3 June 2003

COMHAIRLE NAN EILEAN SIAR

EDUCATION AND CHILDREN'S SERVICES COMMITTEE

Minute of Meeting held in the Council Offices, Stornoway, on Tuesday 3 June 2003 at 2.00pm.

PRESENT

Mr Norman L Macdonald (Chairman)

Mrs Morag Munro (Vice-Chairman)

Miss Samantha E L Hawkins

Mr Donald I Nicholson

Mr Alex A MacDonald

Mr Norman M Macleod

Mr Ian M Macleod

Mrs Annie MacDonald

Mr Murdo Macleod

Rev Andrew W F Coghill

Mr Angus Campbell

Rev Dr Iain D Campbell

APOLOGIES

Mr Iain Morrison

Mr Archie K Campbell

Prayer

The meeting was opened with prayer led by Rev Dr Iain D Campbell.

Tribute: Sir E Scott School Pupils

The Chairman referred to pupils at Sir E Scott School who had recently won the Scottish Finals for the Young Enterprise Competition and the Ernst Young Entrepreneurial Competition and on behalf of the Committee paid tribute to the pupils and staff of Sir E Scott School on this outstanding achievement, it being the second consecutive year in which the school had been successful.

MINUTES

Minute of Meeting of 11 March 2003

1

The Minute of Meeting of 11 March 2003 was approved.

Minute of Meeting of 20 May 2003

2

The Minute of Meeting of 20 May 2003 was approved.

CONSTITUTION

Appointment of Representatives of Religious Interests

E07

3

The Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report regarding the appointment of representatives of religious interests to serve on the Education and Children's Services Committee. The report indicated that three of the four churches who had been asked to make nominations had responded and that the Free Church of Scotland were to meet prior to putting forward a nomination.

It was agreed to recommend that Rev Andrew W F Coghill, Rev John A Galbraith and Rev John Macleod be appointed to serve as representatives of religious interests on the Education and Children's Services Committee.

Western Isles Childcare Partnership - Appointment of Comhairle Representatives

E08.14

4

The Director of Education submitted a Report regarding the appointment of two Comhairle members to serve as representatives on the Western Isles Childcare Partnership.

It was agreed to recommend that Mrs Annie Macdonald and Mr Roderick Morrison be appointed as members of the Western Isles Childcare Partnership.

FINANCE

Revenue Expenditure Outturn 2002/03

5

With reference to item 2 of the Minute of Meeting of 6 February 2003 the Director of Finance submitted a Report detailing the revenue expenditure incurred during the period 1 April 2002 - 31 March 2003 for the Comhairle's services.

It was agreed to recommend approval of the recommendations detailed in the Report by the Director of Finance concerning Revenue Expenditure Out-Turn 2002/03, insofar as the Committee's interest was concerned.

Capital Expenditure Outturn 2002/03

6

With reference to item 3 of the Minute of Meeting of 6 February 2003 the Director of Finance submitted a Report detailing the Non-Housing Capital Expenditure for the period 1 April 2002 - 31 March 2003.

It was agreed to recommend that the final Capital Expenditure to 31 March 2003 be noted and to recommend approval of the Slippage & Acceleration to/from the 2003/04 Initial Committed Programme to the Approved Programme for 2003/04, insofar as the Committee's interest was concerned.

CHILDREN'S SERVICES

Youth Crime Prevention Grant Award

SW02

7

The Director of Social Work submitted a Report detailing the successful outcome of a funding bid made to the Scottish Executive Youth Crime Prevention Fund in November 2002.

It was agreed to recommend that the establishment of the Youth Crime Prevention Project detailed in the Report by the Director of Social Work be approved.

BUILDINGS

Programme and Progress

E03

8

With reference to item 4 of the Minute of Meeting of 11 March 2003 the Director of Technical Services submitted a report concerning the capital works programme and progress in relation to education properties.

It was agreed to recommend that the Report be noted.

It was agreed that the public, including the press, be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following seven items on the grounds that exempt information as defined in Paragraph 6 of Schedule 7A of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 would be disclosed, namely information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (other than the Comhairle).

