26 March 2002

EDUCATION COMMITTEE

Minute of Meeting held in the Council Offices, Stornoway, on Tuesday 26 March 2002 at 2.00pm

PRESENT

Mr Norman L Macdonald (Chairman)

Mrs Morag Munro (Vice-Chairman)

Mr Donald I Nicholson

Mr Malcolm J Macleod

Mr Norman M Macleod

Mr Iain Morrison

Mr Finlay Morrison

Mr Alexander A Macdonald

Mr Donald M Mackay

Mr Ian M Macleod

Mr Archie Campbell

Mr Roderick J Murray

Mr David Blaney

Mr Murdo Macleod

Rev Andrew Coghill

Mr Philip R McLean

Rev John Macleod

APOLOGIES

Mr Murdo Macdonald

Prayer

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

Tribute: The Scottish Education Awards

The Chairman referred to Mr Donald `Dano' Macdonald, Janitor of Back School, who was awarded Education Supporter at the recent Scottish Education Awards Ceremony for `inspiring' people in Scotland's schools. The Chairman paid tribute to Mr Macdonald's work at Back School and, on behalf of the Committee, congratulated Mr Macdonald on receiving this award.

Tribute: Hebridean Marine Society

The Chairman referred to the Hebridean Marine Society who had recently held a successful conference at Lews Castle College to which large numbers of secondary pupils from throughout the region were invited. The Chairman, on behalf of the Committee, praised the work of the Hebridean Marine Society, which the Comhairle supported.

Tribute: Twinning Ceremony with Pendleton City Council

The Chairman referred to a delegation of 36 representatives from Pendleton who had visited Lewis recently, when the signing of the charter twinning Comhairle nan Eilean Siar with Pendleton City Council took place and, on behalf of the Committee, praised the role of The Nicolson Institute in this initiative.

MINUTES

Minute of Meeting of 29 January 2002

E08

1

The minute of meeting of 29 January 2002 was approved, subject to the following amendment:

at APOLOGIES, insert Mr Ian M Macleod

Minute of Meeting of Appeals Committee (School Placings) of 26 February 2002

E08

2

The minute of meeting of the Appeals Committee (School Placings) of 26 February 2002 was noted.

Minute of Meeting of Higher Still Member/Officer Working Group of 20 February 2002

E08

3

The minute of meeting of the Higher Still Member/Officer Working Group of 20 February 2002 was noted.

Arising out of consideration of this item it was agreed that the Director of Education submit a report to the August series of meetings regarding progress at the end of the first year of the operation of Higher Still.

Minute of Meeting of Bayble School Member/Officer Working Group of 20 February 2002

E08

4

The minute of meeting of the Bayble School Member/Officer Working Group of 20 February 2002 was noted.

Arising out of consideration of this item it was agreed that discussions be held between the Comhairle and the Knock and Bayble Community Association concerning the room in Bayble School, which they currently lease.

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

5

With reference to item 12 of the Minute of Meeting of 29 January 2002 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 to the next meeting concerning progress with the implementation of the School Security System, including panic alarms in small schools.

Repairs and Maintenance (Revenue) Programme 2001/2002: Quarterly Expenditure Report to 19 February 2002

E03

6

With reference to item 127 of the Minute of Meeting of 29 January 2002 the Director of Technical Services submitted a report concerning 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.

Schools Window Replacement Programme 2002/2003

E03

7

With reference to item 80 of the minute of meeting of 1 September 2000 the Director of Education submitted a report seeking approval to modify the previously approved priority order within the Capital Programme for the forthcoming financial year. The report indicated that the proposed schemes were recommended to be progressed on a classroom by classroom basis, subject to a maximum expenditure in the order of £12,000 at each school and within the financial provision contained within the approved capital programme.

It was agreed to approve the Schools Window Replacement Programme 2002/2003 as detailed in the report by the Director of Education.

Schools Roofing Replacement Programme 2002/2003

E03

8

With reference to item 79 of the minute of meeting of 1 September 2000 the Director of Education submitted a report concerning approval to modify the previously agreed priority order within the Capital Programme for the forthcoming financial year. The report indicated that following an ongoing re-assessment of the worst case situations, it was proposed to interrupt the proposed programme to deal with two cases of failure of flat, felt covered roofs which were beyond patch repairs and an ongoing source of water ingress.

