Leurbost School.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) the Director of Corporate Services, in consultation with the Director of Education, be authorised to grant an `in principle' lease of the existing football pitch annexed to Leurbost School to the North Lochs Amenity Group, to allow them to develop a playpark facility on the site; and

(2) the Director of Corporate Services be authorised to negotiate a notional annual rental when proposals have reached a more advanced stage.

Fidigarry School, Lochs, Isle of Lewis

E02

130*

The Director of Education and the Director of Corporate Services submitted a joint report concerning the offer received for Fidigarry School. Lochs, Isle of Lewis following public advertisement. It was indicated in the report that an offer in the sum of £5,000 had been received from the resident of the adjoining schoolhouse.

It was agreed to recommend that Fidigarry School be sold to the prospective purchaser at the price indicated in the Joint Report by the Director of Education and the Director of Corporate Services, on such terms and conditions as the Director of Corporate Services, in consultation with the Director of Education, shall deem appropriate.

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 9 of Schedule 7A of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 would be disclosed, namely any terms proposed or to be proposed by or to the Comhairle in the course of negotiations for a contract for the acquisition or disposal of property or the supply of goods or services.

Former School and Schoolhouse at Brevig, Isle of Barra

E02

131*

The Director of Education and the Director of Corporate Services submitted a joint report concerning the offers received for Brevig Old School and Schoolhouse, Isle of Barra, following public advertisement. It was indicated in the report that following advertisement, two offers, in the same amount, were received for Brevig Old School. The two offers received were appended to the report.

It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Corporate Services be authorised to inform the two tenderers that two offers had been received for the same amount and request that, if they wished, they may submit a revised offer.

Former School and Schoolhouse at Lochboisdale, Isle of South Uist

E02

132*

The Director of Education and the Director of Corporate Services submitted a joint report concerning the offer received for the former school and schoolhouse at Lochboisdale, Isle of South Uist. It was indicated in the report that an offer in the sum of £25,000 had been received from Uist Builders (Construction) Limited.

It was agreed to recommend that Lochboisdale Old School and Schoolhouse be sold to the prospective purchaser at the price detailed in the Joint Report by Director of Education and the Director of Corporate Services, on such terms and conditions as the Director of Corporate Services, in consultation with the Director of Education, shall deem appropriate.

Request for Extension to Lease of Daliburgh Former Janitor's House

E02

133*

The Director of Education and the Director of Corporate Services submitted a joint report concerning approval for an extension of the lease period for the Daliburgh former Janitor's House to the Uist Traditional Music and Gaelic Arts Association. It was indicated in the report that in March 2001 the Comhairle agreed to lease the former Janitor's House at Daliburgh School for a period of 5 years to the Uist Traditional Music and Gaelic Arts Association and that the Association has now approached the Education Department seeking an extension of 10 years to the originally agreed lease period to assist in seeking funding from external bodies.

It was agreed to recommend that the extension of the lease of the former Janitor's House at Daliburgh School to the Uist Traditional Music and Gaelic Arts Association for a period of 15 years be approved.

Lease to Harris Sports and Leisure Committee

E02

134*

The Director of Corporate Services and the Director of Education submitted a joint report concerning approval to enter into a lease with Harris Sports and Leisure Committee in respect of the floor of the new building at Sir E Scott School to be occupied by the swimming pool and of the principal terms and conditions of the lease. The background and legal agreement, management of the facility and the current position were outlined in the report.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) the Director of Corporate Services be authorised to enter into a lease with Harris Sports and Leisure Committee for a term not less than twenty years on such terms and conditions as the Director of Corporate Services, in consultation with the Director of Education and the Director for Sustainable Communities, shall determine and without prejudice to the foregoing generality on the basis that no rental shall be payable subject to the consent of the Scottish Ministers being obtained in terms of Section 74 (2) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, and on the basis that a proportion of the cost of maintenance and repair of the fabric of the building, other than that in the swimming pool area and immediate vicinity be not recoverable from Harris Sports and Leisure Committee;

(2) a report on the future management arrangements for the building be put before a future meeting of the Committee, following discussions with the Head Teacher of the School and the Harris Sports and Leisure Committee; and

(3) it be noted that the Harris Sports and Leisure Committee with the Comhairle's Technical Services Consultancy to act on their behalf in the matter and that they agree to pay an appropriate share of the cost of demolition of the Horsa huts currently on the site.

