Med0009

COMHAIRLE NAN EILEAN SIAR

EDUCATION COMMITTEE

Minute of Meeting held in the Council Offices, Stornoway, on Friday 1 September 2000 at 2.00p.m.

PRESENT

Mrs Morag Munro (Vice-Chairman) (in the Chair)

Mr Malcolm J Macleod

Mr Donald M Mackay

Mr Iain Morrison

Mr Archibald K Campbell

Mr Ian M Macleod

Mr David Blaney

Mr Murdo Macleod

Rev Andrew Coghill

Mr Philip R McLean

Rev Donald A Macdonald

Mr Donald I Nicolson

Very Rev John A Galbraith

Mr Norman M Macleod

Mr Alan Smithyman

Mr Finlay Morrison

Dr Alan J F Fraser

APOLOGIES

Mr Norman L Macdonald (Chairman)

Mr Roderick J Murray

Mr Alexander A MacDonald

Prayer

The meeting was opened with prayer led by Mr Donald M Mackay.

Tribute:

Mr Norman L Macdonald

The Vice-Chairman referred to Mr Norman L Macdonald, Chairman of the committee, who had undergone major surgery. She reported that Mr Macdonald was making good progress and, on behalf of the committee extended best wishes to Mr Macdonald for a full and speedy recovery.

Welcome:

Very Rev John A Galbraith

The Vice-Chairman welcomed Very Rev John A Galbraith who had recently been appointed as representative of the interests of the Roman Catholic Church to his first meeting of the committee.

Tribute:

SQA Results

The Vice-Chairman, on behalf of the committee, expressed sympathy with the applicants for higher education places and pupils at the end of fifth year who had been placed in situations of uncertainty as a result of internal problems of the Scottish Qualifications Authority.

The Vice-Chairman referred to the work undertaken by senior management and all teaching staff at presenting centres in the Western Isles who had given up part of their holiday to assist the SQA in processing of results and by resubmitting essential data and for making themselves available to meet with pupils who were seeking advice and, on behalf of the committee, expressed appreciation for all their efforts.

Tribute:

Trinitarian Bible Society

The Vice-Chairman intimated that the Trinitarian Bible Society had donated 1000 copies of the Authorised Version of the Bible as part of the Comhairle's Millennium Gift for pupils and, on behalf of the committee, extended thanks to the Society for its generosity.

Tribute:

Mr Alasdair Dunlop

The Vice-Chairman referred to Mr Alasdair Dunlop, Principal Teacher of Physical Education at The Nicolson Institute, who had gained first place in the 800 metre and 1500 metre events and had been a member of the successful British 4x400m relay team at the European Veterans Athletics Championships and, on behalf of the committee, extended congratulations to Mr Dunlop on his successes.

MINUTES

Education Committee C02.01

66

The Minute of Meeting of the Education Committee of 30 May 2000 was approved.

Education Sub-Committee

E08.10

67

The Minute of Meeting of the Education Sub-Committee of 29 June 2000 was noted.

Joint Consultative Committee: Teaching Staff

E08.05

68

The Minute of Meeting of the Joint Consultative Committee: Teaching Staff of 29 September 1999 was noted.

Secondary Education in Stornoway Review Working Group E01.04.40

69

The Minute of Meeting of the Secondary Education in Stornoway Review Working Group of 22 May 2000 was noted.

Lochs School Sub-Committee E08

70

The Minute of Meeting of the Lochs School Sub-Committee of 1 June 2000 was noted.

Appeals Committee (School Placings) E08.01

71

The Minute of Meeting of the Appeal Committee (School Placings) of 22 June 2000 was noted.

School Board Appointments Committee E08.09

72

The Minutes of Meetings of the School Board Appointments Committee of: 23 March 2000, 6 June 2000, 26 June 2000 and 10 August 2000 were noted.

FINANCE

Non-Housing Capital Monitoring: 1 April 2000 to 30 June 2000

73

With reference to item 6 of the minute of meeting of 1 February 2000, the Director of Finance submitted a report regarding the programme of capital expenditure for the period 2000/2001 to 2002/2003 for all services except the Housing Revenue Account. The report detailed the approved expenditure and actual and committed expenditure as at 30 June 2000 for each service. It was indicated that the forecast net expenditure in 2000/2001 was £15,465,000, which compared with the initial approved programme of £15,570,000. Details of the forecast out-turn against specific projects were appended to the report. An outline of variations proposed was set out in the report.

It was agreed to recommend, for the committee's interest, that:

(1) the forecast out-turn be approved as the revised approved capital programme for 2000/2001;

(2) £168,000 be accelerated into the revised approved programme for 2000/2001 for Education in respect of work on the Crush Hall and west wing at The Nicolson Institute;

(3) £37,000 be included in the programme for Safer Routes to School following specific section 94 consent being made available;

(4) net expenditure of £34,000 for St Brendan's kitchen improvements be transferred from the conditional list to the capital programme;

(5) net expenditure of £105,000 for Dun Eisdean Dementia Unit be transferred from the reserve list of projects to the capital programme on the basis of funding from slippage within the programme;

(6) an additional sum of £50,000 be included in the capital programme, funded from slippage, to meet the expected additional costs of the Home Care Information System;

(7) the Balivanich Community Regeneration expenditure of £234,000 be included in the capital programme on confirmation of additional consent being awarded;

(8) an overspend of £134,000 in respect of rock royalties for the Eriskay Causeway be included in the capital programme in 2001/2002 on the basis of funding from slippage;

(9) net expenditure of £35,000 for the Ard ma Ruibh waiting room be transferred from the conditional list of projects to the capital programme;

(10) the guarantee for An Lanntair in respect of the arts centre in Stornoway be removed from the capital programme;

(11) net expenditure of £250,000 in respect of the Leverburgh Basin and Breakwater be transferred from the conditional list to the capital programme;

(12) expenditure of £30,000 in respect of the Tarbert Village improvements be transferred from the conditional list to the capital programme; and

(13) the Director of Finance be authorised to seek to obtain £1,000,000 additional section 94 consent in 2000/2001, to be repaid in 2001/2002 or 2002/2003.

