Med0010

EDUCATION COMMITTEE

Minute of Meeting held in the Council Offices, Stornoway, on Tuesday 3 October 2000 at 2.00pm

PRESENT

Mr Norman L Macdonald (Chairman)

Mrs Morag Munro (Vice-Chairman)

Mr Norman M Macleod

Mr Malcolm J Macleod

Mr Finlay Morrison

Mr Iain Morrison

Mr Donald M Mackay

Mr Alexander A Macdonald

Mr Archibald K Campbell

Mr Ian M Macleod

Mr David Blaney

Mr Murdo Macleod

Rev Andrew Coghill

Mr Philip R McLean

Dr Alan J F Fraser

Mr Donald I Nicholson

APOLOGIES

Mr Roderick J Murray

Mr Allan Smithyman

MINUTES

Education Committee

E08

95

The minute of meeting of 29 August 2000 was approved.

Education Sub-Committee

E08

96

The minute of meeting of the Education Sub-Committee of 13 September 2000 was noted.

Lochs School Sub-Committee

E08

97

The minute of meeting of the Lochs School Sub-Committee of 12 September 2000 was noted.

BUILDINGS

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

Capital Works: Programme and Progress

E03

98

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.

Balivanich Primary School

E02

99*

With reference to item 81 of the minute of meeting of 15 June 2000 the Director of Technical Services submitted a report concerning a condition report on the Balivanich Primary School, following a request by the Committee at its last meeting. The report indicated that the Balivanich Primary School building was situated in an extremely exposed location and that the type of construction was not well suited to this degree of exposure. The report also detailed that major defects had been identified with the external wall pannelling system and windows and that the roof covering had been replaced and was already beginning to show problems.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) the structural repairs identified in the report as requiring immediate attention together with replacement internal lining panels be carried out by the Director of Technical Services as part of the Emergency Structural Repairs Capital Programme;

(2) it be noted that minor repairs to joint seals and epoxy repairs are carried out as normal maintenance items;

(3) the preparation of a Project Initiation Report for enhanced levels of Capital Repairs at this school be approved; and

(4) consideration be given to the preparation by the Director of Technical Services of an options appraisal for the replacement of the school within the context of the setting of Key Tasks by the Comhairle in 2003.

Schools Surplus to the Requirements of the Education Service

E02

100*

The Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a report concerning the determination of responsibility for schools and other former education properties which are surplus to the requirements of the Education Service but retained on the Education Account. The report indicated that as a result of school closures over the past years the Education Service had declared a number of schools and other properties surplus to requirements. As a result of expressions of community interest many properties had been retained.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) the Acting Director of Education and Leisure be authorised to explore immediate measures to remove surplus properties from the Education Account, with the exception of Manish Old School and Schoolhouse; and

(2) the Director of Corporate Services be authorised to advertise Manish Old School and Schoolhouse on the open market with the requirement that offers specify the proposed use as well as price.

Proposed Demolition of Tong Schoolhouse

E02.17.01

101*

With reference to item 144 of the minute of meeting of 17 November 1998 the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a report concerning approval for the demolition of Tong Schoolhouse. The report indicated that Tong Schoolhouse, which is situated within the curtilage of Tong School, has not been occupied for several years and has little potential for development for school use.

It was agreed to recommend that, subject to the receipt of a suitable quotation and the completion of any necessary legal formalities, Tong Schoolhouse be demolished.

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

Inspection of the Education Functions of Local Authorities

E01

102*

The Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a report concerning the impending inspection of the Education functions of the Comhairle. The report gave details of the processes and outcomes of the inspection of the education functions of the Comhairle and proposed collaboration between the Comhairle, Shetland Islands and Orkney Islands Education Departments in assisted self-evaluation of the delivery of the education function in each area.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) the contents of this report be noted; and

(2) the co-operation between Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Shetland Islands and Orkney Islands Education Departments in assisted self-evaluation of the delivery of the education function in each authority, be approved.

Proposed Combination of The Nicolson Institute and Lews Castle School: Consultation with Members of Staff and Professional Associations

E01.04.40

103*

With reference to item 60 of the minute of meeting of 31 May 2000 the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services and the Director of Corporate Services submitted a Joint Report concerning consultations with teaching staff and Professional Associations in the light of Counsels' opinion on the possible combination of The Nicolson Institute and Lews Castle School. The report outlined 4 options, namely;

(1) status quo;

(2) closure of Lews Castle School;

(3) the combination of the schools into a single entity, involving distinct vocational and academic sectors with each sector retaining its own series of core departments and modes of delivery; and

(4) the combination of the two schools into a single entity, retaining the provision of both schools, with central departments servicing the needs of the whole schools.

Appended to the report were responses from Professional Associations and Teaching Staff and potential implications for staff.