Stockinish Old School House, Isle of Harris

E02

9

With reference to item 11 of the Minute of Meeting of 4 February 2003 the Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report detailing the offers received following advertisement of Stockinish Old Schoolhouse on the open market.

It was agreed to recommend that offer C for Stockinish Old School House, Isle of Harris be accepted, subject to such terms and conditions as the Director of Corporate Services, in consultation with the Director of Education, shall determine.

Knockiandue Old School, Isle of Lewis

E02.13

10

With reference to item 11 of the Minute of Meeting of 4 February 2003 the Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report detailing the offers received following advertisement of Knockiandue Old School on the open market.

It was agreed to recommend that offer B for Knockiandue Old School, Isle of Lewis be accepted.

Request for Lease of Bayble Schoolhouse, Isle of Lewis

E02.10.01

11

With reference to item 31 of the Minute of Meeting of 27 March 2001 the Director of Corporate Services and the Director of Education submitted a Report concerning the lease of Bayble Schoolhouse to Comann Eachdraidh an Rudha.

It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle agree to lease Bayble Schoolhouse to Comann Eachdraidh an Rudha on the basis of an initial lease period of one year, at an annual rent of £1 subject to the consent of the Scottish Ministers, and subject to such other terms and conditions as the Director of Corporate Services in consultation with the Director of Education shall determine and with all costs arising from the occupancy being met by the Comann Eachdraidh.

Disposal of Aird Schoolhouse, Isle of Lewis

E02.09

12

The Director of Education and the Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report concerning proposals to offer the former Aird Schoolhouse for sale.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) if vacated by Comunn Eachdraidh an Rudha, Aird Schoolhouse be advertised on the open market with offers being sought which specify the proposed future use as well as the price; and

(2) the Director of Education submit a Report on the use of the receipt from the sale including the possibility of installing a heating system in Bayble Schoolhouse.

Leurbost Old School and Schoolhouse, Isle of Lewis

E02.14

13

With reference to item 12 of the Minute of Meeting of 27 August 2002 the Director of Corporate Services and the Director of Education submitted a Report detailing the result of advertising Leurbost Old School and Schoolhouse on the open market and seeking members' further views on the disposal of property.

It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Corporate Services, in consultation with the Director of Education, be authorised to readvertise Leurbost Old School and Schoolhouse on the open market with offers being sought which specify the proposed use of the property as well as price.

Request for Lease of Land at Back School, Isle of Lewis

E02.18

14

The Director of Corporate Services and the Director of Education submitted a Report concerning the lease of a plot of land at Back School, Isle of Lewis to Sgoil Araich Loch a Tuath.

It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle agree to lease a plot of land measuring 35 metres by 14 metres, at Back School, as shown on the plan attached to the Report, to Sgoil Araich Loch a Tuath for a period of at least twenty years and at a minimal annual rent subject to the consent of the Scottish Ministers being obtained, if necessary, and subject also to such other terms and conditions as the Director of Corporate Services, in consultation with the Director of Education, shall determine including the submission of a project plan by Sgoil Araich Loch a Tuath, to the satisfaction of the Director of Education.

Request for Lease of Land at Cross School, Isle of Lewis

E02.02

15

The Director of Corporate Services and Director of Education submitted a Report concerning the lease of a plot of land at Cross School, Isle of Lewis to Croileagan Nis.

It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle agree to lease a plot of land measuring 3 metres by 5 metres, at Cross School, as shown on the plan attached to the Report, to Croileagan Nis for a period of at least twenty years and at a minimal annual rent, subject to the consent of the Scottish Ministers being obtained, if necessary, and subject also to such other terms and conditions as the Director of Corporate Services, in consultation with the Director of Education, shall determine including the submission of a project plan by Croileagan Nis, to the satisfaction of the Director of Education.

EDUCATIONAL PROVISION

Review of Policy for School Rationalisation

E01.04.38

16

With reference to item 16 of the Minute of Meeting of 4 February 2003 the Director of Education submitted a Report concerning proposals that the Comhairle reviews its policy on school rationalisation in accordance with a recommendation by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Education.

