28 May 2002

EDUCATION COMMITTEE

Minute of Meeting held in the Council Offices, Stornoway, on Tuesday 28 May 2002 at 2.00pm

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 Archie Campbell

Mr Ian M Macleod

Mr David Blaney

Mr Roderick J Murray

Rev Andrew Coghill

Mr Murdo Macleod

Mr Murdo Macdonald

Mr Philip R McLean

Dr Alan J F Fraser

APOLOGIES

Rev Donald A Macdonald

Tribute: Sir E Scott School and Lionacleit School: Young Enterprise Competition

The Vice-Chairman referred to teams from Sir E Scott School and Lionacleit School who reached the final of the local Young Enterprise Competition. The Sir E Scott School Team were the winners and go on to represent the Western Isles at national level and also received the Skeane Award from Highlands and Islands Enterprise.

The Vice-Chairman, on behalf of the Committee, congratulated Sir E Scott School on their success and wished to acknowledge that the Committee were very proud of all the young people involved, both in Sgoil Lionacleit and Sir E Scott School.

MINUTES

Minute of Meeting of 26 March 2002

E08

1

The minute of meeting of 26 March 2002 was approved.

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

E08

2

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

Minute of Meeting of School Board Appointment Committee of 18 March 2002

E08

3

The minute of meeting of the School Board Appointment Committee of 18 March 2002 was noted.

Minute of Meeting of Sir E Scott School Member/Officer Working Group of 28 March 2002

E08

4

The minute of meeting of the Sir E Scott School Member/Officer Working Group of 28 March 2002 was noted.

FINANCE

Non-Housing Capital Monitoring 1 April 2001 - 31 March 2002

PR110.08

5

With reference to item 7 of the minute of meeting of 29 January 2002 the Director of Finance submitted a report regarding the Non-Housing Capital Expenditure for the period 1 April 2001 - 31 March 2002.

It was agreed to note the report.

A PPP for Education within Sustainable Communities

E03

6

With reference to item 10 of the minute of meeting of 26 March 2002 the Director of Finance submitted a report concerning a PPP for educational and other services and to provide finance for the retention of consultants to assist in the scoping and submission of the Comhairle's PPP bid. The report summarised progress to date and reviewed options for constructing a bid including the benefits and drawbacks of each option.

It was agreed that:

(1) PricewaterhouseCoopers be invited to provide the Comhairle with a proposal to scope and assist the Comhairle to prepare a bid to the Scottish Executive for an education PPP;

(2) contract regulation 7 be suspended to enable the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers; and

(3) a sum of up to £50k be identified at the mid year review, to be off-set by any incoming development funding.

(4) a Member/Officer Working Group be established to progress the matter during the summer recess. The Committee noted that the Policy and Finance Committee had, the previous day, appointed the following 5 Members to the working group:

Mr Norman L Macdonald

Mrs Morag Munro

Mr Roderick J Murray

Mr Norman A Macdonald

Mr Angus Campbell

BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

Departmental Business Plans

PR33.01.12

7

With reference to item 98 of the minute of meeting of 28 August 2001 the Chief Executive submitted a report containing summaries of the Business Plans prepared by each department.

It was agreed to approve the departmental business plans summaries, insofar as the Committee's interest was concerned.

BUILDINGS

Capital Works: Programme and Progress

E03

8

With reference to item 5 of the Minute of Meeting of 26 March 2002 the Director of Technical Services submitted a report concerning the capital works programme and progress in relation to education properties.

It was agreed to note the report.

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 Lochboisdale, Isle of South Uist

E02

9

With reference to item 132 of the minute of meeting of 20 November 2001 the Director of Education and the Director of Corporate Services submitted a joint report concerning an amendment to the offer received for the former school and schoolhouse at Lochboisdale, South Uist and to determine the way forward with regard to the property. The background to the matter was outlined in the report.

It was agreed that the former School and Schoolhouse at Lochboisdale, Isle of South Uist be readvertised on the open market seeking offers which stipulate the proposed use of the buildings, as well as price.

Site for Sensory Garden Adjacent to Children's Centre in Barra

E03

10

The Director of Corporate Services and the Director of Education submitted a joint report concerning an application from the Barra Pre-School Association to lease an additional area of land opposite Castlebay School for the purpose of establishing a sensory garden for the adjoining Children's Centre. It was indicated in the report that the sensory garden would be specially designed for children with special needs or disabilities and that it is intended to allow for wheelchair access, picnic tables and outdoor gardening facilities. Appended to the report was a plan showing the area already leased, extending to 1300 square metres and the additional area of land required to construct the garden.