Mr Donald I Nicholson, seconded by Mr Finlay Morrison, moved that the Comhairle proceed to consult on Option 3 of the report.

Mr Ian M Macleod, seconded by Mr Archibald K Campbell, moved as an amendment that the Comhairle undertakes statutory consultations based on the closure of Lews Castle School in the knowledge that The Nicolson Instititute is in the process of establishing vocational courses in collaboration with Lews Castle College to enable provision to be tailored to the individual needs of each pupil. Under this arrangement the Lews Castle School would not close until June 2002 in order that the commitments made in its present cohort of third and fourth year pupils be honoured. However similar programmes of study would be made available within The Nicolson Institute with effect from August 2001.

On the matter being put to the vote, the amendment received the majority of the votes cast and it was agreed to recommend accordingly.

Gaelic Specific Grant Bid 2000/2001: Mid Year Report

E01

104*

With reference to item 63 of the minute of meeting of 31 May 2000 the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a report concerning progress with the identification of funding to cover 25% of the cost of projects implemented following the allocation of additional specific grant. The background to the matter was outlined in the report.

It was agreed to recommend that the allocation by the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services of £2182 from the contingency element of the Education Supplies budget be approved.

Education and Social Work Special Needs Transport

E05.01

105*

With reference to item 42 of the minute of meeting of 28 March 2000 the Director of Technical Services submitted a report concerning progress to date with the integration of the Education and Social Work Special Needs Transport services and seeking a further extension of the trial period. The background to the matter was outlined in the report.

It was agreed to recommend that the following be approved:

(1) the continuation for a further six months of the trial integration of the Education and Social Work Special Needs transport services; and

(2) temporary contracts for escorts should, where appropriate, be extended by the Director of Technical Services for the duration of the continued trial.

Mr Iain Morrison declared an interest in the following item and left the meeting during consideration of the following item.

Western Isles Bus Services - Fares Review

E01

106*

The Director of Technical Services submitted a report concerning revised stage bus fares which will come into effect on 23 October 2000, and clarified the fares position for children travelling to croileagan. The fare scales from 23 October 2000 was appended to the report.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) the revised fare scales be noted; and

(2) the fare and escort arrangements for Croileagan pupils be approved.

Lionel School - Designation as a Community School

E02.01

107*

With reference to item 142 of the minute of meeting of 5 October 1999 the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a report concerning the proposal that Lionel School be designated as a Community School including the provision of a Community Library. The report concluded that, given the location and the developments taking place at the site of Lionel School, it be designated as a Community School.

It was agreed to recommend that Lionel School be designated as a Community School with the inclusion of a purpose built Community Library and that consideration be given to this by the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services during the formulation of the next Capital Programme and thereafter in the Revenue Estimates as an item of growth.

Pre-School Education Arrangements - Funding of "Deferred Entry" Pupils

E01

108*

The Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a report concerning authorisation to make a formal approach to the Scottish Executive to seek pre-school education funding for children whose parents have elected to defer their entry to Primary School.

It was agreed to recommend that the Chairman of Education be authorised to make formal representations to the Scottish Executive with regard to the funding of Pre-School Education for children whose parents have elected to defer their entry to Primary School.

RELATED MATTERS

Review of School Lets

E07

109*

The Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a report concerning proposed revised letting arrangements and conditions for the use of school premises and facilities as outlined in Appendices A and B to the report. The report indicated that the conditions governing the let of school premises had not been reviewed since 1996/97.

It was agreed to recommend that the revised conditions pertaining to the letting arrangements governing the use of school premises be approved.

20mph Speed Limits

E07

110*

With reference to item 170 of the minute of meeting of 30 November 2000 the Director of Technical Services submitted a report concerning the legislation associated with the introduction of 20mph speed limits. It was detailed in the report that discussions with the Scottish Executive had confirmed that the Comhairle could make 20mph speed limits indicated only by speed limit signs. It also indicated that any such proposal was required to be subject to consultation and the views of the Police would need to be sought.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) the position concerning the implementation of 20mph speed limits and the effectiveness of such limits without the associated speed reduction measures be noted; and

(2) pilot schemes be carried out in the North and South of the Western Isles, with the North School to be Tong and the South School to be determined by the Director of Technical Services, in consultation with the Uist members.

The Day in the Dome

E07

111*

With reference to item 40 of the minute of meeting of 28 March 2000 the Director of Corporate Services submitted a report concerning whether the Committee should be represented at the Millennium Dome. It was detailed in the report that school pupils were participating in Na h-Eileanan an Iar "Day in the Dome" on 26 October 2000.

It was agreed to recommend that the Chairman and Vice-Chairman, or their nominees, be represented at the Na h-Eileanan an Iar "Day in the Dome" on 26 October 2000.

