February 2003

EDUCATION COMMITTEE

Minute of Meeting held in the Council Offices, Stornoway, on Tuesday 4 February 2003 at 2.00pm

PRESENT

Mr Norman L Macdonald (Chairman)

Mrs Morag Munro (Vice-Chairman)

Mr Donald I Nicholson

Mr Iain Morrison

Mr Norman M Macleod

Mr Alexander A Macdonald

Mr Donald M Mackay

Mr Ian M Macleod

Mr Archie Campbell

Mr Roderick J Murray

Rev Andrew Coghill

Mr Murdo Macleod

Rev Iain D Campbell

APOLOGIES

Mr Finlay Morrison

Prayer

The meeting was opened with prayer led by Rev Andrew Coghill.

Welcome: Rev Dr Iain D Campbell

The Chairman welcomed Rev Dr Iain D Campbell to his first meeting of the Committee.

Tribute: Rev Donald A Macdonald

The Chairman referred to Rev Donald A Macdonald who had resigned as a representative of religious interests from the Education Committee and thanked Mr Macdonald, on behalf of the Committee, for his contribution to the Committee.

MINUTES

Minute of Meeting of 19 November 2002

1

The minute of meeting of 19 November 2002 was approved.

CONSTITUTION

Appointment of Representative of Religious Interests

2

The Director of Corporate Services submitted a report concerning a change in representatives of religious interests appointed to the Committee. The report indicated that Rev Donald A Macdonald, Kinloch, had submitted his resignation from the Education Committee. The Western Isles Presbytery of the Free Church of Scotland had appointed Rev Dr Iain D Campbell to succeed Rev Macdonald as a member of the Education Committee.

It was agreed to note the appointment of Rev Dr Iain D Campbell as a representative of religious interests on the Education Committee.

FINANCE

Non-Housing Capital Programme: Third Quarter Monitoring

PR110.08

3

The Acting Director of Finance submitted a Report regarding the Non-Housing Capital Expenditure for the period 1 April 2002 - 31 December 2002.

It was agreed to recommend that the recommendations in the report by the Director of Finance, be approved, insofar as the Committee's interest was concerned.

Third Quarter Revenue Forecast Outturn

PR110.08

4

The Acting Director of Finance submitted a Report giving information on the Quarterly Forecast Out-turn. The Report detailed revenue expenditure incurred in the period from 1 April to 31 December 2002 for the Comhairle's services.

It was agreed to recommend that the recommendations in the report by the Director of Finance, be approved, insofar as the Committee's interest was concerned.

Budget Strategy 2003/04

PR110.08

5

The Acting Director of Finance submitted a Report advising Members of the final aggregate External Finance announcement for 2003 - 2004 and setting out the revised Budget Strategy for 2002/03 to 2004/05.

It was agreed to recommend that the recommendations in the report by the Director of Finance, be approved, insofar as the Committee's interest was concerned.

Budget Growth Bids 2003/04

PR110.08

6

The Acting Director of Finance submitted a Report, relating to the growth bids submitted by departments under the headings of:

Scottish Executive Priorities;

Quality of Life; and

Other Bids

It was agreed to recommend that the recommendations in the report by the Director of Finance, be approved, insofar as the Committee's interest was concerned.

PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT

Corporate Strategy Progress Report

7

The Chief Executive submitted a Report advising Members of the progress made towards meeting the Key Aims included in the Comhairle's Corporate Strategy, and advising on other achievements that have been accomplished. It was stated that the majority of the services that the Comhairle provide relate to statutory duties and standards of service are often pre-determined, however a number of policies and service developments had also been achieved.

It was agreed:

(1) that the appendices containing the Corporate Strategy Progress Report and Achievements 1999 - 2003, in the report by the Chief Executive, be noted; and

(2) to recommend that a system of half yearly Corporate Strategy monitoring reports be introduced.

BUILDINGS

Capital Works: Programme and Progress

E03

8

With reference to item 8 of the minute of meeting of 19 November 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.

Repairs and Maintenance (Revenue) Programme 2002/2003: Quarterly Expenditure Report to 31 December 2002

E03

9

With reference to item 9 of the Minute of Meeting of 19 November 2002 the Director of Technical Services submitted a report concerning the Repairs and Maintenance (Revenue) Programme 2002/2003: Quarterly Expenditure Report to 31 December 2002.