It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle review its policy on school rationalisation in accordance with the recommendations by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Education and that the options for this process be discussed at this year's Education Seminar for Members, which will be held during the week of the Comhairle meeting in September.

Specific Grants for Gaelic 2004/05 - Submission of Bid

E01.01.24

17

With reference to item 12 of the Minute of Meeting of 11 March 2003 the Director of Education submitted a Report concerning the Comhairle's bid under the Scheme for Specific Grants for Gaelic Education to the Scottish Executive Education Department for the financial year 2004/2005.

It was agreed to:

(1) recommend approval of the submission as detailed to the Sport, the Arts and Culture Division, Scottish Executive Education Department, within the Regulations governing the Scheme of Specific Grants for Gaelic Education, in respect of financial year 2004 - 2005; and

(2) recommend that the requirement for an additional sum of £52,291 in the Education budget 2004/2005, to be considered in the context of budget considerations later in the year.

Alternative Curriculum Education: Initial Pilot Programme Evaluation

E01

18

With reference to item 14 of the Minute of Meeting of 4 February 2003 the Director of Education and Director of Social Work submitted a Report detailing the evaluation of the Alternative Curriculum Education pilot programme and proposing the establishment of the resource on a permanent basis.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) the pilot project be established on a permanent basis;

(2) staffing be appointed on the existing ratio of 1:3 and that all posts be subject to the establishment of post procedure;

(3) a lease be negotiated for the existing property, or an alternative be found; and

(4) all costs be shared on a 50/50 basis between Social Work and Education from within existing budgets.

Staffing of Primary Schools: Amendment to Formula

E06.01

19

With reference to item 26 of the Minute of Meeting of the Education Sub-Committee of 23 October 1996 the Director of Education submitted a Report providing an update on the staffing of Primary Schools and proposing changes to the formula in current use.

It was agreed to recommend that the staffing formula for Primary Schools, as amended in the Report, be approved for implementation in Session 2003/04.

Draft Accessibility Strategy

SW05

20

The Director of Education submitted a Report detailing requirements of the Education (Disability Strategies and Pupils Educational Research) (Scotland) Act 2002, and suggested using the initial report to provide a baseline from which to work and consult with service providers and users.

It was agreed to recommend approval of the draft strategy and to use it as a basis for action and consultation during the 2003-04 academic session.

Review of Catchment Areas: Stornoway Primary School and Laxdale Primary School

E01.10

21

The Director of Education submitted a Report concerning issues relating to the catchment areas of Laxdale School and Stornoway Primary School and proposing that the Comhairle proceed to consultation on updating the catchment area boundaries for the two schools.

It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Education be authorised to enter into statutory consultations on the inclusion of the whole Urquhart Gardens/Cearns area in the catchment area for Stornoway Primary School.

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 4 of Schedule 7A of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 would be disclosed, namely information relating to any particular applicant for, or recipient or former recipient of, any financial assistance provided by the Comhairle.

Application for Financial Contribution to Boarding Costs at Edinburgh Academy

E01.05.04

22

The Director of Education submitted a Report to determine whether a financial contribution should be made towards the boarding costs at Edinburgh Academy for pupil MG whose home is based in Stornoway but is currently enrolled at Edinburgh Academy.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) a financial contribution be made to parent JG in respect of the education of pupil MG in the sum of £1,200 each year for two years, to attend Edinburgh Academy;

(2) it be delegated to the Director of Education to identify and apply the funding referred to in (1) above; and

(3) that the Director of Education submit a report on instrumental music tuition, in general, to the next meeting.

RELATED MATTERS

School Boards Grants Provision: 2003/04

E05.12.03

23

The Director of Education submitted a Report concerning revised criteria and administrative arrangements for disbursement of School Board Grants 2003/04.

It was agreed to recommend that the decision by the Director of Education to implement the revised formula, as set out in the Appendix to the Report, and introduce revised arrangements for disbursement and audit, be homologated.