PERFORMANCE REVIEW

Reports Outstanding: Progress

PR33.01.12

112

With reference to item 94 of the Minute of Meeting of 1 September 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	Mr Norman L Macdonald (Chairman)
	Mrs Morag Munro (Vice-Chairman)	Mr Norman M Macleod
	Mr Malcolm J Macleod	Mr Finlay Morrison
	Mr Iain Morrison	Mr Donald M Mackay
	Mr Alexander A Macdonald	Mr Archibald K Campbell
	Mr Ian M Macleod	Mr David Blaney
	Mr Murdo Macleod	Rev Andrew Coghill
	Mr Philip R McLean	Dr Alan J F Fraser
	Mr Donald I Nicholson

APOLOGIES	Mr Roderick J Murray
	Mr Allan Smithyman

		MINUTES
Education Committee E08	95	The minute of meeting of 29 August 2000 was approved.
Education Sub-Committee E08	96	The minute of meeting of the Education Sub-Committee of 13 September 2000 was noted.
Lochs School Sub-Committee E08	97	The minute of meeting of the Lochs School Sub-Committee of 12 September 2000 was noted.
		BUILDINGS
		Mr Donald I Nicholson declared an interest in the following item and left the meeting during consideration of the following item.
Capital Works: Programme and Progress E03	98	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.
Balivanich Primary School E02	99*	With reference to item 81 of the minute of meeting of 15 June 2000 the Director of Technical Services submitted a report concerning a condition report on the Balivanich Primary School, following a request by the Committee at its last meeting. The report indicated that the Balivanich Primary School building was situated in an extremely exposed location and that the type of construction was not well suited to this degree of exposure. The report also detailed that major defects had been identified with the external wall pannelling system and windows and that the roof covering had been replaced and was already beginning to show problems. It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the structural repairs identified in the report as requiring immediate attention together with replacement internal lining panels be carried out by the Director of Technical Services as part of the Emergency Structural Repairs Capital Programme; (2) it be noted that minor repairs to joint seals and epoxy repairs are carried out as normal maintenance items; (3) the preparation of a Project Initiation Report for enhanced levels of Capital Repairs at this school be approved; and (4) consideration be given to the preparation by the Director of Technical Services of an options appraisal for the replacement of the school within the context of the setting of Key Tasks by the Comhairle in 2003.
Schools Surplus to the Requirements of the Education Service E02	100*	The Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a report concerning the determination of responsibility for schools and other former education properties which are surplus to the requirements of the Education Service but retained on the Education Account. The report indicated that as a result of school closures over the past years the Education Service had declared a number of schools and other properties surplus to requirements. As a result of expressions of community interest many properties had been retained. It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the Acting Director of Education and Leisure be authorised to explore immediate measures to remove surplus properties from the Education Account, with the exception of Manish Old School and Schoolhouse; and (2) the Director of Corporate Services be authorised to advertise Manish Old School and Schoolhouse on the open market with the requirement that offers specify the proposed use as well as price.
Proposed Demolition of Tong Schoolhouse E02.17.01	101*	With reference to item 144 of the minute of meeting of 17 November 1998 the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a report concerning approval for the demolition of Tong Schoolhouse. The report indicated that Tong Schoolhouse, which is situated within the curtilage of Tong School, has not been occupied for several years and has little potential for development for school use. It was agreed to recommend that, subject to the receipt of a suitable quotation and the completion of any necessary legal formalities, Tong Schoolhouse be demolished.
		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
Inspection of the Education Functions of Local Authorities E01	102*	The Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a report concerning the impending inspection of the Education functions of the Comhairle. The report gave details of the processes and outcomes of the inspection of the education functions of the Comhairle and proposed collaboration between the Comhairle, Shetland Islands and Orkney Islands Education Departments in assisted self-evaluation of the delivery of the education function in each area. It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the contents of this report be noted; and (2) the co-operation between Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Shetland Islands and Orkney Islands Education Departments in assisted self-evaluation of the delivery of the education function in each authority, be approved.
Proposed Combination of The Nicolson Institute and Lews Castle School: Consultation with Members of Staff and Professional Associations E01.04.40	103*	With reference to item 60 of the minute of meeting of 31 May 2000 the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services and the Director of Corporate Services submitted a Joint Report concerning consultations with teaching staff and Professional Associations in the light of Counsels' opinion on the possible combination of The Nicolson Institute and Lews Castle School. The report outlined 4 options, namely; (1) status quo; (2) closure of Lews Castle School; (3) the combination of the schools into a single entity, involving distinct vocational and academic sectors with each sector retaining its own series of core departments and modes of delivery; and (4) the combination of the two schools into a single entity, retaining the provision of both schools, with central departments servicing the needs of the whole schools. Appended to the report were responses from Professional Associations and Teaching Staff and potential implications for staff. Mr Donald I Nicholson, seconded by Mr Finlay Morrison, moved that the Comhairle proceed to consult on Option 3 of the report.
