Med00003

EDUCATION COMMITTEE

Minute of Meeting held in the Council Offices, Stornoway, on Tuesday 28 March 2000 at 2.00pm

PRESENT

Mr Norman L Macdonald (Chairman)

Mrs Morag Munro (Vice-Chairman)

Mr Finlay Morrison

Mr Malcolm J Macleod

Mr Donald M Mackay

Mr Iain Morrison

Mr Archibald K Campbell

Mr Alexander A Macdonald

Mr David Blaney

Mr Philip R McLean

Rev Donald A Macdonald

Mr Donald I Nicholson

Mr Alan Smithyman

Mr Norman M Macleod

Dr Alan J F Fraser

APOLOGIES

Mr Ian M Macleod

Mr Roderick J Murray

Rev Andrew W F Coghill

Tribute: Catriona Garbutt

The Chairman referred to Catriona Garbutt who had recently resigned as the Roman Catholic Church's representative on the Education Committee and, on behalf of the Committee, thanked Mrs Garbutt for her contribution to the Committee.

Tribute: IT Girls, Lionel School

The Chairman referred to a group of girls from Lionel School who had been successful in their Internet Company. The girls were the highest placed team in Scotland in the Pro-Share Portfolio Challenge Investment Competion and had won a place in the regional semi-finals and on behalf of the Committee, the Chairman congratulated the girls on their success.

Tribute: Nicolson Institute U-14 Basketball Team

The Chairman referred to the Nicolson Institute U-14 Basketball Team who had won the Scottish Championships and on behalf of the Committee, congratulated the Team on their sporting achievement.

Tribute: Sir E Scott School

The Chairman referred to Sir E Scott School Young Enterprise who had won the Young Enterprise award in the Western Isles for the fourth year running and, on behalf of the Committee, congratulated them on their award.

MINUTES

Education Committee

E02.01

18

The minute of meeting of 1 February 2000 was approved.

Education Sub-Committee

E08.10

19

The minute of meeting of the Education Sub-Committee of 10 December 1999 was noted.

Education Sub-Committee

E08.10

20

The minute of meeting of the Education Sub-Committee of 23 February 2000 was submitted.

It was agreed to recommend approval of the recommendations at item 4 of the minute.

Lochs School Sub-Committee

E08

21

The minute of meeting of the Lochs School Sub-Committee of 8 March 2000 was submitted.

It was agreed to recommend approval of the recommendations at item 2 of the minute.

Secondary Education in Stornoway Review Working Group

EO1.04.40

22

The minutes of meetings of 7 December 1999, 10 February 2000 and 15 March 2000 of the Secondary Education in Stornoway Review Working Group were noted.

Gaelic Development Sub-Committee

PR03.05.22

Gaelic Development Sub-Committee

PR03.05.22

23

24

The minute of meeting of the Gaelic Development Sub-Committee of 14 January 2000 was submitted.

It was agreed to recommend approval of the recommendations at item 2 of the minute.

The minute of meeting of the Gaelic Development Sub-Committee of 3 February 2000 was submitted.

It was agreed to recommend approval of the recommendations at items 5, 6 and 8 of the minute.

School Board Appointments Committee

E08.09

25

The minutes of meetings of the School Board Appointments Committee of: 20 January 2000 and 27 January 2000 were noted.

BUILDINGS

Programme and Progress

E03

26

With reference to item 9 of the minute of meeting of 1 February 2000 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.

School Electrical Upgrading Programme

E03

27

With reference to item 133 of the minute of meeting of 5 October 1999 the Director of Technical Services submitted a report regarding the schools electrical upgrading programme for the next three years. The report outlined the background to this programme.

It was agreed to recommend that the Schools electrical upgrading programme for the period 1 April 2000 - 31 March 2003 be as follows:

(1) Stornoway Primary School Final Circuits - £90,000 (£30,000 per annum);

(2) Emergency lighting and fire alarm upgrading - £45,000 (£15,000 per annum) in the following Schools:

Sir E Scott Main Building (year 1)

Sandwickhill (year 2)

Aird (year 3)

(3) in the event of any additional funds becoming available, the list at 3.1(b) be extended to include Airidhantuim and Pairc Schools (in that order); and

(4) a budget allowance of £5,000 per annum be made for data cabling in accordance with the requirements of the Director of Education and Leisure Services.

