27 August 2002

EDUCATION COMMITTEE

Minute of Meeting held in the Council Offices, Stornoway, on Tuesday 27 August 2002 at 2.00pm

PRESENT

Mr Norman L Macdonald (Chairman)

Mrs Morag Munro (Vice-Chairman)

Mr Malcolm J Macleod

Mr Iain Morrison

Mr Donald M Mackay

Mr Alexander A Macdonald

Mr Archie Campbell

Mr Roderick J Murray

Mr David Blaney

Mr Murdo Macleod

Rev John Macleod

Mr Donald I Nicholson

Rev John A Galbraith

Mr Norman M Macleod

Mr Murdo Macdonald

Mr Finlay Morrison

Dr Alan J F Fraser

APOLOGIES

Mr Ian M Macleod

Mr Philip R McLean

Rev Andrew Coghill

Prayer

The meeting was opened with prayer led by Rev John A Galbraith.

Tribute to Sir E Scott School and Presentation by Sir E Scott School Young Enterprise Group (Solas)

The Chairman paid tribute to Sir E Scott School Young Enterprise Group (Solas) who had achieved the highest placing of any School in Scotland and second place in competition Finals in London, which had attracted entries from 4,000 schools. The Chairman referred to this remarkable achievement and invited Solas to make a presentation on their successful entry to this important competition.

A presentation was made by Solas and an opportunity was afforded to all members of the Committee to ask questions of the Company.

Tribute: Mr Robert Bennie

The Chairman referred to Mr Robin Bennie, Director of Finance, who was unwell and on sick leave and, on behalf of the Committee, extended best wishes to Mr Bennie for a speedy recovery.

MINUTES

Minute of Meeting of 28 May 2002

E08

1

The minute of meeting of 28 May 2002 was approved.

Minute of Meeting of School Board Appointment Committee of 31 May 2002

E08

2

The minute of meeting of the School Board Appointment Committee of 31 May 2002 was noted.

Minute of Meeting of Gaelic Development Joint Liaison Committee of 12 June 2002

E08

3

The minute of meeting of the Gaelic Development Joint Liaison Committee of 12 June 2002 was noted.

Minutes of Meetings of Children Looked After Away From Home Monitoring Group of 31 January 2002 and 17 June 2002

E08

4

The minutes of meetings of the Children Looked After Away From Home Monitoring Group of 31 January 2002 and 17 June 2002 were noted.

FINANCE

Non-Housing Capital Monitoring: 1 April - 30 June 2002

PR110.08

5

With reference to item 5 of the minute of meeting of 28 May 2002, the Acting Director of Finance submitted a report informing Members of progress on the Capital Programme and seeking decisions on changes. It was stated that total resources to fund gross capital expenditure in 2002/03 were £17,312,000 which consists of £14,799,000 Capital Consent and £2,473,000 Useable Capital Receipts and £40,000 from Revenue.

It was further stated in the Report that if all the projects on the Comhairle's conditional list were successful in attracting funding the programme would be over-committed by £175,000 or 1.01%.

It was agreed to recommend approval of the recommendations in the report by the Acting Director of Finance, insofar as the Committee's interests were concerned.

Fourth Quarter Revenue Outturn 2001/02

6

With reference to item 7 of the minute of meeting of 29 January 2002 , the Acting Director of Finance submitted a report informing Members of the financial performance of the Comhairle for 2001/02 and seeking approval for the carry-forward of budgets and the allocation of balances.

It was agreed to approve the recommendations as detailed in the Report, insofar as the Committee's interests were concerned.

First Quarter Forecast Revenue Outturn 2002/03

7

The Acting Director of Finance submitted a Report informing Members of the Comhairle's forecast-outturn for 2002/03 following the first quarter monitoring.

It was agreed to note the Report.

Carry Forward of Revenue Budget from the 2001/02 Financial Year to the 2002/03 Financial Year

8

With reference to item 95 of the minute of meeting of 29 August 2001 the Director of Education submitted a report concerning proposals for allocating a surplus carry forward of revenue budgets from the 2001/02 to the 2002/03 financial year. The proposed allocation of the carry forward balance was outlined in the report.