Further Education and Higher School Bursaries: 2003/04

E01.05.04

24

With reference to item 64 of the Minute of Meeting of 31 May 2000 the Director of Education submitted a Report concerning the application of bursary rates and the system of calculating and awarding Higher School Bursaries and Further Education Bursaries for the academic session 2003/04.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) for session 2003/04, the continued use of the system for the calculation and award of Further Education and Higher School Bursaries, adopted as Comhairle Policy on 30 May 2000, with the exception of the bursary rates and scales detailed in Appendix A, be approved;

(2) the bursary rates and scales proposed for academic session 2003/04 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.

School Clothing Grants

E05

25

The Director of Education submitted a Report concerning the proposed revision of the eligibility criteria for the assessment of school clothing grants in light of the new Tax Credits.

It was agreed to recommend that the:

(1) continued use of the system for the assessment of clothing grants adopted as Comhairle Policy on 1 February 2003 be approved; and

(2) revised eligibility criteria, set out at Appendix A, be approved.

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 1 of Schedule 7A of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 would be disclosed, namely information relating to a particular employee, former employee or applicant to become an employee of, or a particular office holder or former office holder, or applicant to become an office holder, under the Comhairle.

Re-structuring of ICT Support for Schools

E05

26

The Director of Education and Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report concerning a proposal for a revised structure for Information Technology and Communications (ICT) support for schools.

It was agreed to recommend, insofar as the Committee's interest is concerned, that:

(1) the proposed new structures shown at the Appendices to the Report be approved, and;

(2) any substantial and unresolved or unforeseen matter arising from the implementation of this structure be returned to the September 2003 Agenda cycle for final determination.

Photographing or Filming Pupils on School Premises

E07

27

The Director of Education submitted a Report concerning a policy governing the official photographing or filming of pupils on school premises.

It was agreed to recommend approval of the draft policy appended to the Report on photographing or filming of pupils on school premises.

CONFERENCE

Induction Conference for Church Representatives: 11 June 2003

E07

28

The Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report to determine whether the Comhairle should be represented at a one day conference for church representatives on local authority Education Committees.

It was agreed to recommend that all religious interest representatives be invited to attend the Induction Conference on 11 June 2003.

PERFORMANCE REVIEW

Reports Outstanding: Progress

PR33.01.12

29

The Director of Corporate Services submitted a report concerning reports outstanding arising from decisions of the Education Committee.

It was agreed recommend that the Report be noted.

PRESENT	Mr Norman L Macdonald (Chairman)
	Mrs Morag Munro (Vice-Chairman)
	Miss Samantha E L Hawkins	Mr Donald I Nicholson
	Mr Alex A MacDonald	Mr Norman M Macleod
	Mr Ian M Macleod	Mrs Annie MacDonald
	Mr Murdo Macleod	Rev Andrew W F Coghill
	Mr Angus Campbell	Rev Dr Iain D Campbell

APOLOGIES	Mr Iain Morrison	Mr Archie K Campbell

Prayer		The meeting was opened with prayer led by Rev Dr Iain D Campbell.
Tribute: Sir E Scott School Pupils		The Chairman referred to pupils at Sir E Scott School who had recently won the Scottish Finals for the Young Enterprise Competition and the Ernst Young Entrepreneurial Competition and on behalf of the Committee paid tribute to the pupils and staff of Sir E Scott School on this outstanding achievement, it being the second consecutive year in which the school had been successful.
		MINUTES
Minute of Meeting of 11 March 2003	1	The Minute of Meeting of 11 March 2003 was approved.
Minute of Meeting of 20 May 2003	2	The Minute of Meeting of 20 May 2003 was approved.
		CONSTITUTION
Appointment of Representatives of Religious Interests E07	3	The Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report regarding the appointment of representatives of religious interests to serve on the Education and Children's Services Committee. The report indicated that three of the four churches who had been asked to make nominations had responded and that the Free Church of Scotland were to meet prior to putting forward a nomination. It was agreed to recommend that Rev Andrew W F Coghill, Rev John A Galbraith and Rev John Macleod be appointed to serve as representatives of religious interests on the Education and Children's Services Committee.
Western Isles Childcare Partnership - Appointment of Comhairle Representatives E08.14	4	The Director of Education submitted a Report regarding the appointment of two Comhairle members to serve as representatives on the Western Isles Childcare Partnership. It was agreed to recommend that Mrs Annie Macdonald and Mr Roderick Morrison be appointed as members of the Western Isles Childcare Partnership.