It was agreed to note the report.

Bid for Public Private Partnership Project for Schools: Update

E02

10

With reference to item 9 of the minute of meeting of 1 October 2002, the Director of Education submitted a report concerning the progress in relation to the bid for Public Private Partnership funding submitted to the Scottish Executive in December 2002. It was indicated in the report that Officers from the Comhairle will meet with officials from the Schools Division of the Scottish Executive Education Department on 14 February 2003 and any information gathered will be relayed to the PPP Working Group.

It was agreed to note the report.

Non School Properties Update

E03

11

With reference to item 11 of the minute of meeting of 26 March 2002, the Director of Education submitted a report concerning the status of properties surplus to the requirements of the Education Service and to seek approval to advertise for offers or expressions of interests on two of those properties. The current position was outlined in Appendix 1 to the report. It was indicated in the report that in respect of Stockinish Schoolhouse and Knockiandue Old School the Education Department had not been able to establish a clear community interest.

It was agreed:

(1) that the current status of Education properties surplus to Comhairle requirements be noted; and

(2) to recommend that the Director of Corporate Services, in consultation with the Director of Education, be authorised to advertise Knockiandue Old School and Stockinish Schoolhouse on the open market, with offers being sought which specify the proposed future use, as well as the price, but also allowing a final opportunity for community groups to express an interest in acquiring either of the properties.

School Signs

E03

12

With reference to item 11 of the minute of meeting of 28 May 2002, the Director of Technical Services submitted a report concerning progress on a programme of school signage replacement/provision. Details of the corporate standard signage currently being provided, showing which schools have been provided with this signage and those which are still to be provided, was appended to the report.

It was agreed to note the progress on the provision of school signs and the proposed future programme.

Sandwick School and Community Hall Proposals: Current Situation

E02.26

13

With reference to item 126 of the minute of meeting of 20 November 2001, the Director of Education submitted a report concerning the progress with the funding arrangements for the proposed Sandwick School and Community Hall development. The background to the matter was outlined in the report.

It was agreed to continue consideration of the Report by the Director of Education concerning the current situation of Sandwick School and Community Hall proposals, to the next meeting in March 2003, and the Director of Education submit an updated report regarding external sources of funding for the project.

EDUCATIONAL PROVISION

Alternative Curriculum Education: Initial Pilot Programme Report 05/12/02 - 17/01/03

14

The Director of Education and the Director of Social Work submitted a joint report concerning the initial findings of a Social Work and Education Department pilot programme of support for young people with social, emotional and behaviour difficulties. It was indicated in the report that the pilot programme has run since 5 December 2002 and the initial evaluation report was appended to the joint report.

It was agreed to recommend that:

E01

(1) the initial pilot should be extended for a further 30 weeks, in order to allow for a longer term evaluation; and

(2) the programme be extended to provide an effective input for up to six WTE places, and funding of £18,000, representing 50% of the overall cost from the mainland placement budget, be approved.

RELATED MATTERS

Re-Award of Investors in People to the Education Department

E07

15

The Director of Education submitted a report concerning the successful re-assessment of the Education Department for the Investors in People Standard. The report indicated that the Education Department became the first such department in Scotland to be awarded this recognition early in 1999. Re-assessment took place twice since then and following the most recent assessment the Education Department was re-awarded the IIP Standard.

It was agreed to note the report and welcome the re-award of the Investors in People Standard.

HMIE Inspectorate of the Education Functions of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar: Action Plan

E07

16

With reference to item 15 of the minute of meeting of 27 August 2002, the Director of Education submitted a report concerning the Action Plan prepared by the Education Department which is designed to overtake the recommendations set out in the HMIE Inspection Report on the Education Functions of the Comhairle. A copy of the Action Plan was appended to the report. The Action Plan listed the action points and set out the strategies which have been designed to overtake them, as well as the timescales within which these are to be achieved.

It was agreed that the Action Plan appended to the report by the Director of Education be approved, prior to its submission to HM Inspectorate of Education.