It was agreed to approve the Schools Roofing Replacement Programme 2002/2003 as detailed in the report by the Director of Education.

Airidhantuim Primary School

E03

9

With reference to item 12 of the minute of meeting of 29 January 2002 the Director of Technical Services submitted a report concerning the condition of Airidhantuim Primary School. Appended to the report was a general survey and report which dealt with the condition of each individual building which made up the school. The report indicated that the two buildings which gave greatest cause for concern were the Canteen and the metal clad Annexe Building.

It was agreed:

(1) to note the report;

(2) that the Director of Education would liaise with the Head Teacher of Airidhantuim Primary School regarding the problems identified at the meeting; and

(3) that the Director of Education, where possible, identify solutions for implementation in the forthcoming financial year.

Preparation of Bid for Revenue Support for Public Private Partnership Project for Education Provision

E03

10

With reference to item 110 of the minute of meeting of 2 October 2001 and item 12 of the minute of meeting of 29 January 2002 the Director of Education submitted a report concerning the preparation of the bid for revenue support for the public private partnership project for education provision. The criteria on which proposals for a Public Private Partnership Project for educational provision within the Western Isles might be based was detailed in the report, along with the principles and policy stances appropriate to such proposals and the realistic options for inclusion in such a project.

It was agreed that:

(1) the policy framework be approved; and

(2) the Public Private Partnership proposals form part of the agenda for the Members Seminar on Education scheduled for 24 April 2002.

Non-School Properties Update

E03

11

The Director of Education submitted a report concerning the status of properties surplus to the requirements of the Education Service. A list of such properties was enclosed as an appendix.

It was agreed that the Director of Education be authorised to submit a status report on properties surplus to Education Service requirements on a twice yearly basis.

EDUCATIONAL PROVISION

Gaelic Specific Grant Bid 2002-2003: Outcome of Bid

E01.01.24

12

With reference to item 80 of the minute of meeting of 29 May 2001 the Director of Education submitted a report concerning the amount of specific grant for Gaelic Education offered to the authority in relation to the bid submitted to the Scottish Executive Education Department for the financial year 2002-2003 and seeking approval for an amended scheme of expenditure to take account of an allocation lower than the original bid. A proposed expenditure spreadsheet for the 2002/2003 financial year and a letter dated 12 December 2001 from the Scottish Executive was appended to the report.

It was agreed that officers be authorised to proceed to the implementation of projects, as detailed in the report by the Director of Education, but with the reductions as set out in Appendix 2 to the report.

Pre-School Education 2002/03: Financial Issues

E01.02.26

13

With reference to item 79 of the minute of meeting of 29 May 2001 the Director of Education submitted a report concerning initial proposals for 2002/2003 pre-school funding and partnership arrangements. The report indicated that due to funding for pre-school education being mainstreamed in the Comhairle's GAE, new central policy initiatives and changes to the number and location of pre-school children, further consultation with key stakeholders on future funding and partnership arrangements was required. The likely distribution of 2002/2003 pre-school funding and letters from Croileagan Eubhal and Croileagan an Iochdar were appended to the report.

It was agreed to:

(1) approve a rate per full commissioned pre-school place (including for 3 year olds) of £1220 for the 2002/2003 pre-school year and approve the continuation for pre-school year 2002/2003 of the minimum 8 place fee guarantee (top up funding);

(2) approve the continuation of other funding commitments on a pro rata basis until 30 June 2002; and

(3) note that the Education Department will be consulting, as a matter of urgency, with key stakeholders on possible variations to the nature and location of pre school provision, including longer term funding arrangements.

Proposed Change in Secondary Catchment - Stoneybridge School - Response to Consultation

E05

14

With reference to item 37 of the minute of meeting of 28 March 2002 the Director of Education submitted a report concerning the responses to the consultation exercise carried out in relation to the proposed change in secondary catchment for pupils in the Stoneybridge School catchment area. The report indicated that a public meeting was held in Stoneybridge School on 11 February 2002 to discuss the consultation document and that the unanimous view at that meeting was to agree to a change in the secondary catchment area for pupils in the Stoneybridge catchment area, from Daliburgh to Sgoil Lionacleit. The consultation document and a note of the meeting held in Stoneybridge School on 11 March 2002 was appended to the report.