		FINANCE
Revenue Expenditure Outturn 2002/03	5	With reference to item 2 of the Minute of Meeting of 6 February 2003 the Director of Finance submitted a Report detailing the revenue expenditure incurred during the period 1 April 2002 - 31 March 2003 for the Comhairle's services. It was agreed to recommend approval of the recommendations detailed in the Report by the Director of Finance concerning Revenue Expenditure Out-Turn 2002/03, insofar as the Committee's interest was concerned.
Capital Expenditure Outturn 2002/03	6	With reference to item 3 of the Minute of Meeting of 6 February 2003 the Director of Finance submitted a Report detailing the Non-Housing Capital Expenditure for the period 1 April 2002 - 31 March 2003. It was agreed to recommend that the final Capital Expenditure to 31 March 2003 be noted and to recommend approval of the Slippage & Acceleration to/from the 2003/04 Initial Committed Programme to the Approved Programme for 2003/04, insofar as the Committee's interest was concerned.
		CHILDREN'S SERVICES
Youth Crime Prevention Grant Award SW02	7	The Director of Social Work submitted a Report detailing the successful outcome of a funding bid made to the Scottish Executive Youth Crime Prevention Fund in November 2002. It was agreed to recommend that the establishment of the Youth Crime Prevention Project detailed in the Report by the Director of Social Work be approved.
		BUILDINGS
Programme and Progress E03	8	With reference to item 4 of the Minute of Meeting of 11 March 2003 the Director of Technical Services submitted a report concerning the capital works programme and progress in relation to education properties. It was agreed to recommend that the Report be noted.
		It was agreed that the public, including the press, be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following seven items on the grounds that exempt information as defined in Paragraph 6 of Schedule 7A of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 would be disclosed, namely information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (other than the Comhairle).
Stockinish Old School House, Isle of Harris E02	9	With reference to item 11 of the Minute of Meeting of 4 February 2003 the Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report detailing the offers received following advertisement of Stockinish Old Schoolhouse on the open market. It was agreed to recommend that offer C for Stockinish Old School House, Isle of Harris be accepted, subject to such terms and conditions as the Director of Corporate Services, in consultation with the Director of Education, shall determine.
Knockiandue Old School, Isle of Lewis E02.13	10	With reference to item 11 of the Minute of Meeting of 4 February 2003 the Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report detailing the offers received following advertisement of Knockiandue Old School on the open market. It was agreed to recommend that offer B for Knockiandue Old School, Isle of Lewis be accepted.
Request for Lease of Bayble Schoolhouse, Isle of Lewis E02.10.01	11	With reference to item 31 of the Minute of Meeting of 27 March 2001 the Director of Corporate Services and the Director of Education submitted a Report concerning the lease of Bayble Schoolhouse to Comann Eachdraidh an Rudha. It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle agree to lease Bayble Schoolhouse to Comann Eachdraidh an Rudha on the basis of an initial lease period of one year, at an annual rent of £1 subject to the consent of the Scottish Ministers, and subject to such other terms and conditions as the Director of Corporate Services in consultation with the Director of Education shall determine and with all costs arising from the occupancy being met by the Comann Eachdraidh.
Disposal of Aird Schoolhouse, Isle of Lewis E02.09	12	The Director of Education and the Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report concerning proposals to offer the former Aird Schoolhouse for sale. It was agreed to recommend that: (1) if vacated by Comunn Eachdraidh an Rudha, Aird Schoolhouse be advertised on the open market with offers being sought which specify the proposed future use as well as the price; and (2) the Director of Education submit a Report on the use of the receipt from the sale including the possibility of installing a heating system in Bayble Schoolhouse.
Leurbost Old School and Schoolhouse, Isle of Lewis E02.14	13	With reference to item 12 of the Minute of Meeting of 27 August 2002 the Director of Corporate Services and the Director of Education submitted a Report detailing the result of advertising Leurbost Old School and Schoolhouse on the open market and seeking members' further views on the disposal of property. It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Corporate Services, in consultation with the Director of Education, be authorised to readvertise Leurbost Old School and Schoolhouse on the open market with offers being sought which specify the proposed use of the property as well as price.