First Quarter Revenue Monitoring

74

With reference to item 50 of the minute of meeting of 30 May 2000, the Director of Finance submitted a report detailing the income and revenue expenditure incurred for the Comhairle's services, including the Housing Revenue Account, for the three months ended 30 June 2000, The report compared such income and expenditure with the revenue estimates of income and expenditure.

It was agreed to note the report.

Carry Forward of Revenue Budgets from the 1999/2000 Financial Year for the 2000/01 Financial Year. E01

75

With reference to item 50 of the Minute of Meeting of 31 May 2000 the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning proposals for allocating a surplus carry forward of Revenue Budgets for the 1999/2000 financial year to the 2000/2001 financial year. The underspend was identified in the sum of £83,580 in the 1999/2000 financial year. The Report indicated that the figure included a schools carry forward under devolved schools management of sum £30,000. After an allocation of the schools carry forward the Education Committee would have a net residual underspend of £53,000 to supplement the 2000/2001 initial budgets. The Report set out a proposed allocation of the residual underspend.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) the underspend of £83,000 from the 1999/2000 Financial Year to the 2000/2001 financial year be noted as a carry forward;

(2) the allocation of the sum of £30,000 to direct school budgets under DSM procedures be noted; and

(3) the allocation of the remaining carry forward balance to:

Millennium Bibles - £21,000,

Schools Extra Circular Travel - £12,000,

Trip to Millennium Dome - £15,000,

Staff Training - £5,000, be approved.

BUILDINGS

Capital Works: Programme and Progress

E03

76

With reference to item 52 of the Minute of Meeting of 31 May 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.

Repairs and Maintenance (Revenue) Programme 2000/2001: Quarterly Expenditure Report to 30 June 2000

E03

77

With reference to item 10 of the Minute of Meeting of 1 February 2000 the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning the situation in respect of expenditure on the Repairs and Maintenance of properties held on the Education Account, to the end of the first quarter of the current financial year.

It was agreed to:

(1) note the Report; and

(2) note that further Reports on the Repairs and Maintenance of properties held on the Education account would continue to be placed before the Committee at quarterly intervals.

Coastal Erosion at Lionaclete E07

78

With reference to item 54 of the Minute of Meeting of 31 May 2000 the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning the extent of coastal erosion along the coastline South and East of Lionaclete School, Benbecula. The Report referred to a study carried out in 1985 by Ian White Associates on Lionaclete Dunes. The study provided information on the processes affecting the integrity of the dunes and measures to control them. The Report indicated that following concerns raised by Members at the last meeting of the Committee and by the community consideration should be given to commissioning an update of the Report. The Report indicated that the individuals who had prepared the original Report were still retained by Iain White Associates and the fee would be not more than £1,250.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) Technical Services: Consultancy continue to monitor the dunes and coastline and report on an annual basis; and

(2) Ian White Associates be commissioned to provide a Report to the Comhairle giving erosion predictions and recommendations on measure which may be adopted to manage the dunes/machair area on the understanding that the consultants would liaise with local residents having knowledge of conditions in the area.

Schools Roofing Replacement

E03

79

With reference to item 5 of the Minute of Meeting of 1 February 2000 the Director of Technical Serviced submitted a Report concerning the proposed roofing replacement to the Schools for the forthcoming three years from the Capital Programme. The Report indicated that the financial implications were approximately £60,000 per annum in line with the Capital Programme under the Schools Roofing Replacement heading for 2000/2001, 2001/2002 and 2002/2003. The Report indicated that the programme for a more effective and long lasting solution to roofing repairs had been prepared based in the information recently collated following the Scottish Parliamentary enquiry into the condition of School Buildings. A priority list was enclosed.

It was agreed that the priority list for Roofing Replacement at Schools for the financial years 2000/2001, 2001/2002 and 2002/2003, as enclosed with the Report by the Director of Technical Services be approved.

School Window Replacement

80

With reference to item 5 of the Minute of Meeting of 1 February 2000 the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning the proposed window replacement to schools for the forthcoming three years from the Capital Programme. The Report indicated that the financial implications were approximately £50,000 per annum in line with the Capital Programme under the Window Replacement at Schools heading for 2000/2001, 2001/2002 and 2002/2003. The Report indicated that a programme had been prepared to give a greater impact in raising the standard of existing school premises based on the information recently collated following the Scottish Parliamentary enquiry into the condition of school buildings.

It was agreed to recommend that the priority list for window replacement at schools for the financial years 2000/2001, 2001/2002 and 2002/2003, as enclosed with the Report by the Director of Technical Services be approved.

Arising out of consideration of this matter, it was agreed that a report on the options for Balivanich Primary School be submitted to an early meeting of the committee.