EDUCATIONAL PROVISION

Educational Attainment of Looked After Children

E01

135*

The Director of Social Work submitted a report concerning the new resources allocated for 2001/2002 relating to the education of looked after children, and set out local action to meet the objectives of the Scottish Executive. It was indicated in the report that the Scottish Executive had allocated additional resources in the sum of £34,500 for the current financial year to provide facilities, equipment and material to improve the educational attainment of looked after children. It was also indicated in the report that Scottish Executive had made it clear that the funding must be applied in a way that directly relates to the individual children upon whom this allocation is based.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) the allocation of £34,500 to the Social Work Budget for the current financial year 2001/2002, to improve the educational attainment of looked after children be noted; and

(2) the procedure being adopted within the Western Isles for the application of this funding be approved.

Standards in Scotland's Schools etc Act 2000: Statement of Local Improvement Objectives 2001-2002

E01

136*

With reference to item 40 of the minute of meeting of 27 March 2001 the Director of Education submitted a report concerning the proposed annual statement of improvement objectives for the Comhairle in relation to the Scottish Executive's national priorities for 2001/02.

It was agreed to recommend that the draft Local Improvement Objectives set out in Appendix A to the report by the Director of Education be adopted as the Comhairle's Statement of Improvement Objectives for 2001/02.

RELATED MATTERS

Guidelines for Parents and Pupils on the use of School Transport

E07

137*

The Director of Technical Services submitted a report concerning the preparation of a guideline document on the use of school transport. It was indicated in the report that guidelines were published by other Authorities and a copy of the Scottish Borders Council guidelines were circulated to members. It was indicated in the report that it was hoped that this publication would form the basis of a consultation document. The results of the consultation would be reported to a future meeting. and it was hoped that the guidelines would be available for inclusion in the mailing to parents at the start of the next school year.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) guidelines be prepared on the use of school transport for circulation to all parents/pupils, following consultation with headteachers, school boards and bus operators; and

(2) a report on progress with (1) above be brought to a further meeting of the Committee in due course.

Traffic Management at Schools

E07

138

With reference to item 81 of the minute of meeting of 29 May 2001 the Director of Technical Services submitted a report concerning progress with the traffic management at Schools priority list and the inception of experimental 20mph speed limits at schools. The current situation and progress made to date was appended to the report.

It was agreed to note the report.

Further Education and Higher School Bursaries 2002/2003

E07

139

The Director of Corporate Services sought and obtained the Chairman's permission to withdraw this item.

Sunday Use of Swimming Pool - Castlebay School

E07

140*

The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a report concerning a request for a let of Castlebay pool on a Sunday. The Report indicated that a request had been received from a voluntary group in Barra for a let of the swimming pool and games hall from 1pm to 4pm on successive Sundays, for a three month trial period.

It was agreed to recommend that a let of Castlebay swimming pool and games hall be granted to Castlebay Community Association at a cost of £38 per hour, ensuring that the Comhairle incurs no additional costs.

Rev Andrew Coghill requested that his dissent be recorded.

PERFORMANCE REVIEW

Reports Outstanding: Progress

PR33.01.12

141

With reference to item 116 of the minute of meeting of 2 October 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 Iain Morrison	Mr Archie K Campbell
	Mr Ian M Macleod	Mr David Blaney

APOLOGIES	Mr Philip R McLean	Mr Finlay Morrison
	Rev Donald A Macdonald	Rev John Macleod

Prayer		The meeting was opened with prayer led by Mr Murdo Macleod.
		The Chairman adjourned the meeting in order that the Committee could visit Sgoil nan Loch.
		The meeting re-convened at 3.15 pm, when the following members were found to be present:

	Mr Norman L Macdonald (Chairman)
	Mrs Morag Munro (Vice-Chairman)
	Mr Malcolm J Macleod	Mr Donald I Nicholson
	Mr Iain Morrison	Mr Norman M Macleod
	Mr Alexander A Macdonald	Mr Donald M Mackay
	Mr Ian M Macleod	Mr Archie K Campbell
	Mr Roderick J Murray	Mr David Blaney
	Mr Murdo Macleod	Rev Andrew Coghill