Request for Lease of Land at Back School, Isle of Lewis E02.18	14	The Director of Corporate Services and the Director of Education submitted a Report concerning the lease of a plot of land at Back School, Isle of Lewis to Sgoil Araich Loch a Tuath. It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle agree to lease a plot of land measuring 35 metres by 14 metres, at Back School, as shown on the plan attached to the Report, to Sgoil Araich Loch a Tuath for a period of at least twenty years and at a minimal annual rent subject to the consent of the Scottish Ministers being obtained, if necessary, and subject also to such other terms and conditions as the Director of Corporate Services, in consultation with the Director of Education, shall determine including the submission of a project plan by Sgoil Araich Loch a Tuath, to the satisfaction of the Director of Education.
Request for Lease of Land at Cross School, Isle of Lewis E02.02	15	The Director of Corporate Services and Director of Education submitted a Report concerning the lease of a plot of land at Cross School, Isle of Lewis to Croileagan Nis. It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle agree to lease a plot of land measuring 3 metres by 5 metres, at Cross School, as shown on the plan attached to the Report, to Croileagan Nis for a period of at least twenty years and at a minimal annual rent, subject to the consent of the Scottish Ministers being obtained, if necessary, and subject also to such other terms and conditions as the Director of Corporate Services, in consultation with the Director of Education, shall determine including the submission of a project plan by Croileagan Nis, to the satisfaction of the Director of Education.
		EDUCATIONAL PROVISION
Review of Policy for School Rationalisation E01.04.38	16	With reference to item 16 of the Minute of Meeting of 4 February 2003 the Director of Education submitted a Report concerning proposals that the Comhairle reviews its policy on school rationalisation in accordance with a recommendation by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Education. It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle review its policy on school rationalisation in accordance with the recommendations by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Education and that the options for this process be discussed at this year's Education Seminar for Members, which will be held during the week of the Comhairle meeting in September.
Specific Grants for Gaelic 2004/05 - Submission of Bid E01.01.24	17	With reference to item 12 of the Minute of Meeting of 11 March 2003 the Director of Education submitted a Report concerning the Comhairle's bid under the Scheme for Specific Grants for Gaelic Education to the Scottish Executive Education Department for the financial year 2004/2005. It was agreed to: (1) recommend approval of the submission as detailed to the Sport, the Arts and Culture Division, Scottish Executive Education Department, within the Regulations governing the Scheme of Specific Grants for Gaelic Education, in respect of financial year 2004 - 2005; and (2) recommend that the requirement for an additional sum of £52,291 in the Education budget 2004/2005, to be considered in the context of budget considerations later in the year.
Alternative Curriculum Education: Initial Pilot Programme Evaluation E01	18	With reference to item 14 of the Minute of Meeting of 4 February 2003 the Director of Education and Director of Social Work submitted a Report detailing the evaluation of the Alternative Curriculum Education pilot programme and proposing the establishment of the resource on a permanent basis. It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the pilot project be established on a permanent basis; (2) staffing be appointed on the existing ratio of 1:3 and that all posts be subject to the establishment of post procedure; (3) a lease be negotiated for the existing property, or an alternative be found; and (4) all costs be shared on a 50/50 basis between Social Work and Education from within existing budgets.
Staffing of Primary Schools: Amendment to Formula E06.01	19	With reference to item 26 of the Minute of Meeting of the Education Sub-Committee of 23 October 1996 the Director of Education submitted a Report providing an update on the staffing of Primary Schools and proposing changes to the formula in current use. It was agreed to recommend that the staffing formula for Primary Schools, as amended in the Report, be approved for implementation in Session 2003/04.
Draft Accessibility Strategy SW05	20	The Director of Education submitted a Report detailing requirements of the Education (Disability Strategies and Pupils Educational Research) (Scotland) Act 2002, and suggested using the initial report to provide a baseline from which to work and consult with service providers and users. It was agreed to recommend approval of the draft strategy and to use it as a basis for action and consultation during the 2003-04 academic session.