Playing Fields at Iochdar School: Request for Land

E02.53

81

With reference to item 84 of the Minute of Meeting of 15 June 1999 the Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report concerning the position in relation to the shared use of the changing room facilities in relation to the lease of ground adjacent to Iochdar School to Sgoil and Iochdair agus a' Choimhearsnachd. The Report indicated that following their own discussions Sgoil and Iochdair agus a' Choimhearsnachd had indicated that it was in everyone's best interest to have separate changing facilities for the project. They had also requested to length of the lease to be extended to 75 years in order to facilitate their application to certain funding bodies.

It was agreed to recommend that the terms of the lease to be issues to Sgoil and Iochdair agus a' Choimhearsnachd be extended to 75 years at a nominal rent and on such other terms and conditions as the Director of Corporate Services in consultation with the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services shall determine subject always to:

(1) the association having the necessary funding package in place;

(2) the consent of the Scottish Ministers being obtained to the lease of these subjects at less than the market value; and

(3) that it be noted that it is no longer intended to have shared changing room facilities in relation to these subject.

Site for Community Hall/Sports Centre at Lionaclete School - Proposed Amendment to Area to be Leased

E02.01

82

With reference to item 16 of the Minute of Meeting of 30 January 1996 the Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report concerning an application from Ness Sports and Recreation Association to amend the area of land which the Comhairle has previously agreed to lease within the curtilage of Lionel School for the purpose of establishing a Sports Centre. The Report indicated that the project had now developed further and it was proposed, rather than locating the Sports Centre, as originally anticipated, to construct a Sports Centre/Community Hall which would be physically joined to the existing School premises as shown in the plan enclosed at Appendix 1 of the Report. The Report indicated that as the Head Teacher would have full control over the whole premises during school hours he had indicated that he was fully supportive of the proposals, subject to an agreement being reached as to the detailed arrangements for access and control as had the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services.

It was agreed to recommend that the area of land shown on the plan, enclosed at appendix 1 of the Report by the Director of Corporate Services, extending to 1,660 square metres within the curtilage of Lionel School be leased to Ness Sports and Recreation Association for the construction of a Community Hall/Sports Centre at a nominal rent for a period of 25 years , subject to the consent of the Scottish Ministers being obtained, and subject to such other terms and conditions as the Director of Corporate Service, in consultation with the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services, shall deem appropriate, including without prejudice to foregoing generality such terms and conditions as shall ensure that the Head Teacher of Lionel School has control of the whole premises within school hours.

It was agreed that, in accordance with the provision of Schedule 7A of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, that the press and public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following item on the grounds defined in Standing Order 26(f), namely, that exempt information relating to the financial and business affairs of particular persons other than the Comhairle would be disclosed.

Former School at Galson, Isle of Lewis

E02.03

83

With reference to item 56 of the Minute of Meeting of 31 May 2000 the Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report concerning the disposal of the former school at Galson, Isle of Lewis. The Report gave details of the offers which had been received together with the price range and the proposed usage. The Report also indicated that an expression of interest had been received from Airidhantuim Community Council to develop the subjects for a community use. A copy of the letter from the Community Council was enclosed with the report.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) as the offers ranged from £100 - £500 that there would, therefore, be no substantial capital receipt to the Comhairle;

(2) the Director of Corporate Services, in consultation with the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services, be authorised to enter into discussions with Airidhantuim Community Council in relation to their proposal for the site and that a further report be submitted to the Committee when more details of these proposals were available.

The Vice-Chairman, having declared an interest, left the meeting during consideration of the following item.

It was agreed to appoint Mr Archibald K Campbell as Chairman of the meeting during consideration of the folowing item.

Site for New Build of Community Sports and Leisure Centre, Tarbert, Isle of Harris - Amendment to Area of Ground to be Leased

E02.37

84

With reference to item 33 of the Minute of Meeting of 12 March 1996 the Director of Corporate Service and the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a joint Report concerning an application from Harris Voluntary Services to amend the area of land which the Comhairle had previously agreed to lease, adjacent to Sir E Scott School, Tarbert for the purposes of erecting a new Community Sports and Leisure Centre. The Report indicated that the original plan had required to be amended due to other developments in the vicinity, namely the construction of a bus turning area as part of Tarbert's Traffic Management System. A fresh site plan was displayed at the meeting.

It was agreed to recommend that the revised area of land shown on the plan displayed at the meeting be leased to Harris Voluntary Services for the erection of a new Community Sports and Leisure Centre on the basis of the recommendation previously agreed and subject to the Comhairle obtaining the Scottish Minister's consent to leasing the subjects for an amount less than the market value.

The Committee unanimously agreed, in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 17 of the Scheme of Administration, that the Committee determine the above recommendation on behalf of the Comhairle, under delegated powers, in light of the need to have the matter dealt with to enable the organisation to submit an application for funding by a deadline which fell prior to the next meeting of the Comhairle, on the basis that the recommendation was not contentious and did not breach a major policy position of the Comhairle.

Tolsta School House: Lease of Premises to Local Playground and Historical Society

E02

85

The Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning the lease of the Tolsta School House to the North Tolsta Rag Dolls for pre-school use and of the attached garage to the Tolsta Comunn Eachdraidh to enable them to adapt it was a base for storing their materials. The Report indicated that the Tolsta Playgroup, North Tolsta Rag Dolls, currently use the School House and that the Comunn Eachdraidh had requested a lease of the attached garage as a base which they may adapt for storage of their artefacts. Correspondence from both groups was enclosed with the Report and it was proposed that a lease be drawn up to enable the properties to be used and developed by the respective bodies.