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

School Catering

E07

17

With reference to item 50 of the minute of meeting of 27 March 2001, the Director of Education and the Director of Corporate Services submitted a joint report concerning the School Catering partnership arrangement with Compass, which includes the purchase of foodstuffs and the provision of a range of other professional services. It was indicated in the report that this service no longer represented best value The existing arrangement, transitional arrangements and a draft timetable were detailed in the report.

It was agreed that:

(1) the Director of Corporate Services be authorised to terminate the partnership arrangement with Compass which includes the purchase of foods and the provision of a range of other professional services;

(2) the Director of Corporate Services, in consultation with the Director of Education, be authorised to seek competitive tenders for the supply of groceries and provisions for school catering;

(3) the Director of Education be authorised to enter into a transitional arrangement to procure foodstuffs until a new contact for the supply of groceries and provisions is in place; and

(4) the Director of Education explore options in relation to the provision of the remaining professional services in the Best Value environment and report back to the March 2003 meeting of the Committee.

Secondary Catchment Areas: Proposed Statutory Consultation on the Inclusion of Grimsay in the Catchment Area for Sgoil Lionacleit

E07

18

The Director of Education submitted a report concerning the statutory consultation on the inclusion of Grimsay in the catchment area for Sgoil Lionacleit. The reasons for proposing that statutory consultations be held with parents of pupils living in Grimsay and general area south of Carinish with a view to their inclusion within the catchment area for Sgoil Lionacleit at the S1/S2 stage of secondary education were detailed in the report.

It was agreed that a statutory consultation with parents of pupils living in the area south of Carinish School be carried out on the proposal that the district becomes part of the Sgoil Lionacleit catchment area.

Report of the Child Protection Audit and Review

SW02.17

19

With reference to item 16 of the minute of meeting of 28 May 2002, the Director of Social Work submitted a report concerning the key findings and recommendations of the mutil-disciplinary Child Protection Audit and Review published by the Scottish Executive in November 2002. The key findings of the audit and review, recommendations and a programme of action were outlined in the report.

It was agreed that:

(1) the key findings and recommendations arising from the Child Protection Audit and Review Report be noted; and

(2) the Western Isles Child Protection Committee's Annual Report be submitted for comment and consideration on any action required by the Comhairle.

PERFORMANCE REVIEW

Reports Outstanding: Progress

PR33.01.12

20

With reference to item 15 of the minute of meeting of 19 November 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 Iain Morrison	Mr Norman M Macleod
	Mr Alexander A Macdonald	Mr Donald M Mackay
	Mr Ian M Macleod	Mr Archie Campbell
	Mr Roderick J Murray	Rev Andrew Coghill
	Mr Murdo Macleod	Rev Iain D Campbell