It was agreed that:

(1) the secondary catchment area for pupils from the Stoneybridge School catchment area be changed from Daliburgh School to Sgoil Lionacleit, with effect from 13 August 2002; and

(2) the views of the parents in relation to primary catchment definition be noted.

RELATED MATTERS

Establishment of a Handyperson Service for Schools

E07

15

The Director of Education submitted a report concerning the creation of a Handyperson Service for Schools. The report indicated that, as a result of the slow response to requests for small scale repairs and maintenance tasks which are regularly required to be carried out, it was proposed that a schools handyperson service be established in an attempt to address this problem.

It was agreed:

(1) to recommend that three full time Handyperson posts be established with effect from 15 August 2002 to provide support in schools in the Western Isles, subject to evaluation; and

(2) that the Director of Education report on progress on the Scheme in (1) above on a regular basis.

Better Neighbourhood Services Fund

E07

16

With reference to item 57 of the minute of meeting of the Policy and Finance Committee of 30 October 2001 the Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a report concerning the revised Local Outcome Agreement. The report indicated that the Better Neighbourhood Services Fund was a Scottish Executive initiative to improve the quality of and access to the core public services of health, education, transport, crime and enterprise. The report also indicated that the Comhairle was one of 12 Local Authorities selected by the Executive to implement the BNSF programme on a pilot basis. Each authority was required to submit a Local Outcome Agreement to the Executive detailing how the BNSF programme would be rolled out locally. The Agreement was remitted back to the Comhairle for revision by Scottish Ministers. Appended to the report were the draft revised BNSF Local Outcome Agreement and a letter from the Scottish Executive dated 1 March 2002.

It was agreed that the terms of the Local Outcome Agreement, which was appended to the report by the Director for Sustainable Communities, be approved.

PERFORMANCE REVIEW

Reports Outstanding: Progress

PR33.01.12

17

With reference to item 20 of the minute of meeting of 29 January 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 Donald I Nicholson
	Mr Malcolm J Macleod	Mr Norman M Macleod
	Mr Iain Morrison	Mr Finlay Morrison
	Mr Alexander A Macdonald	Mr Donald M Mackay
	Mr Ian M Macleod	Mr Archie Campbell
	Mr Roderick J Murray	Mr David Blaney
	Mr Murdo Macleod	Rev Andrew Coghill
	Mr Philip R McLean	Rev John Macleod