It was agreed to recommend that it be agreed, in principle to lease:

(1) the domestic accommodation within the North Tolsta School House property to the North Tolsta Playgroup; and

(2) the garage portion of the North Tolsta School House property to the North Tolsta Comunn Eachdraidh.

Tolsta School Hall: Request for Lease of Land by Tolsta Community Council

E02

86

The Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning the lease of an area of land as described in appendix A of the Report to Tolsta Community Council to enable them to build an extension to the school hall for use as a base for community activities. The Report indicated that Tolsta Community Council had requested an area of land forming a part of the curtilage of the School Hall to be leased to them to enable them to build an extension to the hall which would be retained within their ownership. The Report further indicated that the two sectors of the building would, effectively, be under different control. The Director of Technical Services had approved the concept and the plan as enclosed with the Report.

It was agreed to recommend that a lease of 137 square metres of land forming part of the curtilage of Tolsta School Hall be granted to the Tolsta Community Council for a period of 75 years on terms to be determined by the Director of Corporate Services and the Director of Education and Leisure Services.

Sir E Scott School - Refurbishment Project

E03

87

The Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning the formation of the Member/Officer Working Group to monitor the refurbishment project for Sir E Scott School. The Report indicated that given both the scale of the works and their projected timescale for completion it was recommended that a working group should be formed. The proposed membership was outlined together with the proposed remit.

It was agreed to recommend that a Member/Officer Working Group should be established to monitor the design and construction phases of the refurbishment programme at Sir E Scott School and to report to the Committee as appropriate with the membership of the Group to be as follows:

Chairman of Education Committee;

Vice-Chairman of Education Committee;

Comhairle Member for Harris East;

Head Teacher at Sir E Scott School;

Education and Leisure Services Department representative; and

Technical Services Department representative.

EDUCATIONAL PROVISION

Improving our Schools: Consultation on National Priorities for School Education in Scotland

E01

88

The Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report giving a description of the consultation paper on National Priorities for Schools Education in Scotland and enclosing a draft paper of comments, for approval, or amendment, to be submitted to the Scottish Executive Education Department by 31 August 2000. The Report indicated that the standards in Scotland's Schools etc Bill was presented to the Scottish Parliament in January 2000 and if approved would become law in autumn 2000. The Scottish Executive had issued a consultation paper on National Priorities for School Education in Scotland in order to seek views on the implementation of that new statutory framework. The draft response on the consultation paper was enclosed with the Report.

It was agreed to recommend that the draft response to the consultation paper on National Priorities for Schools Education in Scotland, as set out in Section 7 of the Report by the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services be approved for submission to the Scottish Executive Education Department.

Application for New Community School Project: Lewis Cluster E01

89

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 an application for a new Community School Project: Lewis Cluster. It was noted that it was intended to build on the experience of the Lionacleit Cluster and to develop an different concept incorporating all schools in Lewis and Harris. Details of the proposal were set out in the report. It was stated that it was intended to bid for funding for a post of Integration Manager to manage the New Community School Project, together with a number of Full Service Co-ordinators. It was proposed that project would be based primarily in Lewis in the first year and would extend into Harris from year 2.

It was agreed to recommend approval of the model for the New Community School Project: Lewis Cluster set out in the Report by the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services a the basis of the application to the Scottish Executive, subject to the inclusion of Harris schools in the first year of the project as far as was practicable.

Review of Educational Provision: Point Area

E02.10

90

With reference to item 90 of the Minute of Meeting of 29 August 1995 the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning a proposed policy development, determining the future education provision in the Point area of Lewis be based on centralisation within Bayble School, following the undertaking of statutory consultation and thereafter the upgrading of Bayble School to a standard equitable with the existing policy of the erection of a new school on the green field site. The Report referred to the results of the Point community appraisal and also to the holding of meetings with the Community Council and the School Board. The Report proposed that rationalisation of education provision in the Point area of Lewis now be the subject of policy planning based on the upgrading of Bayble School to a standard equitable with that achievable on a new site and that, in due course, statutory consultations on this basis be undertaken.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) the policy for future education provision in the Point area be established on the basis of centralisation within Bayble School following the upgrading of the school to a standard equitable with new site provision; and

(2) consultations be undertaken with the School Board and the parents of the children attending Aird and Knock Schools on the basis of the closure of both schools and the transfer of the pupils to an upgraded Bayble School.

TEACHING STAFF

It was agreed that, in accordance with the provisions of Schedule 7A of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, the press and public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following item on the grounds defined in Standing Order 26(a), namely, that exempt information relating to a particular applicant to be an employee of the Comhairle would be disclosed.

Appointment to a Teaching Post E06

91

The Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning an applicant ACM, to become and employee of the Comhairle to a teaching post in the Nicolson Institute. The Report indicated that as the applicant was related to a member of staff at the Nicolson Institute the appointment required the approval of the Education Committee.

It was agreed to recommend that applicant ACM be appointed to a teaching post in the Nicolson Institute.

RELATED MATTERS

Education and Leisure Services Department: Service Plan 2000-2003

C07

92

With reference to item 61 of the Minute of Meeting of 31 May 2000 the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning the Education and Leisure Services Department Service Plan for 2000 - 2003. The Service Plan was appended to the Report. The Report indicated that with effect from 2000, the format of the plan had been rationalised providing, for use of reference articulation with the structure set out in the Comhairle's budget book. To this had been added the Key Tasks and the Capital Plan.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) the Education and Leisure Services Department Service Plan for 2000 - 2003 be noted; and

(2) the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services take into account all the comments made a the meeting, in implementing the plan.