It was agreed, in principle, to lease the area of land shown on Plan 2 attached extending to 355 square metres opposite Castlebay School to Barra Pre-School Association for the development of a garden area for children with special needs or disabilities, subject to:

(a) the terms and conditions of the Lease being determined by the Director of Corporate Services, in consultation with the Director of Education, which terms and conditions shall include the rental being a nominal amount subject to the consent of Scottish Ministers in terms of Section 74(2) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 being obtained; and

(b) confirmation being obtained that this project does not adversely affect other proposals in the general area.

School Security - Progress Report

E03

11

The Director of Education submitted a report concerning progress to date in the implementation of the programme of work for security in schools. The programme of work for 2002 - 2003 was appended to the report and the specific grant for the security programme was outlined in the report.

It was agreed:

(1) to note the report; and

(2) that the Director of Education submit a report on School name signs and issues associated with this, as discussed at the meeting.

EDUCATIONAL PROVISION

Review of Educational Provision: Dunskellar Primary School

E01

12

The Director of Education submitted a report concerning the undertaking of statutory consultations in respect of the possible closure of Dunskellar Primary School. It was indicated in the report that due to the school roll of Dunskellar Primary School being set to fall to 5 pupils next session and then reduce even further thereafter and the fact that there are very few pre-school children in the area, it was considered appropriate that statutory consultations take place to allow the Comhairle and the local community to give consideration to the possible closure of the school.

It was agreed that:

(1) the Director of Education be authorised to undertake statutory consultations in respect of the possible closure of Dunskellar Primary School with effect from 12 August 2002, subject to final approval by Scottish Ministers; and

(2) it be delegated to the Director of Education to deal with any transportation issues arising from the transfer of pupils and implement appropriate arrangements.

Pre-School Funding 2002/2003 - Further Report

E01.02.26

13

With reference to item 13 of the minute of meeting of 26 March 2002 the Director of Education submitted a report concerning pre-school funding issues and to seek approval of the continuation of funding until the end of March 2003, for pre-school umbrella organisations.

It was agreed to approve the continuation of funding until the end of March 2003, on the same basis as for 2001/2002, for the two pre-school umbrella organisations CNSA and SPPA.

Specific Grants for Gaelic 2003-04: Submission of Bid

E01.01.24

14

With reference to item 12 of the minute of meeting of 26 March 2002 the Director of Education submitted a report concerning approval for the Comhairle's bid under the Scheme of Specific Grant for Gaelic Education to the Scottish Executive Education Department for the financial year 2003/2004.

It was agreed to:

(1) approve the submission as detailed to the Sport, Arts and Culture Division, Scottish Executive Education Department, within the Regulations governing the Scheme of Specific Grants for Gaelic Education, in respect of the financial year 2003-2004; and

(2) note the requirement in an additional sum of £57,224 in the Education budget 2003/2004, to be dealt with in the context of budget considerations later in the year.

National Debate on the Future of School Education

E01

15

The Director of Education submitted a report concerning the discussion points of the National Debate on the Future of School Education and the Comhairle's response to the Scottish Executive. The report indicated that the submission was to be returned by 30 June 2002 and the Committee were invited to make additional points which could be included in the final submission to the Scottish Executive.

It was agreed to agree the final submission to the Scottish Executive on the National Debate on the Future of School Education, as set out in the report by the Director of Education.

Child Protection Review - Audit and Inspection

SW02.17

16

The Director of Social Work submitted a report concerning the multi-inspectoral audit and review of child protection currently being undertaken by the Scottish Executive throughout Scotland The remit of the review and the conclusion were outlined in the report.

It was agreed to note:

(1) the report; and

(2) that the Audit of Child Protection has now been undertaken and that a further report by the Director of Social Work be submitted once the Audit and Inspection Report is made available.

Employment of Children Under Statutory School Leaving Age

E07

17

With reference to item 18 of the minute of meeting of 29 January 2002 the Director of Education and the Director of Corporate Services submitted a joint report concerning a future publicity campaign to ensure compliance with the Comhairle's Employment of Children By-laws, which is aimed at all islands employers. It was indicated in the report that it is proposed that this guidance and relevant application forms will be included in the Comhairle's website.

It was agreed:

(1) to authorise the Director of Education to undertake a major publicity campaign, following ratification of the new Employment of Children Bylaws, on employment of children under statutory school leaving age; and

(2) that the Director of Education submit a report regarding the employment of children under statutory school leaving age and, in particular, details of the statutory requirements and the Comhairle's method of implementing these requirements.