It was agreed to:

(1) note that the Education Committee will carry forward an under-spend of £246.4k from the 2001/02 to the 2002/03 financial year;

(2) note the the allocation of the sum of £4k to direct school budgets under DSM procedures, the allocation of £16k to reinstate grant funding for ScotXed; and

(3) approve the allocation of the remaining carry forward balance as detailed in Appendix 1 of the report by the Director of Education.

Re-allocation of Scottish Budget Resources

9

The Acting Director of Finance submitted a Report advising Members of additional funding from the Scottish Executive and seeking approval for its allocation.

It was agreed, for the Committee's interest to:

(1) approve the allocation of £166,000 from balances to increase the resources available to £1,000,000;

(2) approve the allocation of the resources given in the Appendix of the Report; and

(3) instruct Officers to draw up detailed plans for relevant Committees, within the criteria given in paragraph 2.2 of the Report, for approval.

Arising from this item, it was further agreed that the Director of Education submit a report regarding the possible introduction of a swipe card system for the payment of school meals.

BUILDINGS

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

Capital Works: Programme and Progress

E03

10

With reference to item 8 of the Minute of Meeting of 28 May 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 2002/2003: Quarterly Expenditure Report to 6 August 2002

E03

11

With reference to item 6 of the Minute of Meeting of 26 March 2002 the Director of Technical Services submitted a report concerning the Repairs and Maintenance (Revenue) Programme 2002/2003: Quarterly Expenditure Report to 6 August 2002.

It was agreed:

(1) to note the report; and

(2) that the Director of Education and the Director of Technical Services submit a joint report concerning which schools are awaiting major works to be carried out and detailing when the schools had applied for repairs and when they were due to be done.

Disposal of Leurbost Old School: Initial Feasibility Study

E02

12

With reference to item 13 of the minute of meeting of 29 January 2002 the Director of Education submitted a report concerning the outcome of the initial feasibility study of the proposal to develop the site of the former Leurbost School for private housing and to seek agreement on the way forward. The initial feasibility report dated May 2002 was appended to the report.

It was agreed to:

(1) note the outcome of the feasibility study; and

(2) determine whether registrations of interest from the private sector to develop this site be sought.

Support for the Costs of Developing Public Private Partnership Projects for School Buildings

E03

13

With reference to item 10 of the minute of meeting of 26 March 2002 the Director of Education submitted a report informing members that the Scottish Executive has confirmed that financial support will be made available to enable the authority to prepare its PPP submission for school buildings. Information regarding the support for the costs of developing PPP projects for school buildings being provided by the Scottish Executive and details of the work currently in progress was provided in the report.

It was agreed to:

(1) note the report;

(2) confirm approval of the projects which are to be the subject of the first PPP submission; and

(3) approve the engagement of Turner and Townsend as Chartered Quantity Surveyors and PJMP, Chartered Architects, for the PPP submission in (2) above.

EDUCATIONAL PROVISION

Review of Education Provision: Dunskellar Primary School

E01

14

With reference to item 12 of the minute of meeting of 28 May 2002 the Director of Education submitted a report concerning the closure of Dunskellar Primary School on the basis of the information circulated to parents, school boards and other interested parties and in the light of the discussions arising at the consultation meeting and of the written responses received in connection with the proposal to close the school. The consultation document, note of the consultation meeting and the written submissions were appended to the report. It was indicated in the report that as the receiving school, Paible, is situated more than 5 miles from Dunskellar School the final decision on permanent closure was with Scottish Ministers.

It was agreed that:

(1) Dunskellar Primary School be closed subject to final approval by the Scottish Executive;

(2) Paible School be designated as the receiving school for children from the current Dunskellar catchment area; and

(3) arrangements to transfer the vacated building to a body representing the local community be undertaken once final consent for closure is received from the Scottish Executive.

Further Education and Higher School Bursaries 2002/03

E07

15

With reference to item 139 of the minute of meeting of 20 November 2001 the Director of Education submitted a report concerning approval for the application of bursary rates and for the system of calculating and awarding Higher School Bursaries and Further Education Bursaries for the academic session 2002/2003. The proposed bursary rates and scales for session 2002/2003 were appended to the report.