		MINUTES
Education Committee E08	117	The minute of meeting of 2 October 2001 was approved, subject to the following amendment at item 115, delete the second paragraph and insert the following: Mr David Blaney, seconded by Mr Philip McLean, moved that it be recommended 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. Mr Finlay Morrison, seconded by Rev Andrew Coghill, moved 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 not granted. On the matter being put to the vote the motion received the majority of the votes cast.
		Mr Iain Morrison declared an interest in the following item and left the meeting during consideration of the item.
Integrated Passenger Transport Services Sub-Committee E08	118	The minute of meeting of the Integrated Passenger Transport Services Sub-Committee of 31 October 2001 was approved, insofar as the Committee's interest was concerned.
Higher Still and Standards in Schools Monitoring and Implementation Group E08	119	The minute of meeting of the Higher Still and Standards in Schools Monitoring and Implementation Group of 13 June 2001 was noted.
		The Chairman ruled in accordance with Standing Order 8 that the following item be considered as a matter or urgency in order that the Committee could be informed of progress on the matter.
Higher Still and Standards in Schools Monitoring and Implementation Group E08	120	The minute of meeting of the Higher Still and Standards in Schools Monitoring and Implementation Group of 14 November 2001 was noted.
Children Looked After Away From Home Monitoring Group E08	121	The minute of meeting of the Children Looked After Away From Home Monitoring Group of 4 October 2001 was noted.
Sir E Scott School Member/Officer Working Group E08	122	The minute of meeting of the Sir E Scott School Member/Officer Working Group of 9 October 2001 was noted.
School Board Appointments Committee E08	123	The minutes of meetings of the School Board Appointments Committees of 20 September 2001 and 11 October 2001 were noted.
		FINANCE
Additional Funds Allocated to Schools by the Scottish Executive E01	124*	The Director of Education submitted a report concerning a further allocation of funding for schools and to seek approval for its distribution. Appended to the report were SEED Circular No 9/2001: End Year Flexibility - Additional Financial Resources for Schools and the Allocation of Funds to Western Isles Schools. It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the allocation be distributed to schools on a flat rate plus per capita basis as set out in Appendix B of the report by the Director of Education; and (2) it be noted that a circular on revised Schemes of Devolved School Management is expected soon and that proposals would be brought to Committee in due course.