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

Schools Boiler Plant Replacement Programme

E03

28

With reference to item 118 of the minute of meeting of 17 August 1999 the Director of Technical Services submitted a report concerning the schools boiler plant replacement programme for the next three years. The report indicated that there was a legal obligation on the Comhairle to maintain an appropriate level of temperature in all occupied premises.

It was agreed to recommend that the Schools boiler plant replacement programme for the period 1 April 2000 - 31 March 2003 be as follows:

£000

(1) Stornoway Primary 2000-2001 100

(2) Lochmaddy Primary 2001-2002 25

(3) Paible 2001-2002 70

(4) Lews Castle School 2002-2003 100

(5) Tolsta (part) 2002-2003 35

TOTAL 330

Schools Window Replacement Programme 2000-2001

E03

29

With reference to item 130 of the minute of meeting of 5 October 1999 the Director of Technical Services submitted a report concerning the Schools window replacement programme 2000-2001. It was indicated in the report that the Comhairle has a duty to ensure that all school premises are maintained in a wind and watertight condition.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) the whole financial provision for the schools window replacement programme 2000-2001 be expended on Balivanich Primary School; and

(2) it be noted that the proposals for the 2001-2002 and 2002-2003 programmes be developed during the course of the year.

Schools Re-Roofing Programme 2000-2001

E03

30

The Director of Technical Services submitted a report concerning approval to proceed with re-roofing works as part of the 2000-2001 Capital Programme. The background to the matter was outlined in the report.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) the 2000-2001 Schools re-roofing programme should comprise remedial and renewal works at Sandwick and Scalpay Schools as outlined in the report; and

(2) further proposals for the 2001-2002 and 2002-2003 programmes are developed and reported back to Committee later this year

Capitalised Maintenance Sgoil Lionacleit 2000-2003

E03

31

The Director of Technical Services submitted a report concerning the proposed priority allocation of items of work to be undertaken as a result of the decision to include Sgoil Lionacleit in the capital repairs programme. The background to the matter was outlined in the report.

It was agreed to recommend that the schedule of works to be undertaken as set out in the table at item 2.1 of the report and as detailed in Appendix A during the financial years 2000-2003, be approved.

Inquiry by the Scottish Parliament into the Current State of School Buildings

E02

32

The Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a report concerning the major inquiry launched by the Education, Culture and Sport Committee into the current state of school buildings and infrastructure. The report indicated that the Acting Director would submit written evidence in relation to schools in the Western Isles by 19 May 2000. Appended to the report was a letter from the Scottish Parliament and a document entitled "Schools Infrastructure Inquiry: Questions for Local Authorities".

It was agreed to recommend that the following be noted:

(1) the intention to respond to the Scottish Parliament's invitation to submit evidence in relation to the School Infrastructure Inquiry; and

(2) the intention to seek approval to carry out preliminary design and cost works in liaison with the Technical Services Department financed from the 2000/2001 Capital Programme as detailed in item 31 below.

Rural Secondary School Improvements Capital Programme 2000-2003

E03

33

The Director of Technical Services submitted a report concerning the distribution of resources under the rural secondary school improvements Capital Programme 2000-2003. The projects referred to in the report were Castlebay School, Bayble School and Back School. In addition it was proposed to incorporate a £25,000 contingency to address preliminary works necessary to address issues raised by the Scottish Parliament inquiry.

It was agreed to recommend that the distribution of the 2000-2003 Rural Secondary Schools Improvement Programme as detailed in the following table be approved.

2000/01 2001/2002 2002/2003

Castlebay 45

Bayble 105 130 10

Back 25 50 160

Contingency 25

TOTAL 200 180 170

Sandwick Hall and Recreation Enterprise: Lease of Ground Adjacent to Sandwick School

E02.26

34

The Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a report concerning the proposal that, in principle, a decision be taken to lease land at Sandwick School to Sandwick Hall and Recreation Enterprise to enable them to build a new hall and community facility at Sandwick School. Appended to the report was a letter from the Sandwick Hall and Recreation Enterprise and a drawing of the area requested.