Inspection of the Education Functions of Local Authorities: Comhairle nan Eilean Siar

E07

18

The Director of Education submitted a report concerning an inspection of the education functions of the Comhairle by HM Inspectorate of Education, which will begin on 2 September 2002. Appended to the report was a letter from HM Senior Chief Inspector informing the Comhairle of the inspection.

It was agreed to note the report.

Mr Archie Campbell declared an interest in the following item and left the meeting during consideration of the matter.

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 11 of Schedule 7A of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 would be disclosed, namely, information relating to any consultations or negotiations, or contemplated consultations or negotiations, in connection with any labour relations matter arising between the Comhairle or a Minister of the Crown and employees of, or office holders under, the Comhairle.

The McCrone Agreement - Local Negotiating Committee

E06

19

With reference to item 19 of the minute of meeting of 29 January 2002 the Director of Education and the Director of Corporate Services submitted a joint report concerning the appropriate level of delegated powers granted to the Local Negotiating Committee. The draft Framework Local Recognition and Procedure Agreement was appended to the report.

It was agreed that the Framework Local Recognition Procedure agreement be in substantially the same form as detailed in Appendix 1 of the Report by the Director of Education, with the addition of a sentence at the end of Clause 10 which states that there is no agreement in the event that one member of the Local Negotiating Committee dissents, with the precise terms of the said sentence to be agreed by the Local Negotiating Committee.

Cultural Co-ordinators in Schools (Pilot Programme)

E07

20

The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a report requesting approval to make a funding submission to the Scottish Arts Council for up to four part time posts . The report indicated that the Scottish Executive had invited all Scottish local authorities to submit bids for the recently launched Arts Champions in Schools Pilot. This Programme sought to create a framework which would allow local authorities to invest time and funds to the building of a cultural programme for schools.

It was agreed that the Director of Sustainable Communities, in conjunction with the Director of Education, make an application to the Arts Council for four part time temporary Cultural Co-ordinators.

PERFORMANCE REVIEW

Reports Outstanding: Progress

PR33.01.12

21

With reference to item 17 of the minute of meeting of 26 March 2002 the Director of Corporate Services submitted a report concerning reports outstanding arising from decisions of the Education Committee.

It was agreed to note the Report.

___`

PRESENT	Mr Norman L Macdonald (Chairman)
	Mrs Morag Munro (Vice-Chairman)
	Mr Malcolm J Macleod	Mr Donald I Nicholson
	Mr Iain Morrison	Mr Norman M Macleod
	Mr Alexander A Macdonald	Mr Archie Campbell
	Mr Ian M Macleod	Mr David Blaney
	Mr Roderick J Murray	Rev Andrew Coghill
	Mr Murdo Macleod	Mr Murdo Macdonald
	Mr Philip R McLean	Dr Alan J F Fraser

APOLOGIES	Rev Donald A Macdonald

Tribute: Sir E Scott School and Lionacleit School: Young Enterprise Competition		The Vice-Chairman referred to teams from Sir E Scott School and Lionacleit School who reached the final of the local Young Enterprise Competition. The Sir E Scott School Team were the winners and go on to represent the Western Isles at national level and also received the Skeane Award from Highlands and Islands Enterprise. The Vice-Chairman, on behalf of the Committee, congratulated Sir E Scott School on their success and wished to acknowledge that the Committee were very proud of all the young people involved, both in Sgoil Lionacleit and Sir E Scott School.
		MINUTES
Minute of Meeting of 26 March 2002 E08	1	The minute of meeting of 26 March 2002 was approved.
Minute of Meeting of Gaelic Development Joint Liaison Committee of 12 March 2002 E08	2	The minute of meeting of the Gaelic Development Joint Liaison Committee of 12 March 2002 was noted.
Minute of Meeting of School Board Appointment Committee of 18 March 2002 E08	3	The minute of meeting of the School Board Appointment Committee of 18 March 2002 was noted.
Minute of Meeting of Sir E Scott School Member/Officer Working Group of 28 March 2002 E08	4	The minute of meeting of the Sir E Scott School Member/Officer Working Group of 28 March 2002 was noted.
		FINANCE
Non-Housing Capital Monitoring 1 April 2001 - 31 March 2002 PR110.08	5	With reference to item 7 of the minute of meeting of 29 January 2002 the Director of Finance submitted a report regarding the Non-Housing Capital Expenditure for the period 1 April 2001 - 31 March 2002. It was agreed to note the report.
A PPP for Education within Sustainable Communities E03	6	With reference to item 10 of the minute of meeting of 26 March 2002 the Director of Finance submitted a report concerning a PPP for educational and other services and to provide finance for the retention of consultants to assist in the scoping and submission of the Comhairle's PPP bid. The report summarised progress to date and reviewed options for constructing a bid including the benefits and drawbacks of each option.
		It was agreed that: (1) PricewaterhouseCoopers be invited to provide the Comhairle with a proposal to scope and assist the Comhairle to prepare a bid to the Scottish Executive for an education PPP; (2) contract regulation 7 be suspended to enable the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers; and (3) a sum of up to £50k be identified at the mid year review, to be off-set by any incoming development funding. (4) a Member/Officer Working Group be established to progress the matter during the summer recess. The Committee noted that the Policy and Finance Committee had, the previous day, appointed the following 5 Members to the working group: Mr Norman L Macdonald Mrs Morag Munro Mr Roderick J Murray Mr Norman A Macdonald Mr Angus Campbell
		BUSINESS MANAGEMENT
Departmental Business Plans PR33.01.12	7	With reference to item 98 of the minute of meeting of 28 August 2001 the Chief Executive submitted a report containing summaries of the Business Plans prepared by each department.
		It was agreed to approve the departmental business plans summaries, insofar as the Committee's interest was concerned.