		BUILDINGS
		Mr Donald I Nicholson declared an interest in the following item and left the meeting during consideration of the item.
Capital Works: Programme and Progress E03	125	With reference to item 109 of the Minute of Meeting of 2 October 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 Education submit a Report on the provision of drinking water in Schools, detailing the options and costs of the proposal.
		The Chairman ruled in accordance with Standing Order 8 that the following item be considered as a matter or urgency in order that demolition works could be undertaken as soon as possible.
Sandwick School - General Purpose Room E02.26	126*	The Director of Education submitted a report concerning the replacement of the general purpose room in Sandwickhill School. It was indicated in the report that following a survey of the condition of the general purpose room at Sandwickhill School it had been necessary to take the room out of use. It was also indicated that significant construction work would be required to be undertaken to provide the necessary facilities for the pupils physical education and other school activities.
		It was agreed to recommend that: (1) following the report by the Director of Education regarding the condition of the GP hall at Sandwickhill School and the subsequent options presented, the demolition of the hall be undertaken as soon as possible in the interests of safety; (2) the Director of Education be instructed to investigate the possible options for the early replacement of the GP hall and integration of the canteen, including design and build and Community Partnerships and that a report be brought to the next meeting of the Committee; and (3) when preparing its Capital Programme for 2002-2004, the Comhairle be asked to give recognition to the need to replace the GP hall at Sandwickhill School and the consequent requirement for funding in 2002 as set out in the Project Initiation Report.
		The Committee unanimously agreed that, in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 17 of the Scheme of Administration, the Committee determine the above recommendation on behalf of the Comhairle, under delegated powers, in light of the need to have the matter dealt with prior to the next meeting of the Comhairle, on the basis that the recommendation was not contentious and did not breach a major policy position of the Comhairle.
Repairs and Maintenance (Revenue) Programme 2001/2002: Quarterly Expenditure Report to 30 September E03	127	With reference to item 100 of the Minute of Meeting of 28 August 2001 the Director of Technical Services submitted a report concerning the situation in respect of expenditure on the repairs and maintenance of properties held on the Education account, to the end of the second quarter of the current financial year. It was agreed to note the report.
Window and Door Replacement in Schools using UPVC Materials E02	128*	The Director of Education submitted a report proposing that window and door materials be specified as UPVC for all school window and door replacement contracts unless specific circumstances which would prevent this have been identified and alternative options agreed with the Client Department. The background to the matter was outlined in the report. It was agreed to recommend that window and door materials be specified at UPVC for all school window and door replacement contracts unless specific circumstances have been identified and alternative options have been agreed with the Client Department.
Disposal of Former Leurbost School Premises: Application for `In Principle' Lease of Land E02	129*	The Director of Education submitted a report proposing that an `in principle' decision be taken to grant a lease of the football pitch at Leurbost School to the North Lochs Amenity Group to allow the Group to develop a playpark on the site. It was indicated in the report that the request from the North Lochs Amenity Group was the only expression of interest received for the football pitch at Leurbost School. It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the Director of Corporate Services, in consultation with the Director of Education, be authorised to grant an `in principle' lease of the existing football pitch annexed to Leurbost School to the North Lochs Amenity Group, to allow them to develop a playpark facility on the site; and (2) the Director of Corporate Services be authorised to negotiate a notional annual rental when proposals have reached a more advanced stage.
Fidigarry School, Lochs, Isle of Lewis E02	130*	The Director of Education and the Director of Corporate Services submitted a joint report concerning the offer received for Fidigarry School. Lochs, Isle of Lewis following public advertisement. It was indicated in the report that an offer in the sum of £5,000 had been received from the resident of the adjoining schoolhouse. It was agreed to recommend that Fidigarry School be sold to the prospective purchaser at the price indicated in the Joint Report by the Director of Education and the Director of Corporate Services, on such terms and conditions as the Director of Corporate Services, in consultation with the Director of Education, shall deem appropriate.
		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 9 of Schedule 7A of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 would be disclosed, namely any terms proposed or to be proposed by or to the Comhairle in the course of negotiations for a contract for the acquisition or disposal of property or the supply of goods or services.
Former School and Schoolhouse at Brevig, Isle of Barra E02	131*	The Director of Education and the Director of Corporate Services submitted a joint report concerning the offers received for Brevig Old School and Schoolhouse, Isle of Barra, following public advertisement. It was indicated in the report that following advertisement, two offers, in the same amount, were received for Brevig Old School. The two offers received were appended to the report. It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Corporate Services be authorised to inform the two tenderers that two offers had been received for the same amount and request that, if they wished, they may submit a revised offer.
Former School and Schoolhouse at Lochboisdale, Isle of South Uist E02	132*	The Director of Education and the Director of Corporate Services submitted a joint report concerning the offer received for the former school and schoolhouse at Lochboisdale, Isle of South Uist. It was indicated in the report that an offer in the sum of £25,000 had been received from Uist Builders (Construction) Limited. It was agreed to recommend that Lochboisdale Old School and Schoolhouse be sold to the prospective purchaser at the price detailed in the Joint Report by Director of Education and the Director of Corporate Services, on such terms and conditions as the Director of Corporate Services, in consultation with the Director of Education, shall deem appropriate.
Request for Extension to Lease of Daliburgh Former Janitor's House E02	133*	The Director of Education and the Director of Corporate Services submitted a joint report concerning approval for an extension of the lease period for the Daliburgh former Janitor's House to the Uist Traditional Music and Gaelic Arts Association. It was indicated in the report that in March 2001 the Comhairle agreed to lease the former Janitor's House at Daliburgh School for a period of 5 years to the Uist Traditional Music and Gaelic Arts Association and that the Association has now approached the Education Department seeking an extension of 10 years to the originally agreed lease period to assist in seeking funding from external bodies. It was agreed to recommend that the extension of the lease of the former Janitor's House at Daliburgh School to the Uist Traditional Music and Gaelic Arts Association for a period of 15 years be approved.
Lease to Harris Sports and Leisure Committee E02	134*	The Director of Corporate Services and the Director of Education submitted a joint report concerning approval to enter into a lease with Harris Sports and Leisure Committee in respect of the floor of the new building at Sir E Scott School to be occupied by the swimming pool and of the principal terms and conditions of the lease. The background and legal agreement, management of the facility and the current position were outlined in the report.
		It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the Director of Corporate Services be authorised to enter into a lease with Harris Sports and Leisure Committee for a term not less than twenty years on such terms and conditions as the Director of Corporate Services, in consultation with the Director of Education and the Director for Sustainable Communities, shall determine and without prejudice to the foregoing generality on the basis that no rental shall be payable subject to the consent of the Scottish Ministers being obtained in terms of Section 74 (2) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, and on the basis that a proportion of the cost of maintenance and repair of the fabric of the building, other than that in the swimming pool area and immediate vicinity be not recoverable from Harris Sports and Leisure Committee; (2) a report on the future management arrangements for the building be put before a future meeting of the Committee, following discussions with the Head Teacher of the School and the Harris Sports and Leisure Committee; and (3) it be noted that the Harris Sports and Leisure Committee with the Comhairle's Technical Services Consultancy to act on their behalf in the matter and that they agree to pay an appropriate share of the cost of demolition of the Horsa huts currently on the site.