It was agreed to recommend that 860 square metres of land adjacent to Sandwick School be leased, in principle, to Sandwick Hall and Recreation Enterprise to enable them to build a new hall and community facility adjacent to Sandwick School on terms to be determined by the Director of Corporate Services in consultation with the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services, despite the involvement of the local member with this organisation".

Brevig Old School

E02.59

35

With reference to item 87 of the minute of meeting of 29 August 1995 the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a report regarding the latest position on the disposal of Brevig Old School and seeking the views of members. The report indicated that the Gatliffe Trust had withdrawn from the purchase of Brevig Old School. The Committee was informed that the title deeds to this property restricted its use to purposed of benefit to the local community as a whole and prohibited its use as a private residence or for commercial purposes. A letter expressing interest from Barra and Vatersay Housing Association was enclosed.

It was agreed to recommend that disposal of the property should be deferred pending investigations by the Barra and Vatersay Housing Association into the site's suitability for housing and that a further report be submitted.

EDUCATIONAL PROVISION

Possible Combination of The Nicolson Institute and Lews Castle School: Draft Consultation Document

E01.04.40

36

With reference to item 168 of the minute of meeting of 30 November 1999 the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a report concerning the draft consultation document on the possible combining of The Nicolson Institute and Lews Castle School and progress by the Working Group set up to review secondary education provision in Stornoway. It was indicated that this latest draft had now been sent to Counsel for his opinion. A full report detailing that opinion and its potential implications would be placed before the next meeting.

It was agreed to recommend that the arrangement of a special meeting of the Committee during the week beginning 15 May 2000 for the purpose of formally adopting the proposals as the basis on which to undertake statutory consultations on the possible combining of The Nicolson Institute and Lews Castle School be approved.

Revision of Catchment Area: Consultation on the Inclusion of Stoneybridge Primary in the Catchment Area for Sgoil Lionacleit

E05

37

The Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a report concerning approval to conduct a statutory consultation exercise to determine whether Stoneybridge School be included in the catchment area for Sgoil Lionacleit. It was indicated in the report that as Stoneybridge School was situated between Sgoil Lionacleit and Daliburgh School the Education and Leisure Services Department annually received a large number of placing requests from parents who wished to send pupils direct to Sgoil Lionacleit at S1 stage.

It was agreed to continue consideration of the matter pending the submission of the report on the full review of catchment areas in the Western Isles.

Daliburgh School: Standard Inspection Report

E01.01.11

38

The Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a report concerning the results of a standard inspection by HM Inspectors at Daliburgh School, South Uist, in August/September 1999. The Standard Inspection Report on Daliburgh School was appended to the report.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) the report be noted; and

(2) congratulations be conveyed to the Head Teacher and staff of the school in respect of the positive aspects of the report.

New Community Schools: Submission of Bid for Second Project

E01

39

With reference to item 87 of the minute of meeting of 15 June 1999 the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a report concerning arrangements for the submission of an application for the second New Community School Project. An invitation had been received from the Scottish Executive Education Department to bid for a second New Community School Project and it was proposed that this be submitted by 30 September 2000 with a view to commencement on 1 April 2001.

It was agreed to recommend that a submission for a New Community School Project based in Lewis be placed with the Scottish Executive Education Department by 30 September 2000 with a proposed commencement date of 1 April 2001.

Visit to Millennium Dome to Stage MacDonald's `Our Town Story': Request for Financial Assistance

E07

40

The Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a report concerning a visit to the Millennium Dome by 80 pupils throughout the Western Isles to stage a project referred to as MacDonald's `Our Town Story' and to ask that consideration be given to the award of financial assistance to meet the projected shortfall in costs. The background to the matter was outlined in the report.

It was agreed to recommend that £7,250 be contributed from Education (Schools Equipment Budget - Primary and Secondary).