Review of Catchment Areas: Stornoway Primary School and Laxdale Primary School E01.10	21	The Director of Education submitted a Report concerning issues relating to the catchment areas of Laxdale School and Stornoway Primary School and proposing that the Comhairle proceed to consultation on updating the catchment area boundaries for the two schools. It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Education be authorised to enter into statutory consultations on the inclusion of the whole Urquhart Gardens/Cearns area in the catchment area for Stornoway Primary School.
		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 4 of Schedule 7A of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 would be disclosed, namely information relating to any particular applicant for, or recipient or former recipient of, any financial assistance provided by the Comhairle.
Application for Financial Contribution to Boarding Costs at Edinburgh Academy E01.05.04	22	The Director of Education submitted a Report to determine whether a financial contribution should be made towards the boarding costs at Edinburgh Academy for pupil MG whose home is based in Stornoway but is currently enrolled at Edinburgh Academy. It was agreed to recommend that: (1) a financial contribution be made to parent JG in respect of the education of pupil MG in the sum of £1,200 each year for two years, to attend Edinburgh Academy; (2) it be delegated to the Director of Education to identify and apply the funding referred to in (1) above; and (3) that the Director of Education submit a report on instrumental music tuition, in general, to the next meeting.
		RELATED MATTERS
School Boards Grants Provision: 2003/04 E05.12.03	23	The Director of Education submitted a Report concerning revised criteria and administrative arrangements for disbursement of School Board Grants 2003/04. It was agreed to recommend that the decision by the Director of Education to implement the revised formula, as set out in the Appendix to the Report, and introduce revised arrangements for disbursement and audit, be homologated.
Further Education and Higher School Bursaries: 2003/04 E01.05.04	24	With reference to item 64 of the Minute of Meeting of 31 May 2000 the Director of Education submitted a Report concerning the application of bursary rates and the system of calculating and awarding Higher School Bursaries and Further Education Bursaries for the academic session 2003/04. It was agreed to recommend that: (1) for session 2003/04, the continued use of the system for the calculation and award of Further Education and Higher School Bursaries, adopted as Comhairle Policy on 30 May 2000, with the exception of the bursary rates and scales detailed in Appendix A, be approved; (2) the bursary rates and scales proposed for academic session 2003/04 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.
School Clothing Grants E05	25	The Director of Education submitted a Report concerning the proposed revision of the eligibility criteria for the assessment of school clothing grants in light of the new Tax Credits. It was agreed to recommend that the: (1) continued use of the system for the assessment of clothing grants adopted as Comhairle Policy on 1 February 2003 be approved; and (2) revised eligibility criteria, set out at Appendix A, be approved.
		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 1 of Schedule 7A of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 would be disclosed, namely information relating to a particular employee, former employee or applicant to become an employee of, or a particular office holder or former office holder, or applicant to become an office holder, under the Comhairle.
Re-structuring of ICT Support for Schools E05	26	The Director of Education and Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report concerning a proposal for a revised structure for Information Technology and Communications (ICT) support for schools. It was agreed to recommend, insofar as the Committee's interest is concerned, that: (1) the proposed new structures shown at the Appendices to the Report be approved, and; (2) any substantial and unresolved or unforeseen matter arising from the implementation of this structure be returned to the September 2003 Agenda cycle for final determination.
Photographing or Filming Pupils on School Premises E07	27	The Director of Education submitted a Report concerning a policy governing the official photographing or filming of pupils on school premises. It was agreed to recommend approval of the draft policy appended to the Report on photographing or filming of pupils on school premises.
		CONFERENCE
Induction Conference for Church Representatives: 11 June 2003 E07	28	The Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report to determine whether the Comhairle should be represented at a one day conference for church representatives on local authority Education Committees. It was agreed to recommend that all religious interest representatives be invited to attend the Induction Conference on 11 June 2003.
		PERFORMANCE REVIEW
Reports Outstanding: Progress PR33.01.12	29	The Director of Corporate Services submitted a report concerning reports outstanding arising from decisions of the Education Committee. It was agreed recommend that the Report be noted.