It was agreed that:

(1) the continued use of the system for the calculation and award of Further Education and Higher School Bursaries for session 2002/2003 be approved;

(2) the bursary rates and scales proposed for academic session 2002/2003 be approved; and

(3) the Director of Education be authorised to determine applications for assistance from prospective students undertaking courses of study at institutions not recognised by CoSLA.

RELATED MATTERS

Employment of Children

E07

16

With reference to item 17 of the minute of meeting of 28 May 2002 the Director of Education and the Director of Corporate Services submitted a joint report concerning draft guidance to ensure compliance with the Comhairle's Employment of Children Byelaws. Draft guidance on the employment of children was appended to the report.

It was agreed to approve, in principle, the draft guidance as set out at Appendix 1 to the joint report by the Director of Education and Director of Corporate Services.

Online Educa Berlin, 8^th International Conference on Technology Supported Learning & Training

E07

17

The Chief Executive submitted a report concerning a conference on technology supported learning and training in Berlin entitled "Online Educa Berlin, 8^th International Conference on Technology Supported Learning & Training". It was indicated in the report that among the programme highlights were sessions on lifelong learning, ICT to suport teacher training, choosing and using technology and building effective education e-learning organisations. A copy of the Conference Programme was appended to the report.

It was agreed that the Chairman and Vice-Chairman represent the Comhairle at Online Educa Berlin, 8^th International Conference on Technology Supported Learning and Training on 27-29 November 2002.

Arising out of consideration of this item it was agreed that the Director of Education arrange for the relevant staff in schools to consider the IT networking issues raised at the meeting, together with the wider strategic issues.

Conference for Church Representatives on Education Committees: 12- 13 September 2002

E07

18

The Director of Education submitted a report concerning a residential conference for church representatives on local authority education committees being organised by the Church of Scotland. The report indicated that key speakers who, are able to offer insight into issues that may be current throughout the country and give the church representatives the needed support to carry out their role, would address the Conference. A copy of the Conference Programme was appended to the report.

It was agreed that all of the religious representatives be invited to attend the Conference for Church Representatives on Education Committees in Edinburgh on 12 - 13 September 2002.

PERFORMANCE REVIEW

Reports Outstanding: Progress

PR33.01.12

19

With reference to item 21 of the minute of meeting of 28 May 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 Iain Morrison	Mr Donald M Mackay
	Mr Alexander A Macdonald	Mr Archie Campbell
	Mr Roderick J Murray	Mr David Blaney
	Mr Murdo Macleod	Rev John Macleod
	Mr Donald I Nicholson	Rev John A Galbraith
	Mr Norman M Macleod	Mr Murdo Macdonald
	Mr Finlay Morrison	Dr Alan J F Fraser