		BUILDINGS
Capital Works: Programme and Progress E03	8	With reference to item 5 of the Minute of Meeting of 26 March 2002 the Director of Technical Services submitted a report concerning the capital works programme and progress in relation to education properties. It was agreed to note the report.
		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 Lochboisdale, Isle of South Uist E02	9	With reference to item 132 of the minute of meeting of 20 November 2001 the Director of Education and the Director of Corporate Services submitted a joint report concerning an amendment to the offer received for the former school and schoolhouse at Lochboisdale, South Uist and to determine the way forward with regard to the property. The background to the matter was outlined in the report.
		It was agreed that the former School and Schoolhouse at Lochboisdale, Isle of South Uist be readvertised on the open market seeking offers which stipulate the proposed use of the buildings, as well as price.
Site for Sensory Garden Adjacent to Children's Centre in Barra E03	10	The Director of Corporate Services and the Director of Education submitted a joint report concerning an application from the Barra Pre-School Association to lease an additional area of land opposite Castlebay School for the purpose of establishing a sensory garden for the adjoining Children's Centre. It was indicated in the report that the sensory garden would be specially designed for children with special needs or disabilities and that it is intended to allow for wheelchair access, picnic tables and outdoor gardening facilities. Appended to the report was a plan showing the area already leased, extending to 1300 square metres and the additional area of land required to construct the garden.
		It was agreed, in principle, to lease the area of land shown on Plan 2 attached extending to 355 square metres opposite Castlebay School to Barra Pre-School Association for the development of a garden area for children with special needs or disabilities, subject to: (a) the terms and conditions of the Lease being determined by the Director of Corporate Services, in consultation with the Director of Education, which terms and conditions shall include the rental being a nominal amount subject to the consent of Scottish Ministers in terms of Section 74(2) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 being obtained; and (b) confirmation being obtained that this project does not adversely affect other proposals in the general area.
School Security - Progress Report E03	11	The Director of Education submitted a report concerning progress to date in the implementation of the programme of work for security in schools. The programme of work for 2002 - 2003 was appended to the report and the specific grant for the security programme was outlined in the report.
		It was agreed: (1) to note the report; and (2) that the Director of Education submit a report on School name signs and issues associated with this, as discussed at the meeting.