APOLOGIES	Mr Murdo Macdonald

Prayer		The meeting was opened with prayer led by Mr Donald I Nicholson.
Tribute: The Scottish Education Awards		The Chairman referred to Mr Donald `Dano' Macdonald, Janitor of Back School, who was awarded Education Supporter at the recent Scottish Education Awards Ceremony for `inspiring' people in Scotland's schools. The Chairman paid tribute to Mr Macdonald's work at Back School and, on behalf of the Committee, congratulated Mr Macdonald on receiving this award.
Tribute: Hebridean Marine Society		The Chairman referred to the Hebridean Marine Society who had recently held a successful conference at Lews Castle College to which large numbers of secondary pupils from throughout the region were invited. The Chairman, on behalf of the Committee, praised the work of the Hebridean Marine Society, which the Comhairle supported.
Tribute: Twinning Ceremony with Pendleton City Council		The Chairman referred to a delegation of 36 representatives from Pendleton who had visited Lewis recently, when the signing of the charter twinning Comhairle nan Eilean Siar with Pendleton City Council took place and, on behalf of the Committee, praised the role of The Nicolson Institute in this initiative.
		MINUTES
Minute of Meeting of 29 January 2002 E08	1	The minute of meeting of 29 January 2002 was approved, subject to the following amendment: at APOLOGIES, insert Mr Ian M Macleod
Minute of Meeting of Appeals Committee (School Placings) of 26 February 2002 E08	2	The minute of meeting of the Appeals Committee (School Placings) of 26 February 2002 was noted.
Minute of Meeting of Higher Still Member/Officer Working Group of 20 February 2002 E08	3	The minute of meeting of the Higher Still Member/Officer Working Group of 20 February 2002 was noted. Arising out of consideration of this item it was agreed that the Director of Education submit a report to the August series of meetings regarding progress at the end of the first year of the operation of Higher Still.
Minute of Meeting of Bayble School Member/Officer Working Group of 20 February 2002 E08	4	The minute of meeting of the Bayble School Member/Officer Working Group of 20 February 2002 was noted. Arising out of consideration of this item it was agreed that discussions be held between the Comhairle and the Knock and Bayble Community Association concerning the room in Bayble School, which they currently lease.
		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	5	With reference to item 12 of the Minute of Meeting of 29 January 2002 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 to the next meeting concerning progress with the implementation of the School Security System, including panic alarms in small schools.
Repairs and Maintenance (Revenue) Programme 2001/2002: Quarterly Expenditure Report to 19 February 2002 E03	6	With reference to item 127 of the Minute of Meeting of 29 January 2002 the Director of Technical Services submitted a report concerning 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.
Schools Window Replacement Programme 2002/2003 E03	7	With reference to item 80 of the minute of meeting of 1 September 2000 the Director of Education submitted a report seeking approval to modify the previously approved priority order within the Capital Programme for the forthcoming financial year. The report indicated that the proposed schemes were recommended to be progressed on a classroom by classroom basis, subject to a maximum expenditure in the order of £12,000 at each school and within the financial provision contained within the approved capital programme. It was agreed to approve the Schools Window Replacement Programme 2002/2003 as detailed in the report by the Director of Education.
Schools Roofing Replacement Programme 2002/2003 E03	8	With reference to item 79 of the minute of meeting of 1 September 2000 the Director of Education submitted a report concerning approval to modify the previously agreed priority order within the Capital Programme for the forthcoming financial year. The report indicated that following an ongoing re-assessment of the worst case situations, it was proposed to interrupt the proposed programme to deal with two cases of failure of flat, felt covered roofs which were beyond patch repairs and an ongoing source of water ingress. It was agreed to approve the Schools Roofing Replacement Programme 2002/2003 as detailed in the report by the Director of Education.
Airidhantuim Primary School E03	9	With reference to item 12 of the minute of meeting of 29 January 2002 the Director of Technical Services submitted a report concerning the condition of Airidhantuim Primary School. Appended to the report was a general survey and report which dealt with the condition of each individual building which made up the school. The report indicated that the two buildings which gave greatest cause for concern were the Canteen and the metal clad Annexe Building. It was agreed: (1) to note the report; (2) that the Director of Education would liaise with the Head Teacher of Airidhantuim Primary School regarding the problems identified at the meeting; and (3) that the Director of Education, where possible, identify solutions for implementation in the forthcoming financial year.
Preparation of Bid for Revenue Support for Public Private Partnership Project for Education Provision E03	10	With reference to item 110 of the minute of meeting of 2 October 2001 and item 12 of the minute of meeting of 29 January 2002 the Director of Education submitted a report concerning the preparation of the bid for revenue support for the public private partnership project for education provision. The criteria on which proposals for a Public Private Partnership Project for educational provision within the Western Isles might be based was detailed in the report, along with the principles and policy stances appropriate to such proposals and the realistic options for inclusion in such a project. It was agreed that: (1) the policy framework be approved; and (2) the Public Private Partnership proposals form part of the agenda for the Members Seminar on Education scheduled for 24 April 2002.