Mr Norman L Macdonald declared an interest in the following item and left the meeting during consideration of the item.

Pre-School Grant Funding 2000/2001

E01.02.06

41

With reference to item 141 of the minute of meeting of 6 October 1999 the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a report concerning the approval of the proposed 2000/2001 commissioned pre-school place rate and a proposed initial allocation of Scottish Executive 2000/2001 Rural Grant funding. Details of likely proposals for distribution of 2000/2001 Pre-School Development Grant and the proposed initial distribution of 2000/2001 Pre-School Rural Grant were appended to the report.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) a rate per full commissioned pre-school and 3 year old place of £1,160 for the 2000/2001 pre-school year, be approved;

(2) the initial proposals for the distribution of an element of the Rural Pre-School grant as set out in Appendix 2, part 1, be approved; and

(3) it be noted that final proposals for distribution of Development Grant, remaining Rural Grant funding and for any Pre-School Gaelic Grant funding will be submitted to members in May 2000.

SUPPORT SERVICES

Integration of Education Special Needs and Social Work Transport

E05

42

With reference to item 121 of the minute of meeting of 17 August 1999 the Director of Technical Services submitted a report concerning the progress of the exercise to integrate Education Special Needs and Social Work Transport. It was highlighted in the report that 41 special needs pupils in Lewis require special transport arrangements.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) the review of Education Special Needs and Social Work Transport arrangements be noted;

(2) the integration of these transport arrangements for a trial period from 17 April to 27 October 2000 be approved; and

(3) consideration be given to tenders submitted for supplementary contract XSY8, which was circulated to the Committee.

Stage and School Bus Services Annual Contract Price Review

E05

43

The Director of Technical Services submitted a report concerning the annual increase in contract prices to stage and school service operators under the terms and conditions of their individual contracts. It was indicated that a duty is imposed on the Comhairle to secure the provision of such public passenger transport services as it considers appropriate to meet public passenger requirements.

It was agreed to note the report.

PERFORMANCE REVIEW

Reports Outstanding: Progress

PR33.01.12

44

With reference to item 171 of the minute of meeting of 30 November 1999 the Director of Corporate Services submitted a report detailing 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 Finlay Morrison
	Mr Malcolm J Macleod	Mr Donald M Mackay
	Mr Iain Morrison	Mr Archibald K Campbell
	Mr Alexander A Macdonald	Mr David Blaney
	Mr Philip R McLean	Rev Donald A Macdonald
	Mr Donald I Nicholson	Mr Alan Smithyman
	Mr Norman M Macleod	Dr Alan J F Fraser