APOLOGIES	Mr Finlay Morrison

Prayer		The meeting was opened with prayer led by Rev Andrew Coghill.
Welcome: Rev Dr Iain D Campbell		The Chairman welcomed Rev Dr Iain D Campbell to his first meeting of the Committee.
Tribute: Rev Donald A Macdonald		The Chairman referred to Rev Donald A Macdonald who had resigned as a representative of religious interests from the Education Committee and thanked Mr Macdonald, on behalf of the Committee, for his contribution to the Committee.
		MINUTES
Minute of Meeting of 19 November 2002	1	The minute of meeting of 19 November 2002 was approved.
		CONSTITUTION
Appointment of Representative of Religious Interests	2	The Director of Corporate Services submitted a report concerning a change in representatives of religious interests appointed to the Committee. The report indicated that Rev Donald A Macdonald, Kinloch, had submitted his resignation from the Education Committee. The Western Isles Presbytery of the Free Church of Scotland had appointed Rev Dr Iain D Campbell to succeed Rev Macdonald as a member of the Education Committee.
		It was agreed to note the appointment of Rev Dr Iain D Campbell as a representative of religious interests on the Education Committee.
		FINANCE
Non-Housing Capital Programme: Third Quarter Monitoring PR110.08	3	The Acting Director of Finance submitted a Report regarding the Non-Housing Capital Expenditure for the period 1 April 2002 - 31 December 2002. It was agreed to recommend that the recommendations in the report by the Director of Finance, be approved, insofar as the Committee's interest was concerned.
Third Quarter Revenue Forecast Outturn PR110.08	4	The Acting Director of Finance submitted a Report giving information on the Quarterly Forecast Out-turn. The Report detailed revenue expenditure incurred in the period from 1 April to 31 December 2002 for the Comhairle's services. It was agreed to recommend that the recommendations in the report by the Director of Finance, be approved, insofar as the Committee's interest was concerned.
Budget Strategy 2003/04 PR110.08	5	The Acting Director of Finance submitted a Report advising Members of the final aggregate External Finance announcement for 2003 - 2004 and setting out the revised Budget Strategy for 2002/03 to 2004/05. It was agreed to recommend that the recommendations in the report by the Director of Finance, be approved, insofar as the Committee's interest was concerned.
Budget Growth Bids 2003/04 PR110.08	6	The Acting Director of Finance submitted a Report, relating to the growth bids submitted by departments under the headings of: Scottish Executive Priorities; Quality of Life; and Other Bids It was agreed to recommend that the recommendations in the report by the Director of Finance, be approved, insofar as the Committee's interest was concerned.
		PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT
Corporate Strategy Progress Report	7	The Chief Executive submitted a Report advising Members of the progress made towards meeting the Key Aims included in the Comhairle's Corporate Strategy, and advising on other achievements that have been accomplished. It was stated that the majority of the services that the Comhairle provide relate to statutory duties and standards of service are often pre-determined, however a number of policies and service developments had also been achieved.
		It was agreed: (1) that the appendices containing the Corporate Strategy Progress Report and Achievements 1999 - 2003, in the report by the Chief Executive, be noted; and (2) to recommend that a system of half yearly Corporate Strategy monitoring reports be introduced.
		BUILDINGS
Capital Works: Programme and Progress E03	8	With reference to item 8 of the minute of meeting of 19 November 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.
Repairs and Maintenance (Revenue) Programme 2002/2003: Quarterly Expenditure Report to 31 December 2002 E03	9	With reference to item 9 of the Minute of Meeting of 19 November 2002 the Director of Technical Services submitted a report concerning the Repairs and Maintenance (Revenue) Programme 2002/2003: Quarterly Expenditure Report to 31 December 2002. It was agreed to note the report.
Bid for Public Private Partnership Project for Schools: Update E02	10	With reference to item 9 of the minute of meeting of 1 October 2002, the Director of Education submitted a report concerning the progress in relation to the bid for Public Private Partnership funding submitted to the Scottish Executive in December 2002. It was indicated in the report that Officers from the Comhairle will meet with officials from the Schools Division of the Scottish Executive Education Department on 14 February 2003 and any information gathered will be relayed to the PPP Working Group. It was agreed to note the report.
Non School Properties Update E03	11	With reference to item 11 of the minute of meeting of 26 March 2002, the Director of Education submitted a report concerning the status of properties surplus to the requirements of the Education Service and to seek approval to advertise for offers or expressions of interests on two of those properties. The current position was outlined in Appendix 1 to the report. It was indicated in the report that in respect of Stockinish Schoolhouse and Knockiandue Old School the Education Department had not been able to establish a clear community interest.
		It was agreed: (1) that the current status of Education properties surplus to Comhairle requirements be noted; and (2) to recommend that the Director of Corporate Services, in consultation with the Director of Education, be authorised to advertise Knockiandue Old School and Stockinish Schoolhouse on the open market, with offers being sought which specify the proposed future use, as well as the price, but also allowing a final opportunity for community groups to express an interest in acquiring either of the properties.
School Signs E03	12	With reference to item 11 of the minute of meeting of 28 May 2002, the Director of Technical Services submitted a report concerning progress on a programme of school signage replacement/provision. Details of the corporate standard signage currently being provided, showing which schools have been provided with this signage and those which are still to be provided, was appended to the report.