Road Safety: 20mph Speed Limits at Schools

E07

93

With reference to item 55 of the Minute of Meeting of 31 May 2000 the Director of Technical Service submitted a Report concerning the guidelines which need to be met prior to the imposition of a 20mph speed limit adjacent to schools. The Report indicated that as part of the traffic management schemes for schools 20mph speed limits were proposed to some schools, if appropriate at the meeting of the Committee in May 2000 Members requested further details on the guidelines for the introduction of 20mph speed limits. Details of the guidelines were outlined in the Report. It was concluded that the road adjacent to each school should be assessed in line with the guidelines and a 20mph speed limit should only be applied where appropriate speed reducing measures can be applied.

It was agreed to continue consideration of the matter to the next meeting of the committee pending the submission of a more detailed Report.

PERFORMANCE REVIEW

Reports Outstanding: Progress PR33.01.12

94

With reference to item 65 of the Minute of Meeting of 31 May 2000 the Director of Corporate Service submitted a Report detailing reports outstanding arising from decisions of the Education Committee.

It was agreed to note the Report.

___


PRESENT	Mrs Morag Munro (Vice-Chairman) (in the Chair)
	Mr Malcolm J Macleod	Mr Donald M Mackay
	Mr Iain Morrison	Mr Archibald K Campbell
	Mr Ian M Macleod	Mr David Blaney
	Mr Murdo Macleod	Rev Andrew Coghill
	Mr Philip R McLean	Rev Donald A Macdonald
	Mr Donald I Nicolson	Very Rev John A Galbraith
	Mr Norman M Macleod	Mr Alan Smithyman
	Mr Finlay Morrison	Dr Alan J F Fraser

APOLOGIES	Mr Norman L Macdonald (Chairman)	Mr Roderick J Murray
	Mr Alexander A MacDonald