		EDUCATIONAL PROVISION
Review of Educational Provision: Dunskellar Primary School E01	12	The Director of Education submitted a report concerning the undertaking of statutory consultations in respect of the possible closure of Dunskellar Primary School. It was indicated in the report that due to the school roll of Dunskellar Primary School being set to fall to 5 pupils next session and then reduce even further thereafter and the fact that there are very few pre-school children in the area, it was considered appropriate that statutory consultations take place to allow the Comhairle and the local community to give consideration to the possible closure of the school.
		It was agreed that: (1) the Director of Education be authorised to undertake statutory consultations in respect of the possible closure of Dunskellar Primary School with effect from 12 August 2002, subject to final approval by Scottish Ministers; and (2) it be delegated to the Director of Education to deal with any transportation issues arising from the transfer of pupils and implement appropriate arrangements.
Pre-School Funding 2002/2003 - Further Report E01.02.26	13	With reference to item 13 of the minute of meeting of 26 March 2002 the Director of Education submitted a report concerning pre-school funding issues and to seek approval of the continuation of funding until the end of March 2003, for pre-school umbrella organisations.
		It was agreed to approve the continuation of funding until the end of March 2003, on the same basis as for 2001/2002, for the two pre-school umbrella organisations CNSA and SPPA.
Specific Grants for Gaelic 2003-04: Submission of Bid E01.01.24	14	With reference to item 12 of the minute of meeting of 26 March 2002 the Director of Education submitted a report concerning approval for the Comhairle's bid under the Scheme of Specific Grant for Gaelic Education to the Scottish Executive Education Department for the financial year 2003/2004.
		It was agreed to: (1) approve the submission as detailed to the Sport, Arts and Culture Division, Scottish Executive Education Department, within the Regulations governing the Scheme of Specific Grants for Gaelic Education, in respect of the financial year 2003-2004; and (2) note the requirement in an additional sum of £57,224 in the Education budget 2003/2004, to be dealt with in the context of budget considerations later in the year.
National Debate on the Future of School Education E01	15	The Director of Education submitted a report concerning the discussion points of the National Debate on the Future of School Education and the Comhairle's response to the Scottish Executive. The report indicated that the submission was to be returned by 30 June 2002 and the Committee were invited to make additional points which could be included in the final submission to the Scottish Executive.
		It was agreed to agree the final submission to the Scottish Executive on the National Debate on the Future of School Education, as set out in the report by the Director of Education.
Child Protection Review - Audit and Inspection SW02.17	16	The Director of Social Work submitted a report concerning the multi-inspectoral audit and review of child protection currently being undertaken by the Scottish Executive throughout Scotland The remit of the review and the conclusion were outlined in the report.
		It was agreed to note: (1) the report; and (2) that the Audit of Child Protection has now been undertaken and that a further report by the Director of Social Work be submitted once the Audit and Inspection Report is made available.
Employment of Children Under Statutory School Leaving Age E07	17	With reference to item 18 of the minute of meeting of 29 January 2002 the Director of Education and the Director of Corporate Services submitted a joint report concerning a future publicity campaign to ensure compliance with the Comhairle's Employment of Children By-laws, which is aimed at all islands employers. It was indicated in the report that it is proposed that this guidance and relevant application forms will be included in the Comhairle's website.
		It was agreed: (1) to authorise the Director of Education to undertake a major publicity campaign, following ratification of the new Employment of Children Bylaws, on employment of children under statutory school leaving age; and (2) that the Director of Education submit a report regarding the employment of children under statutory school leaving age and, in particular, details of the statutory requirements and the Comhairle's method of implementing these requirements.
Inspection of the Education Functions of Local Authorities: Comhairle nan Eilean Siar E07	18	The Director of Education submitted a report concerning an inspection of the education functions of the Comhairle by HM Inspectorate of Education, which will begin on 2 September 2002. Appended to the report was a letter from HM Senior Chief Inspector informing the Comhairle of the inspection. It was agreed to note the report.
		Mr Archie Campbell declared an interest in the following item and left the meeting during consideration of the matter.
		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 11 of Schedule 7A of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 would be disclosed, namely, information relating to any consultations or negotiations, or contemplated consultations or negotiations, in connection with any labour relations matter arising between the Comhairle or a Minister of the Crown and employees of, or office holders under, the Comhairle.
The McCrone Agreement - Local Negotiating Committee E06	19	With reference to item 19 of the minute of meeting of 29 January 2002 the Director of Education and the Director of Corporate Services submitted a joint report concerning the appropriate level of delegated powers granted to the Local Negotiating Committee. The draft Framework Local Recognition and Procedure Agreement was appended to the report.
		It was agreed that the Framework Local Recognition Procedure agreement be in substantially the same form as detailed in Appendix 1 of the Report by the Director of Education, with the addition of a sentence at the end of Clause 10 which states that there is no agreement in the event that one member of the Local Negotiating Committee dissents, with the precise terms of the said sentence to be agreed by the Local Negotiating Committee.
Cultural Co-ordinators in Schools (Pilot Programme) E07	20	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a report requesting approval to make a funding submission to the Scottish Arts Council for up to four part time posts . The report indicated that the Scottish Executive had invited all Scottish local authorities to submit bids for the recently launched Arts Champions in Schools Pilot. This Programme sought to create a framework which would allow local authorities to invest time and funds to the building of a cultural programme for schools.
		It was agreed that the Director of Sustainable Communities, in conjunction with the Director of Education, make an application to the Arts Council for four part time temporary Cultural Co-ordinators.
		PERFORMANCE REVIEW
Reports Outstanding: Progress PR33.01.12	21	With reference to item 17 of the minute of meeting of 26 March 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.