		It was agreed to note the progress on the provision of school signs and the proposed future programme.
Sandwick School and Community Hall Proposals: Current Situation E02.26	13	With reference to item 126 of the minute of meeting of 20 November 2001, the Director of Education submitted a report concerning the progress with the funding arrangements for the proposed Sandwick School and Community Hall development. The background to the matter was outlined in the report.
		It was agreed to continue consideration of the Report by the Director of Education concerning the current situation of Sandwick School and Community Hall proposals, to the next meeting in March 2003, and the Director of Education submit an updated report regarding external sources of funding for the project.
		EDUCATIONAL PROVISION
Alternative Curriculum Education: Initial Pilot Programme Report 05/12/02 - 17/01/03	14	The Director of Education and the Director of Social Work submitted a joint report concerning the initial findings of a Social Work and Education Department pilot programme of support for young people with social, emotional and behaviour difficulties. It was indicated in the report that the pilot programme has run since 5 December 2002 and the initial evaluation report was appended to the joint report. It was agreed to recommend that:
E01		(1) the initial pilot should be extended for a further 30 weeks, in order to allow for a longer term evaluation; and (2) the programme be extended to provide an effective input for up to six WTE places, and funding of £18,000, representing 50% of the overall cost from the mainland placement budget, be approved.
		RELATED MATTERS
Re-Award of Investors in People to the Education Department E07	15	The Director of Education submitted a report concerning the successful re-assessment of the Education Department for the Investors in People Standard. The report indicated that the Education Department became the first such department in Scotland to be awarded this recognition early in 1999. Re-assessment took place twice since then and following the most recent assessment the Education Department was re-awarded the IIP Standard. It was agreed to note the report and welcome the re-award of the Investors in People Standard.
HMIE Inspectorate of the Education Functions of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar: Action Plan E07	16	With reference to item 15 of the minute of meeting of 27 August 2002, the Director of Education submitted a report concerning the Action Plan prepared by the Education Department which is designed to overtake the recommendations set out in the HMIE Inspection Report on the Education Functions of the Comhairle. A copy of the Action Plan was appended to the report. The Action Plan listed the action points and set out the strategies which have been designed to overtake them, as well as the timescales within which these are to be achieved.
		It was agreed that the Action Plan appended to the report by the Director of Education be approved, prior to its submission to HM Inspectorate of Education.
		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
School Catering E07	17	With reference to item 50 of the minute of meeting of 27 March 2001, the Director of Education and the Director of Corporate Services submitted a joint report concerning the School Catering partnership arrangement with Compass, which includes the purchase of foodstuffs and the provision of a range of other professional services. It was indicated in the report that this service no longer represented best value The existing arrangement, transitional arrangements and a draft timetable were detailed in the report.
		It was agreed that: (1) the Director of Corporate Services be authorised to terminate the partnership arrangement with Compass which includes the purchase of foods and the provision of a range of other professional services; (2) the Director of Corporate Services, in consultation with the Director of Education, be authorised to seek competitive tenders for the supply of groceries and provisions for school catering; (3) the Director of Education be authorised to enter into a transitional arrangement to procure foodstuffs until a new contact for the supply of groceries and provisions is in place; and (4) the Director of Education explore options in relation to the provision of the remaining professional services in the Best Value environment and report back to the March 2003 meeting of the Committee.
Secondary Catchment Areas: Proposed Statutory Consultation on the Inclusion of Grimsay in the Catchment Area for Sgoil Lionacleit E07	18	The Director of Education submitted a report concerning the statutory consultation on the inclusion of Grimsay in the catchment area for Sgoil Lionacleit. The reasons for proposing that statutory consultations be held with parents of pupils living in Grimsay and general area south of Carinish with a view to their inclusion within the catchment area for Sgoil Lionacleit at the S1/S2 stage of secondary education were detailed in the report. It was agreed that a statutory consultation with parents of pupils living in the area south of Carinish School be carried out on the proposal that the district becomes part of the Sgoil Lionacleit catchment area.
Report of the Child Protection Audit and Review SW02.17	19	With reference to item 16 of the minute of meeting of 28 May 2002, the Director of Social Work submitted a report concerning the key findings and recommendations of the mutil-disciplinary Child Protection Audit and Review published by the Scottish Executive in November 2002. The key findings of the audit and review, recommendations and a programme of action were outlined in the report. It was agreed that: (1) the key findings and recommendations arising from the Child Protection Audit and Review Report be noted; and (2) the Western Isles Child Protection Committee's Annual Report be submitted for comment and consideration on any action required by the Comhairle.
		PERFORMANCE REVIEW
Reports Outstanding: Progress PR33.01.12	20	With reference to item 15 of the minute of meeting of 19 November 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.