Prayer		The meeting was opened with prayer led by Mr Donald M Mackay.
Tribute: Mr Norman L Macdonald		The Vice-Chairman referred to Mr Norman L Macdonald, Chairman of the committee, who had undergone major surgery. She reported that Mr Macdonald was making good progress and, on behalf of the committee extended best wishes to Mr Macdonald for a full and speedy recovery.
Welcome: Very Rev John A Galbraith		The Vice-Chairman welcomed Very Rev John A Galbraith who had recently been appointed as representative of the interests of the Roman Catholic Church to his first meeting of the committee.
Tribute: SQA Results		The Vice-Chairman, on behalf of the committee, expressed sympathy with the applicants for higher education places and pupils at the end of fifth year who had been placed in situations of uncertainty as a result of internal problems of the Scottish Qualifications Authority. The Vice-Chairman referred to the work undertaken by senior management and all teaching staff at presenting centres in the Western Isles who had given up part of their holiday to assist the SQA in processing of results and by resubmitting essential data and for making themselves available to meet with pupils who were seeking advice and, on behalf of the committee, expressed appreciation for all their efforts.
Tribute: Trinitarian Bible Society		The Vice-Chairman intimated that the Trinitarian Bible Society had donated 1000 copies of the Authorised Version of the Bible as part of the Comhairle's Millennium Gift for pupils and, on behalf of the committee, extended thanks to the Society for its generosity.
Tribute: Mr Alasdair Dunlop		The Vice-Chairman referred to Mr Alasdair Dunlop, Principal Teacher of Physical Education at The Nicolson Institute, who had gained first place in the 800 metre and 1500 metre events and had been a member of the successful British 4x400m relay team at the European Veterans Athletics Championships and, on behalf of the committee, extended congratulations to Mr Dunlop on his successes.
		MINUTES
Education Committee C02.01	66	The Minute of Meeting of the Education Committee of 30 May 2000 was approved.
Education Sub-Committee E08.10	67	The Minute of Meeting of the Education Sub-Committee of 29 June 2000 was noted.
Joint Consultative Committee: Teaching Staff E08.05	68	The Minute of Meeting of the Joint Consultative Committee: Teaching Staff of 29 September 1999 was noted.
Secondary Education in Stornoway Review Working Group E01.04.40	69	The Minute of Meeting of the Secondary Education in Stornoway Review Working Group of 22 May 2000 was noted.
Lochs School Sub-Committee E08	70	The Minute of Meeting of the Lochs School Sub-Committee of 1 June 2000 was noted.
Appeals Committee (School Placings) E08.01	71	The Minute of Meeting of the Appeal Committee (School Placings) of 22 June 2000 was noted.
School Board Appointments Committee E08.09	72	The Minutes of Meetings of the School Board Appointments Committee of: 23 March 2000, 6 June 2000, 26 June 2000 and 10 August 2000 were noted.
		FINANCE
Non-Housing Capital Monitoring: 1 April 2000 to 30 June 2000	73	With reference to item 6 of the minute of meeting of 1 February 2000, the Director of Finance submitted a report regarding the programme of capital expenditure for the period 2000/2001 to 2002/2003 for all services except the Housing Revenue Account. The report detailed the approved expenditure and actual and committed expenditure as at 30 June 2000 for each service. It was indicated that the forecast net expenditure in 2000/2001 was £15,465,000, which compared with the initial approved programme of £15,570,000. Details of the forecast out-turn against specific projects were appended to the report. An outline of variations proposed was set out in the report.
		It was agreed to recommend, for the committee's interest, that: (1) the forecast out-turn be approved as the revised approved capital programme for 2000/2001; (2) £168,000 be accelerated into the revised approved programme for 2000/2001 for Education in respect of work on the Crush Hall and west wing at The Nicolson Institute; (3) £37,000 be included in the programme for Safer Routes to School following specific section 94 consent being made available; (4) net expenditure of £34,000 for St Brendan's kitchen improvements be transferred from the conditional list to the capital programme; (5) net expenditure of £105,000 for Dun Eisdean Dementia Unit be transferred from the reserve list of projects to the capital programme on the basis of funding from slippage within the programme; (6) an additional sum of £50,000 be included in the capital programme, funded from slippage, to meet the expected additional costs of the Home Care Information System; (7) the Balivanich Community Regeneration expenditure of £234,000 be included in the capital programme on confirmation of additional consent being awarded; (8) an overspend of £134,000 in respect of rock royalties for the Eriskay Causeway be included in the capital programme in 2001/2002 on the basis of funding from slippage; (9) net expenditure of £35,000 for the Ard ma Ruibh waiting room be transferred from the conditional list of projects to the capital programme; (10) the guarantee for An Lanntair in respect of the arts centre in Stornoway be removed from the capital programme; (11) net expenditure of £250,000 in respect of the Leverburgh Basin and Breakwater be transferred from the conditional list to the capital programme; (12) expenditure of £30,000 in respect of the Tarbert Village improvements be transferred from the conditional list to the capital programme; and (13) the Director of Finance be authorised to seek to obtain £1,000,000 additional section 94 consent in 2000/2001, to be repaid in 2001/2002 or 2002/2003.
First Quarter Revenue Monitoring	74	With reference to item 50 of the minute of meeting of 30 May 2000, the Director of Finance submitted a report detailing the income and revenue expenditure incurred for the Comhairle's services, including the Housing Revenue Account, for the three months ended 30 June 2000, The report compared such income and expenditure with the revenue estimates of income and expenditure. It was agreed to note the report.
Carry Forward of Revenue Budgets from the 1999/2000 Financial Year for the 2000/01 Financial Year. E01	75	With reference to item 50 of the Minute of Meeting of 31 May 2000 the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning proposals for allocating a surplus carry forward of Revenue Budgets for the 1999/2000 financial year to the 2000/2001 financial year. The underspend was identified in the sum of £83,580 in the 1999/2000 financial year. The Report indicated that the figure included a schools carry forward under devolved schools management of sum £30,000. After an allocation of the schools carry forward the Education Committee would have a net residual underspend of £53,000 to supplement the 2000/2001 initial budgets. The Report set out a proposed allocation of the residual underspend. It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the underspend of £83,000 from the 1999/2000 Financial Year to the 2000/2001 financial year be noted as a carry forward; (2) the allocation of the sum of £30,000 to direct school budgets under DSM procedures be noted; and (3) the allocation of the remaining carry forward balance to: Millennium Bibles - £21,000, Schools Extra Circular Travel - £12,000, Trip to Millennium Dome - £15,000, Staff Training - £5,000, be approved.
		BUILDINGS
Capital Works: Programme and Progress E03	76	With reference to item 52 of the Minute of Meeting of 31 May 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.
Repairs and Maintenance (Revenue) Programme 2000/2001: Quarterly Expenditure Report to 30 June 2000 E03	77	With reference to item 10 of the Minute of Meeting of 1 February 2000 the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning the situation in respect of expenditure on the Repairs and Maintenance of properties held on the Education Account, to the end of the first quarter of the current financial year. It was agreed to: (1) note the Report; and (2) note that further Reports on the Repairs and Maintenance of properties held on the Education account would continue to be placed before the Committee at quarterly intervals.
Coastal Erosion at Lionaclete E07	78	With reference to item 54 of the Minute of Meeting of 31 May 2000 the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning the extent of coastal erosion along the coastline South and East of Lionaclete School, Benbecula. The Report referred to a study carried out in 1985 by Ian White Associates on Lionaclete Dunes. The study provided information on the processes affecting the integrity of the dunes and measures to control them. The Report indicated that following concerns raised by Members at the last meeting of the Committee and by the community consideration should be given to commissioning an update of the Report. The Report indicated that the individuals who had prepared the original Report were still retained by Iain White Associates and the fee would be not more than £1,250. It was agreed to recommend that: (1) Technical Services: Consultancy continue to monitor the dunes and coastline and report on an annual basis; and (2) Ian White Associates be commissioned to provide a Report to the Comhairle giving erosion predictions and recommendations on measure which may be adopted to manage the dunes/machair area on the understanding that the consultants would liaise with local residents having knowledge of conditions in the area.