APOLOGIES	Mr Ian M Macleod
	Mr Roderick J Murray
	Rev Andrew W F Coghill

Tribute: Catriona Garbutt		The Chairman referred to Catriona Garbutt who had recently resigned as the Roman Catholic Church's representative on the Education Committee and, on behalf of the Committee, thanked Mrs Garbutt for her contribution to the Committee.
Tribute: IT Girls, Lionel School		The Chairman referred to a group of girls from Lionel School who had been successful in their Internet Company. The girls were the highest placed team in Scotland in the Pro-Share Portfolio Challenge Investment Competion and had won a place in the regional semi-finals and on behalf of the Committee, the Chairman congratulated the girls on their success.
Tribute: Nicolson Institute U-14 Basketball Team		The Chairman referred to the Nicolson Institute U-14 Basketball Team who had won the Scottish Championships and on behalf of the Committee, congratulated the Team on their sporting achievement.
Tribute: Sir E Scott School		The Chairman referred to Sir E Scott School Young Enterprise who had won the Young Enterprise award in the Western Isles for the fourth year running and, on behalf of the Committee, congratulated them on their award.
		MINUTES
Education Committee E02.01	18	The minute of meeting of 1 February 2000 was approved.
Education Sub-Committee E08.10	19	The minute of meeting of the Education Sub-Committee of 10 December 1999 was noted.
Education Sub-Committee E08.10	20	The minute of meeting of the Education Sub-Committee of 23 February 2000 was submitted. It was agreed to recommend approval of the recommendations at item 4 of the minute.
Lochs School Sub-Committee E08	21	The minute of meeting of the Lochs School Sub-Committee of 8 March 2000 was submitted. It was agreed to recommend approval of the recommendations at item 2 of the minute.
Secondary Education in Stornoway Review Working Group EO1.04.40	22	The minutes of meetings of 7 December 1999, 10 February 2000 and 15 March 2000 of the Secondary Education in Stornoway Review Working Group were noted.
Gaelic Development Sub-Committee PR03.05.22 Gaelic Development Sub-Committee PR03.05.22	23 24	The minute of meeting of the Gaelic Development Sub-Committee of 14 January 2000 was submitted. It was agreed to recommend approval of the recommendations at item 2 of the minute. The minute of meeting of the Gaelic Development Sub-Committee of 3 February 2000 was submitted. It was agreed to recommend approval of the recommendations at items 5, 6 and 8 of the minute.
School Board Appointments Committee E08.09	25	The minutes of meetings of the School Board Appointments Committee of: 20 January 2000 and 27 January 2000 were noted.
		BUILDINGS
Programme and Progress E03	26	With reference to item 9 of the minute of meeting of 1 February 2000 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.
School Electrical Upgrading Programme E03	27	With reference to item 133 of the minute of meeting of 5 October 1999 the Director of Technical Services submitted a report regarding the schools electrical upgrading programme for the next three years. The report outlined the background to this programme. It was agreed to recommend that the Schools electrical upgrading programme for the period 1 April 2000 - 31 March 2003 be as follows: (1) Stornoway Primary School Final Circuits - £90,000 (£30,000 per annum);
		(2) Emergency lighting and fire alarm upgrading - £45,000 (£15,000 per annum) in the following Schools: Sir E Scott Main Building (year 1) Sandwickhill (year 2) Aird (year 3) (3) in the event of any additional funds becoming available, the list at 3.1(b) be extended to include Airidhantuim and Pairc Schools (in that order); and (4) a budget allowance of £5,000 per annum be made for data cabling in accordance with the requirements of the Director of Education and Leisure Services.
		Mr Donald I Nicholson declared an interest in the following item and left the meeting during consideration of the item.
Schools Boiler Plant Replacement Programme E03	28	With reference to item 118 of the minute of meeting of 17 August 1999 the Director of Technical Services submitted a report concerning the schools boiler plant replacement programme for the next three years. The report indicated that there was a legal obligation on the Comhairle to maintain an appropriate level of temperature in all occupied premises. It was agreed to recommend that the Schools boiler plant replacement programme for the period 1 April 2000 - 31 March 2003 be as follows: £000 (1) Stornoway Primary 2000-2001 100 (2) Lochmaddy Primary 2001-2002 25 (3) Paible 2001-2002 70 (4) Lews Castle School 2002-2003 100 (5) Tolsta (part) 2002-2003 35 TOTAL 330
Schools Window Replacement Programme 2000-2001 E03	29	With reference to item 130 of the minute of meeting of 5 October 1999 the Director of Technical Services submitted a report concerning the Schools window replacement programme 2000-2001. It was indicated in the report that the Comhairle has a duty to ensure that all school premises are maintained in a wind and watertight condition. It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the whole financial provision for the schools window replacement programme 2000-2001 be expended on Balivanich Primary School; and (2) it be noted that the proposals for the 2001-2002 and 2002-2003 programmes be developed during the course of the year.