APOLOGIES	Mr Ian M Macleod	Mr Philip R McLean
	Rev Andrew Coghill

Prayer		The meeting was opened with prayer led by Rev John A Galbraith.
Tribute to Sir E Scott School and Presentation by Sir E Scott School Young Enterprise Group (Solas)		The Chairman paid tribute to Sir E Scott School Young Enterprise Group (Solas) who had achieved the highest placing of any School in Scotland and second place in competition Finals in London, which had attracted entries from 4,000 schools. The Chairman referred to this remarkable achievement and invited Solas to make a presentation on their successful entry to this important competition. A presentation was made by Solas and an opportunity was afforded to all members of the Committee to ask questions of the Company.
Tribute: Mr Robert Bennie		The Chairman referred to Mr Robin Bennie, Director of Finance, who was unwell and on sick leave and, on behalf of the Committee, extended best wishes to Mr Bennie for a speedy recovery.
		MINUTES
Minute of Meeting of 28 May 2002 E08	1	The minute of meeting of 28 May 2002 was approved.
Minute of Meeting of School Board Appointment Committee of 31 May 2002 E08	2	The minute of meeting of the School Board Appointment Committee of 31 May 2002 was noted.
Minute of Meeting of Gaelic Development Joint Liaison Committee of 12 June 2002 E08	3	The minute of meeting of the Gaelic Development Joint Liaison Committee of 12 June 2002 was noted.
Minutes of Meetings of Children Looked After Away From Home Monitoring Group of 31 January 2002 and 17 June 2002 E08	4	The minutes of meetings of the Children Looked After Away From Home Monitoring Group of 31 January 2002 and 17 June 2002 were noted.
		FINANCE
Non-Housing Capital Monitoring: 1 April - 30 June 2002 PR110.08	5	With reference to item 5 of the minute of meeting of 28 May 2002, the Acting Director of Finance submitted a report informing Members of progress on the Capital Programme and seeking decisions on changes. It was stated that total resources to fund gross capital expenditure in 2002/03 were £17,312,000 which consists of £14,799,000 Capital Consent and £2,473,000 Useable Capital Receipts and £40,000 from Revenue. It was further stated in the Report that if all the projects on the Comhairle's conditional list were successful in attracting funding the programme would be over-committed by £175,000 or 1.01%. It was agreed to recommend approval of the recommendations in the report by the Acting Director of Finance, insofar as the Committee's interests were concerned.
Fourth Quarter Revenue Outturn 2001/02	6	With reference to item 7 of the minute of meeting of 29 January 2002 , the Acting Director of Finance submitted a report informing Members of the financial performance of the Comhairle for 2001/02 and seeking approval for the carry-forward of budgets and the allocation of balances. It was agreed to approve the recommendations as detailed in the Report, insofar as the Committee's interests were concerned.
First Quarter Forecast Revenue Outturn 2002/03	7	The Acting Director of Finance submitted a Report informing Members of the Comhairle's forecast-outturn for 2002/03 following the first quarter monitoring. It was agreed to note the Report.
Carry Forward of Revenue Budget from the 2001/02 Financial Year to the 2002/03 Financial Year	8	With reference to item 95 of the minute of meeting of 29 August 2001 the Director of Education submitted a report concerning proposals for allocating a surplus carry forward of revenue budgets from the 2001/02 to the 2002/03 financial year. The proposed allocation of the carry forward balance was outlined in the report. It was agreed to: (1) note that the Education Committee will carry forward an under-spend of £246.4k from the 2001/02 to the 2002/03 financial year;
		(2) note the the allocation of the sum of £4k to direct school budgets under DSM procedures, the allocation of £16k to reinstate grant funding for ScotXed; and (3) approve the allocation of the remaining carry forward balance as detailed in Appendix 1 of the report by the Director of Education.
Re-allocation of Scottish Budget Resources	9	The Acting Director of Finance submitted a Report advising Members of additional funding from the Scottish Executive and seeking approval for its allocation. It was agreed, for the Committee's interest to: (1) approve the allocation of £166,000 from balances to increase the resources available to £1,000,000; (2) approve the allocation of the resources given in the Appendix of the Report; and (3) instruct Officers to draw up detailed plans for relevant Committees, within the criteria given in paragraph 2.2 of the Report, for approval. Arising from this item, it was further agreed that the Director of Education submit a report regarding the possible introduction of a swipe card system for the payment of school meals.
		BUILDINGS
		Mr Donald I Nicholson declared an interest in the following item and left the meeting during consideration of the matter.
Capital Works: Programme and Progress E03	10	With reference to item 8 of the Minute of Meeting of 28 May 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 2002/2003: Quarterly Expenditure Report to 6 August 2002 E03	11	With reference to item 6 of the Minute of Meeting of 26 March 2002 the Director of Technical Services submitted a report concerning the Repairs and Maintenance (Revenue) Programme 2002/2003: Quarterly Expenditure Report to 6 August 2002. It was agreed: (1) to note the report; and (2) that the Director of Education and the Director of Technical Services submit a joint report concerning which schools are awaiting major works to be carried out and detailing when the schools had applied for repairs and when they were due to be done.