Schools Roofing Replacement E03	79	With reference to item 5 of the Minute of Meeting of 1 February 2000 the Director of Technical Serviced submitted a Report concerning the proposed roofing replacement to the Schools for the forthcoming three years from the Capital Programme. The Report indicated that the financial implications were approximately £60,000 per annum in line with the Capital Programme under the Schools Roofing Replacement heading for 2000/2001, 2001/2002 and 2002/2003. The Report indicated that the programme for a more effective and long lasting solution to roofing repairs had been prepared based in the information recently collated following the Scottish Parliamentary enquiry into the condition of School Buildings. A priority list was enclosed. It was agreed that the priority list for Roofing Replacement at Schools for the financial years 2000/2001, 2001/2002 and 2002/2003, as enclosed with the Report by the Director of Technical Services be approved.
School Window Replacement	80	With reference to item 5 of the Minute of Meeting of 1 February 2000 the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning the proposed window replacement to schools for the forthcoming three years from the Capital Programme. The Report indicated that the financial implications were approximately £50,000 per annum in line with the Capital Programme under the Window Replacement at Schools heading for 2000/2001, 2001/2002 and 2002/2003. The Report indicated that a programme had been prepared to give a greater impact in raising the standard of existing school premises based on the information recently collated following the Scottish Parliamentary enquiry into the condition of school buildings. It was agreed to recommend that the priority list for window replacement at schools for the financial years 2000/2001, 2001/2002 and 2002/2003, as enclosed with the Report by the Director of Technical Services be approved. Arising out of consideration of this matter, it was agreed that a report on the options for Balivanich Primary School be submitted to an early meeting of the committee.
Playing Fields at Iochdar School: Request for Land E02.53	81	With reference to item 84 of the Minute of Meeting of 15 June 1999 the Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report concerning the position in relation to the shared use of the changing room facilities in relation to the lease of ground adjacent to Iochdar School to Sgoil and Iochdair agus a' Choimhearsnachd. The Report indicated that following their own discussions Sgoil and Iochdair agus a' Choimhearsnachd had indicated that it was in everyone's best interest to have separate changing facilities for the project. They had also requested to length of the lease to be extended to 75 years in order to facilitate their application to certain funding bodies. It was agreed to recommend that the terms of the lease to be issues to Sgoil and Iochdair agus a' Choimhearsnachd be extended to 75 years at a nominal rent and on such other terms and conditions as the Director of Corporate Services in consultation with the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services shall determine subject always to: (1) the association having the necessary funding package in place; (2) the consent of the Scottish Ministers being obtained to the lease of these subjects at less than the market value; and (3) that it be noted that it is no longer intended to have shared changing room facilities in relation to these subject.
Site for Community Hall/Sports Centre at Lionaclete School - Proposed Amendment to Area to be Leased E02.01	82	With reference to item 16 of the Minute of Meeting of 30 January 1996 the Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report concerning an application from Ness Sports and Recreation Association to amend the area of land which the Comhairle has previously agreed to lease within the curtilage of Lionel School for the purpose of establishing a Sports Centre. The Report indicated that the project had now developed further and it was proposed, rather than locating the Sports Centre, as originally anticipated, to construct a Sports Centre/Community Hall which would be physically joined to the existing School premises as shown in the plan enclosed at Appendix 1 of the Report. The Report indicated that as the Head Teacher would have full control over the whole premises during school hours he had indicated that he was fully supportive of the proposals, subject to an agreement being reached as to the detailed arrangements for access and control as had the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services.
		It was agreed to recommend that the area of land shown on the plan, enclosed at appendix 1 of the Report by the Director of Corporate Services, extending to 1,660 square metres within the curtilage of Lionel School be leased to Ness Sports and Recreation Association for the construction of a Community Hall/Sports Centre at a nominal rent for a period of 25 years , subject to the consent of the Scottish Ministers being obtained, and subject to such other terms and conditions as the Director of Corporate Service, in consultation with the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services, shall deem appropriate, including without prejudice to foregoing generality such terms and conditions as shall ensure that the Head Teacher of Lionel School has control of the whole premises within school hours.
		It was agreed that, in accordance with the provision of Schedule 7A of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, that the press and public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following item on the grounds defined in Standing Order 26(f), namely, that exempt information relating to the financial and business affairs of particular persons other than the Comhairle would be disclosed.
Former School at Galson, Isle of Lewis E02.03	83	With reference to item 56 of the Minute of Meeting of 31 May 2000 the Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report concerning the disposal of the former school at Galson, Isle of Lewis. The Report gave details of the offers which had been received together with the price range and the proposed usage. The Report also indicated that an expression of interest had been received from Airidhantuim Community Council to develop the subjects for a community use. A copy of the letter from the Community Council was enclosed with the report. It was agreed to recommend that: (1) as the offers ranged from £100 - £500 that there would, therefore, be no substantial capital receipt to the Comhairle; (2) the Director of Corporate Services, in consultation with the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services, be authorised to enter into discussions with Airidhantuim Community Council in relation to their proposal for the site and that a further report be submitted to the Committee when more details of these proposals were available.
		The Vice-Chairman, having declared an interest, left the meeting during consideration of the following item. It was agreed to appoint Mr Archibald K Campbell as Chairman of the meeting during consideration of the folowing item.
Site for New Build of Community Sports and Leisure Centre, Tarbert, Isle of Harris - Amendment to Area of Ground to be Leased E02.37	84	With reference to item 33 of the Minute of Meeting of 12 March 1996 the Director of Corporate Service and the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a joint Report concerning an application from Harris Voluntary Services to amend the area of land which the Comhairle had previously agreed to lease, adjacent to Sir E Scott School, Tarbert for the purposes of erecting a new Community Sports and Leisure Centre. The Report indicated that the original plan had required to be amended due to other developments in the vicinity, namely the construction of a bus turning area as part of Tarbert's Traffic Management System. A fresh site plan was displayed at the meeting. It was agreed to recommend that the revised area of land shown on the plan displayed at the meeting be leased to Harris Voluntary Services for the erection of a new Community Sports and Leisure Centre on the basis of the recommendation previously agreed and subject to the Comhairle obtaining the Scottish Minister's consent to leasing the subjects for an amount less than the market value.
		The Committee unanimously agreed, in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 17 of the Scheme of Administration, that the Committee determine the above recommendation on behalf of the Comhairle, under delegated powers, in light of the need to have the matter dealt with to enable the organisation to submit an application for funding by a deadline which fell prior to the next meeting of the Comhairle, on the basis that the recommendation was not contentious and did not breach a major policy position of the Comhairle.