Schools Re-Roofing Programme 2000-2001 E03	30	The Director of Technical Services submitted a report concerning approval to proceed with re-roofing works as part of the 2000-2001 Capital Programme. The background to the matter was outlined in the report. It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the 2000-2001 Schools re-roofing programme should comprise remedial and renewal works at Sandwick and Scalpay Schools as outlined in the report; and (2) further proposals for the 2001-2002 and 2002-2003 programmes are developed and reported back to Committee later this year
Capitalised Maintenance Sgoil Lionacleit 2000-2003 E03	31	The Director of Technical Services submitted a report concerning the proposed priority allocation of items of work to be undertaken as a result of the decision to include Sgoil Lionacleit in the capital repairs programme. The background to the matter was outlined in the report. It was agreed to recommend that the schedule of works to be undertaken as set out in the table at item 2.1 of the report and as detailed in Appendix A during the financial years 2000-2003, be approved.
Inquiry by the Scottish Parliament into the Current State of School Buildings E02	32	The Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a report concerning the major inquiry launched by the Education, Culture and Sport Committee into the current state of school buildings and infrastructure. The report indicated that the Acting Director would submit written evidence in relation to schools in the Western Isles by 19 May 2000. Appended to the report was a letter from the Scottish Parliament and a document entitled "Schools Infrastructure Inquiry: Questions for Local Authorities". It was agreed to recommend that the following be noted: (1) the intention to respond to the Scottish Parliament's invitation to submit evidence in relation to the School Infrastructure Inquiry; and (2) the intention to seek approval to carry out preliminary design and cost works in liaison with the Technical Services Department financed from the 2000/2001 Capital Programme as detailed in item 31 below.
Rural Secondary School Improvements Capital Programme 2000-2003 E03	33	The Director of Technical Services submitted a report concerning the distribution of resources under the rural secondary school improvements Capital Programme 2000-2003. The projects referred to in the report were Castlebay School, Bayble School and Back School. In addition it was proposed to incorporate a £25,000 contingency to address preliminary works necessary to address issues raised by the Scottish Parliament inquiry. It was agreed to recommend that the distribution of the 2000-2003 Rural Secondary Schools Improvement Programme as detailed in the following table be approved. 2000/01 2001/2002 2002/2003 Castlebay 45 Bayble 105 130 10 Back 25 50 160 Contingency 25 TOTAL 200 180 170
Sandwick Hall and Recreation Enterprise: Lease of Ground Adjacent to Sandwick School E02.26	34	The Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a report concerning the proposal that, in principle, a decision be taken to lease land at Sandwick School to Sandwick Hall and Recreation Enterprise to enable them to build a new hall and community facility at Sandwick School. Appended to the report was a letter from the Sandwick Hall and Recreation Enterprise and a drawing of the area requested. It was agreed to recommend that 860 square metres of land adjacent to Sandwick School be leased, in principle, to Sandwick Hall and Recreation Enterprise to enable them to build a new hall and community facility adjacent to Sandwick School on terms to be determined by the Director of Corporate Services in consultation with the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services, despite the involvement of the local member with this organisation".
Brevig Old School E02.59	35	With reference to item 87 of the minute of meeting of 29 August 1995 the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a report regarding the latest position on the disposal of Brevig Old School and seeking the views of members. The report indicated that the Gatliffe Trust had withdrawn from the purchase of Brevig Old School. The Committee was informed that the title deeds to this property restricted its use to purposed of benefit to the local community as a whole and prohibited its use as a private residence or for commercial purposes. A letter expressing interest from Barra and Vatersay Housing Association was enclosed. It was agreed to recommend that disposal of the property should be deferred pending investigations by the Barra and Vatersay Housing Association into the site's suitability for housing and that a further report be submitted.
		EDUCATIONAL PROVISION
Possible Combination of The Nicolson Institute and Lews Castle School: Draft Consultation Document E01.04.40	36	With reference to item 168 of the minute of meeting of 30 November 1999 the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a report concerning the draft consultation document on the possible combining of The Nicolson Institute and Lews Castle School and progress by the Working Group set up to review secondary education provision in Stornoway. It was indicated that this latest draft had now been sent to Counsel for his opinion. A full report detailing that opinion and its potential implications would be placed before the next meeting. It was agreed to recommend that the arrangement of a special meeting of the Committee during the week beginning 15 May 2000 for the purpose of formally adopting the proposals as the basis on which to undertake statutory consultations on the possible combining of The Nicolson Institute and Lews Castle School be approved.