Non-School Properties Update E03	11	The Director of Education submitted a report concerning the status of properties surplus to the requirements of the Education Service. A list of such properties was enclosed as an appendix. It was agreed that the Director of Education be authorised to submit a status report on properties surplus to Education Service requirements on a twice yearly basis.
		EDUCATIONAL PROVISION
Gaelic Specific Grant Bid 2002-2003: Outcome of Bid E01.01.24	12	With reference to item 80 of the minute of meeting of 29 May 2001 the Director of Education submitted a report concerning the amount of specific grant for Gaelic Education offered to the authority in relation to the bid submitted to the Scottish Executive Education Department for the financial year 2002-2003 and seeking approval for an amended scheme of expenditure to take account of an allocation lower than the original bid. A proposed expenditure spreadsheet for the 2002/2003 financial year and a letter dated 12 December 2001 from the Scottish Executive was appended to the report. It was agreed that officers be authorised to proceed to the implementation of projects, as detailed in the report by the Director of Education, but with the reductions as set out in Appendix 2 to the report.
Pre-School Education 2002/03: Financial Issues E01.02.26	13	With reference to item 79 of the minute of meeting of 29 May 2001 the Director of Education submitted a report concerning initial proposals for 2002/2003 pre-school funding and partnership arrangements. The report indicated that due to funding for pre-school education being mainstreamed in the Comhairle's GAE, new central policy initiatives and changes to the number and location of pre-school children, further consultation with key stakeholders on future funding and partnership arrangements was required. The likely distribution of 2002/2003 pre-school funding and letters from Croileagan Eubhal and Croileagan an Iochdar were appended to the report. It was agreed to: (1) approve a rate per full commissioned pre-school place (including for 3 year olds) of £1220 for the 2002/2003 pre-school year and approve the continuation for pre-school year 2002/2003 of the minimum 8 place fee guarantee (top up funding); (2) approve the continuation of other funding commitments on a pro rata basis until 30 June 2002; and (3) note that the Education Department will be consulting, as a matter of urgency, with key stakeholders on possible variations to the nature and location of pre school provision, including longer term funding arrangements.
Proposed Change in Secondary Catchment - Stoneybridge School - Response to Consultation E05	14	With reference to item 37 of the minute of meeting of 28 March 2002 the Director of Education submitted a report concerning the responses to the consultation exercise carried out in relation to the proposed change in secondary catchment for pupils in the Stoneybridge School catchment area. The report indicated that a public meeting was held in Stoneybridge School on 11 February 2002 to discuss the consultation document and that the unanimous view at that meeting was to agree to a change in the secondary catchment area for pupils in the Stoneybridge catchment area, from Daliburgh to Sgoil Lionacleit. The consultation document and a note of the meeting held in Stoneybridge School on 11 March 2002 was appended to the report. It was agreed that: (1) the secondary catchment area for pupils from the Stoneybridge School catchment area be changed from Daliburgh School to Sgoil Lionacleit, with effect from 13 August 2002; and (2) the views of the parents in relation to primary catchment definition be noted.
		RELATED MATTERS
Establishment of a Handyperson Service for Schools E07	15	The Director of Education submitted a report concerning the creation of a Handyperson Service for Schools. The report indicated that, as a result of the slow response to requests for small scale repairs and maintenance tasks which are regularly required to be carried out, it was proposed that a schools handyperson service be established in an attempt to address this problem. It was agreed: (1) to recommend that three full time Handyperson posts be established with effect from 15 August 2002 to provide support in schools in the Western Isles, subject to evaluation; and (2) that the Director of Education report on progress on the Scheme in (1) above on a regular basis.
Better Neighbourhood Services Fund E07	16	With reference to item 57 of the minute of meeting of the Policy and Finance Committee of 30 October 2001 the Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a report concerning the revised Local Outcome Agreement. The report indicated that the Better Neighbourhood Services Fund was a Scottish Executive initiative to improve the quality of and access to the core public services of health, education, transport, crime and enterprise. The report also indicated that the Comhairle was one of 12 Local Authorities selected by the Executive to implement the BNSF programme on a pilot basis. Each authority was required to submit a Local Outcome Agreement to the Executive detailing how the BNSF programme would be rolled out locally. The Agreement was remitted back to the Comhairle for revision by Scottish Ministers. Appended to the report were the draft revised BNSF Local Outcome Agreement and a letter from the Scottish Executive dated 1 March 2002. It was agreed that the terms of the Local Outcome Agreement, which was appended to the report by the Director for Sustainable Communities, be approved.
		PERFORMANCE REVIEW
Reports Outstanding: Progress PR33.01.12	17	With reference to item 20 of the minute of meeting of 29 January 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.