		EDUCATIONAL PROVISION
Improving our Schools: Consultation on National Priorities for School Education in Scotland E01	88	The Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report giving a description of the consultation paper on National Priorities for Schools Education in Scotland and enclosing a draft paper of comments, for approval, or amendment, to be submitted to the Scottish Executive Education Department by 31 August 2000. The Report indicated that the standards in Scotland's Schools etc Bill was presented to the Scottish Parliament in January 2000 and if approved would become law in autumn 2000. The Scottish Executive had issued a consultation paper on National Priorities for School Education in Scotland in order to seek views on the implementation of that new statutory framework. The draft response on the consultation paper was enclosed with the Report. It was agreed to recommend that the draft response to the consultation paper on National Priorities for Schools Education in Scotland, as set out in Section 7 of the Report by the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services be approved for submission to the Scottish Executive Education Department.
Application for New Community School Project: Lewis Cluster E01	89	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 an application for a new Community School Project: Lewis Cluster. It was noted that it was intended to build on the experience of the Lionacleit Cluster and to develop an different concept incorporating all schools in Lewis and Harris. Details of the proposal were set out in the report. It was stated that it was intended to bid for funding for a post of Integration Manager to manage the New Community School Project, together with a number of Full Service Co-ordinators. It was proposed that project would be based primarily in Lewis in the first year and would extend into Harris from year 2. It was agreed to recommend approval of the model for the New Community School Project: Lewis Cluster set out in the Report by the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services a the basis of the application to the Scottish Executive, subject to the inclusion of Harris schools in the first year of the project as far as was practicable.
Review of Educational Provision: Point Area E02.10	90	With reference to item 90 of the Minute of Meeting of 29 August 1995 the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning a proposed policy development, determining the future education provision in the Point area of Lewis be based on centralisation within Bayble School, following the undertaking of statutory consultation and thereafter the upgrading of Bayble School to a standard equitable with the existing policy of the erection of a new school on the green field site. The Report referred to the results of the Point community appraisal and also to the holding of meetings with the Community Council and the School Board. The Report proposed that rationalisation of education provision in the Point area of Lewis now be the subject of policy planning based on the upgrading of Bayble School to a standard equitable with that achievable on a new site and that, in due course, statutory consultations on this basis be undertaken. It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the policy for future education provision in the Point area be established on the basis of centralisation within Bayble School following the upgrading of the school to a standard equitable with new site provision; and (2) consultations be undertaken with the School Board and the parents of the children attending Aird and Knock Schools on the basis of the closure of both schools and the transfer of the pupils to an upgraded Bayble School.
		TEACHING STAFF
		It was agreed that, in accordance with the provisions of Schedule 7A of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, the press and public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following item on the grounds defined in Standing Order 26(a), namely, that exempt information relating to a particular applicant to be an employee of the Comhairle would be disclosed.
Appointment to a Teaching Post E06	91	The Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning an applicant ACM, to become and employee of the Comhairle to a teaching post in the Nicolson Institute. The Report indicated that as the applicant was related to a member of staff at the Nicolson Institute the appointment required the approval of the Education Committee. It was agreed to recommend that applicant ACM be appointed to a teaching post in the Nicolson Institute.
		RELATED MATTERS
Education and Leisure Services Department: Service Plan 2000-2003 C07	92	With reference to item 61 of the Minute of Meeting of 31 May 2000 the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning the Education and Leisure Services Department Service Plan for 2000 - 2003. The Service Plan was appended to the Report. The Report indicated that with effect from 2000, the format of the plan had been rationalised providing, for use of reference articulation with the structure set out in the Comhairle's budget book. To this had been added the Key Tasks and the Capital Plan. It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the Education and Leisure Services Department Service Plan for 2000 - 2003 be noted; and (2) the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services take into account all the comments made a the meeting, in implementing the plan.
Road Safety: 20mph Speed Limits at Schools E07	93	With reference to item 55 of the Minute of Meeting of 31 May 2000 the Director of Technical Service submitted a Report concerning the guidelines which need to be met prior to the imposition of a 20mph speed limit adjacent to schools. The Report indicated that as part of the traffic management schemes for schools 20mph speed limits were proposed to some schools, if appropriate at the meeting of the Committee in May 2000 Members requested further details on the guidelines for the introduction of 20mph speed limits. Details of the guidelines were outlined in the Report. It was concluded that the road adjacent to each school should be assessed in line with the guidelines and a 20mph speed limit should only be applied where appropriate speed reducing measures can be applied. It was agreed to continue consideration of the matter to the next meeting of the committee pending the submission of a more detailed Report.
		PERFORMANCE REVIEW
Reports Outstanding: Progress PR33.01.12	94	With reference to item 65 of the Minute of Meeting of 31 May 2000 the Director of Corporate Service submitted a Report detailing reports outstanding arising from decisions of the Education Committee. It was agreed to note the Report.
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