		EDUCATIONAL PROVISION
Educational Attainment of Looked After Children E01	135*	The Director of Social Work submitted a report concerning the new resources allocated for 2001/2002 relating to the education of looked after children, and set out local action to meet the objectives of the Scottish Executive. It was indicated in the report that the Scottish Executive had allocated additional resources in the sum of £34,500 for the current financial year to provide facilities, equipment and material to improve the educational attainment of looked after children. It was also indicated in the report that Scottish Executive had made it clear that the funding must be applied in a way that directly relates to the individual children upon whom this allocation is based.
		It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the allocation of £34,500 to the Social Work Budget for the current financial year 2001/2002, to improve the educational attainment of looked after children be noted; and (2) the procedure being adopted within the Western Isles for the application of this funding be approved.
Standards in Scotland's Schools etc Act 2000: Statement of Local Improvement Objectives 2001-2002 E01	136*	With reference to item 40 of the minute of meeting of 27 March 2001 the Director of Education submitted a report concerning the proposed annual statement of improvement objectives for the Comhairle in relation to the Scottish Executive's national priorities for 2001/02. It was agreed to recommend that the draft Local Improvement Objectives set out in Appendix A to the report by the Director of Education be adopted as the Comhairle's Statement of Improvement Objectives for 2001/02.
		RELATED MATTERS
Guidelines for Parents and Pupils on the use of School Transport E07	137*	The Director of Technical Services submitted a report concerning the preparation of a guideline document on the use of school transport. It was indicated in the report that guidelines were published by other Authorities and a copy of the Scottish Borders Council guidelines were circulated to members. It was indicated in the report that it was hoped that this publication would form the basis of a consultation document. The results of the consultation would be reported to a future meeting. and it was hoped that the guidelines would be available for inclusion in the mailing to parents at the start of the next school year. It was agreed to recommend that: (1) guidelines be prepared on the use of school transport for circulation to all parents/pupils, following consultation with headteachers, school boards and bus operators; and (2) a report on progress with (1) above be brought to a further meeting of the Committee in due course.
Traffic Management at Schools E07	138	With reference to item 81 of the minute of meeting of 29 May 2001 the Director of Technical Services submitted a report concerning progress with the traffic management at Schools priority list and the inception of experimental 20mph speed limits at schools. The current situation and progress made to date was appended to the report. It was agreed to note the report.
Further Education and Higher School Bursaries 2002/2003 E07	139	The Director of Corporate Services sought and obtained the Chairman's permission to withdraw this item.
Sunday Use of Swimming Pool - Castlebay School E07	140*	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a report concerning a request for a let of Castlebay pool on a Sunday. The Report indicated that a request had been received from a voluntary group in Barra for a let of the swimming pool and games hall from 1pm to 4pm on successive Sundays, for a three month trial period. It was agreed to recommend that a let of Castlebay swimming pool and games hall be granted to Castlebay Community Association at a cost of £38 per hour, ensuring that the Comhairle incurs no additional costs. Rev Andrew Coghill requested that his dissent be recorded.
		PERFORMANCE REVIEW
Reports Outstanding: Progress PR33.01.12	141	With reference to item 116 of the minute of meeting of 2 October 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.