		Mr Ian M Macleod, seconded by Mr Archibald K Campbell, moved as an amendment that the Comhairle undertakes statutory consultations based on the closure of Lews Castle School in the knowledge that The Nicolson Instititute is in the process of establishing vocational courses in collaboration with Lews Castle College to enable provision to be tailored to the individual needs of each pupil. Under this arrangement the Lews Castle School would not close until June 2002 in order that the commitments made in its present cohort of third and fourth year pupils be honoured. However similar programmes of study would be made available within The Nicolson Institute with effect from August 2001. On the matter being put to the vote, the amendment received the majority of the votes cast and it was agreed to recommend accordingly.
Gaelic Specific Grant Bid 2000/2001: Mid Year Report E01	104*	With reference to item 63 of the minute of meeting of 31 May 2000 the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a report concerning progress with the identification of funding to cover 25% of the cost of projects implemented following the allocation of additional specific grant. The background to the matter was outlined in the report. It was agreed to recommend that the allocation by the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services of £2182 from the contingency element of the Education Supplies budget be approved.
Education and Social Work Special Needs Transport E05.01	105*	With reference to item 42 of the minute of meeting of 28 March 2000 the Director of Technical Services submitted a report concerning progress to date with the integration of the Education and Social Work Special Needs Transport services and seeking a further extension of the trial period. The background to the matter was outlined in the report. It was agreed to recommend that the following be approved: (1) the continuation for a further six months of the trial integration of the Education and Social Work Special Needs transport services; and (2) temporary contracts for escorts should, where appropriate, be extended by the Director of Technical Services for the duration of the continued trial.
		Mr Iain Morrison declared an interest in the following item and left the meeting during consideration of the following item.
Western Isles Bus Services - Fares Review E01	106*	The Director of Technical Services submitted a report concerning revised stage bus fares which will come into effect on 23 October 2000, and clarified the fares position for children travelling to croileagan. The fare scales from 23 October 2000 was appended to the report. It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the revised fare scales be noted; and (2) the fare and escort arrangements for Croileagan pupils be approved.
Lionel School - Designation as a Community School E02.01	107*	With reference to item 142 of the minute of meeting of 5 October 1999 the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a report concerning the proposal that Lionel School be designated as a Community School including the provision of a Community Library. The report concluded that, given the location and the developments taking place at the site of Lionel School, it be designated as a Community School. It was agreed to recommend that Lionel School be designated as a Community School with the inclusion of a purpose built Community Library and that consideration be given to this by the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services during the formulation of the next Capital Programme and thereafter in the Revenue Estimates as an item of growth.
Pre-School Education Arrangements - Funding of "Deferred Entry" Pupils E01	108*	The Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a report concerning authorisation to make a formal approach to the Scottish Executive to seek pre-school education funding for children whose parents have elected to defer their entry to Primary School. It was agreed to recommend that the Chairman of Education be authorised to make formal representations to the Scottish Executive with regard to the funding of Pre-School Education for children whose parents have elected to defer their entry to Primary School.
		RELATED MATTERS
Review of School Lets E07	109*	The Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a report concerning proposed revised letting arrangements and conditions for the use of school premises and facilities as outlined in Appendices A and B to the report. The report indicated that the conditions governing the let of school premises had not been reviewed since 1996/97. It was agreed to recommend that the revised conditions pertaining to the letting arrangements governing the use of school premises be approved.
20mph Speed Limits E07	110*	With reference to item 170 of the minute of meeting of 30 November 2000 the Director of Technical Services submitted a report concerning the legislation associated with the introduction of 20mph speed limits. It was detailed in the report that discussions with the Scottish Executive had confirmed that the Comhairle could make 20mph speed limits indicated only by speed limit signs. It also indicated that any such proposal was required to be subject to consultation and the views of the Police would need to be sought. It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the position concerning the implementation of 20mph speed limits and the effectiveness of such limits without the associated speed reduction measures be noted; and (2) pilot schemes be carried out in the North and South of the Western Isles, with the North School to be Tong and the South School to be determined by the Director of Technical Services, in consultation with the Uist members.
The Day in the Dome E07	111*	With reference to item 40 of the minute of meeting of 28 March 2000 the Director of Corporate Services submitted a report concerning whether the Committee should be represented at the Millennium Dome. It was detailed in the report that school pupils were participating in Na h-Eileanan an Iar "Day in the Dome" on 26 October 2000. It was agreed to recommend that the Chairman and Vice-Chairman, or their nominees, be represented at the Na h-Eileanan an Iar "Day in the Dome" on 26 October 2000.
		PERFORMANCE REVIEW
Reports Outstanding: Progress PR33.01.12	112	With reference to item 94 of the Minute of Meeting of 1 September 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.