Revision of Catchment Area: Consultation on the Inclusion of Stoneybridge Primary in the Catchment Area for Sgoil Lionacleit E05	37	The Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a report concerning approval to conduct a statutory consultation exercise to determine whether Stoneybridge School be included in the catchment area for Sgoil Lionacleit. It was indicated in the report that as Stoneybridge School was situated between Sgoil Lionacleit and Daliburgh School the Education and Leisure Services Department annually received a large number of placing requests from parents who wished to send pupils direct to Sgoil Lionacleit at S1 stage. It was agreed to continue consideration of the matter pending the submission of the report on the full review of catchment areas in the Western Isles.
Daliburgh School: Standard Inspection Report E01.01.11	38	The Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a report concerning the results of a standard inspection by HM Inspectors at Daliburgh School, South Uist, in August/September 1999. The Standard Inspection Report on Daliburgh School was appended to the report. It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the report be noted; and (2) congratulations be conveyed to the Head Teacher and staff of the school in respect of the positive aspects of the report.
New Community Schools: Submission of Bid for Second Project E01	39	With reference to item 87 of the minute of meeting of 15 June 1999 the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a report concerning arrangements for the submission of an application for the second New Community School Project. An invitation had been received from the Scottish Executive Education Department to bid for a second New Community School Project and it was proposed that this be submitted by 30 September 2000 with a view to commencement on 1 April 2001. It was agreed to recommend that a submission for a New Community School Project based in Lewis be placed with the Scottish Executive Education Department by 30 September 2000 with a proposed commencement date of 1 April 2001.
Visit to Millennium Dome to Stage MacDonald's `Our Town Story': Request for Financial Assistance E07	40	The Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a report concerning a visit to the Millennium Dome by 80 pupils throughout the Western Isles to stage a project referred to as MacDonald's `Our Town Story' and to ask that consideration be given to the award of financial assistance to meet the projected shortfall in costs. The background to the matter was outlined in the report. It was agreed to recommend that £7,250 be contributed from Education (Schools Equipment Budget - Primary and Secondary).
		Mr Norman L Macdonald declared an interest in the following item and left the meeting during consideration of the item.
Pre-School Grant Funding 2000/2001 E01.02.06	41	With reference to item 141 of the minute of meeting of 6 October 1999 the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a report concerning the approval of the proposed 2000/2001 commissioned pre-school place rate and a proposed initial allocation of Scottish Executive 2000/2001 Rural Grant funding. Details of likely proposals for distribution of 2000/2001 Pre-School Development Grant and the proposed initial distribution of 2000/2001 Pre-School Rural Grant were appended to the report. It was agreed to recommend that: (1) a rate per full commissioned pre-school and 3 year old place of £1,160 for the 2000/2001 pre-school year, be approved; (2) the initial proposals for the distribution of an element of the Rural Pre-School grant as set out in Appendix 2, part 1, be approved; and (3) it be noted that final proposals for distribution of Development Grant, remaining Rural Grant funding and for any Pre-School Gaelic Grant funding will be submitted to members in May 2000.

		SUPPORT SERVICES
Integration of Education Special Needs and Social Work Transport E05	42	With reference to item 121 of the minute of meeting of 17 August 1999 the Director of Technical Services submitted a report concerning the progress of the exercise to integrate Education Special Needs and Social Work Transport. It was highlighted in the report that 41 special needs pupils in Lewis require special transport arrangements. It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the review of Education Special Needs and Social Work Transport arrangements be noted; (2) the integration of these transport arrangements for a trial period from 17 April to 27 October 2000 be approved; and (3) consideration be given to tenders submitted for supplementary contract XSY8, which was circulated to the Committee.
Stage and School Bus Services Annual Contract Price Review E05	43	The Director of Technical Services submitted a report concerning the annual increase in contract prices to stage and school service operators under the terms and conditions of their individual contracts. It was indicated that a duty is imposed on the Comhairle to secure the provision of such public passenger transport services as it considers appropriate to meet public passenger requirements. It was agreed to note the report.
		PERFORMANCE REVIEW
Reports Outstanding: Progress PR33.01.12	44	With reference to item 171 of the minute of meeting of 30 November 1999 the Director of Corporate Services submitted a report detailing reports outstanding arising from decisions of the Education Committee. It was agreed to note the report.