Disposal of Leurbost Old School: Initial Feasibility Study E02	12	With reference to item 13 of the minute of meeting of 29 January 2002 the Director of Education submitted a report concerning the outcome of the initial feasibility study of the proposal to develop the site of the former Leurbost School for private housing and to seek agreement on the way forward. The initial feasibility report dated May 2002 was appended to the report. It was agreed to: (1) note the outcome of the feasibility study; and (2) determine whether registrations of interest from the private sector to develop this site be sought.
Support for the Costs of Developing Public Private Partnership Projects for School Buildings E03	13	With reference to item 10 of the minute of meeting of 26 March 2002 the Director of Education submitted a report informing members that the Scottish Executive has confirmed that financial support will be made available to enable the authority to prepare its PPP submission for school buildings. Information regarding the support for the costs of developing PPP projects for school buildings being provided by the Scottish Executive and details of the work currently in progress was provided in the report. It was agreed to: (1) note the report; (2) confirm approval of the projects which are to be the subject of the first PPP submission; and (3) approve the engagement of Turner and Townsend as Chartered Quantity Surveyors and PJMP, Chartered Architects, for the PPP submission in (2) above.
		EDUCATIONAL PROVISION
Review of Education Provision: Dunskellar Primary School E01	14	With reference to item 12 of the minute of meeting of 28 May 2002 the Director of Education submitted a report concerning the closure of Dunskellar Primary School on the basis of the information circulated to parents, school boards and other interested parties and in the light of the discussions arising at the consultation meeting and of the written responses received in connection with the proposal to close the school. The consultation document, note of the consultation meeting and the written submissions were appended to the report. It was indicated in the report that as the receiving school, Paible, is situated more than 5 miles from Dunskellar School the final decision on permanent closure was with Scottish Ministers.
		It was agreed that: (1) Dunskellar Primary School be closed subject to final approval by the Scottish Executive; (2) Paible School be designated as the receiving school for children from the current Dunskellar catchment area; and (3) arrangements to transfer the vacated building to a body representing the local community be undertaken once final consent for closure is received from the Scottish Executive.
Further Education and Higher School Bursaries 2002/03 E07	15	With reference to item 139 of the minute of meeting of 20 November 2001 the Director of Education submitted a report concerning approval for the application of bursary rates and for the system of calculating and awarding Higher School Bursaries and Further Education Bursaries for the academic session 2002/2003. The proposed bursary rates and scales for session 2002/2003 were appended to the report.
		It was agreed that: (1) the continued use of the system for the calculation and award of Further Education and Higher School Bursaries for session 2002/2003 be approved; (2) the bursary rates and scales proposed for academic session 2002/2003 be approved; and (3) the Director of Education be authorised to determine applications for assistance from prospective students undertaking courses of study at institutions not recognised by CoSLA.
		RELATED MATTERS
Employment of Children E07	16	With reference to item 17 of the minute of meeting of 28 May 2002 the Director of Education and the Director of Corporate Services submitted a joint report concerning draft guidance to ensure compliance with the Comhairle's Employment of Children Byelaws. Draft guidance on the employment of children was appended to the report. It was agreed to approve, in principle, the draft guidance as set out at Appendix 1 to the joint report by the Director of Education and Director of Corporate Services.
Online Educa Berlin, 8^th International Conference on Technology Supported Learning & Training E07	17	The Chief Executive submitted a report concerning a conference on technology supported learning and training in Berlin entitled "Online Educa Berlin, 8^th International Conference on Technology Supported Learning & Training". It was indicated in the report that among the programme highlights were sessions on lifelong learning, ICT to suport teacher training, choosing and using technology and building effective education e-learning organisations. A copy of the Conference Programme was appended to the report. It was agreed that the Chairman and Vice-Chairman represent the Comhairle at Online Educa Berlin, 8^th International Conference on Technology Supported Learning and Training on 27-29 November 2002. Arising out of consideration of this item it was agreed that the Director of Education arrange for the relevant staff in schools to consider the IT networking issues raised at the meeting, together with the wider strategic issues.
Conference for Church Representatives on Education Committees: 12- 13 September 2002 E07	18	The Director of Education submitted a report concerning a residential conference for church representatives on local authority education committees being organised by the Church of Scotland. The report indicated that key speakers who, are able to offer insight into issues that may be current throughout the country and give the church representatives the needed support to carry out their role, would address the Conference. A copy of the Conference Programme was appended to the report. It was agreed that all of the religious representatives be invited to attend the Conference for Church Representatives on Education Committees in Edinburgh on 12 - 13 September 2002.
		PERFORMANCE REVIEW
Reports Outstanding: Progress PR33.01.12	19	With reference to item 21 of the minute of meeting of 28 May 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.