Med9910

EDUCATION COMMITTEE

Minute of Meeting held in the Council Offices, Stornoway, on Tuesday 5 October 1999 at 2.00pm

PRESENT

Mr Norman L Macdonald (Chairman)

Mrs Morag Munro

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 Roderick J Murray

Rev Andrew Coghill

Mr Philip R McLean

Mr Alan Smithyman

Mr Donald I Nicholson

Dr Alan J F Fraser

Mr Norman M Macleod

APOLOGIES

Mrs Catherine Garbutt

Prayer

The Meeting was opened with prayer led by Mr Donald I Nicholson.

Tribute: Iain Kennedy

C41.03

The Chairman referred to Iain Kennedy, a pupil at Back School who had recently received an award for bravery from the First Minister for helping to save the life of a fisherman and on behalf of the Committee congratulated Iain on gaining the award.

Tribute: Angus Macleod

C41.03

The Chairman referred to Mr Angus Macleod, a pupil of Sir E Scott School who had recently been awarded the Gold Award for S5 pupils, one of only three in the North of Scotland, by the Scottish Mathematics Council and on behalf of the Committee congratulated Angus on his achievement.

MINUTES

Education Committee

E02.01

123

The Minute of Meeting of 17 August 1999 was approved.

Education Sub-Committee

E08.10

124*

The Minute of Meeting of the Education Sub-Committee of 8 September 1999 was submitted.

It was agreed to recommend approval of the recommendations at item 25 of the Minute.

The Chairman ruled in terms of Standing Order 8(a), that the following items be considered as a matter of urgency in order to enable the Committee to immediately appoint a Member to the Joint Consultative Committee: Teaching Staff.

Appointment to JCC: Teaching Staff

E08.05

125*

The Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report concerning the membership of the Joint Consultative Committee: Teaching Staff. It was reported that Mr Archibald K Campbell had resigned as a Member of the Joint Consultative Committee: Teaching Staff and the Committee was invited to appoint a new Member to the vacancy arising.

It was agreed to appoint Mr Ian M Macleod as a Member of the Joint Consultative Committee: Teaching Staff.

The Chairman ruled in terms of Standing Order 8(a) that the following item be considered as a matter of urgency in order to consider the recently approved Minute of the Joint Consultative Committee: Teaching Staff.

Joint Consultative Committee: Teaching Staff

E08.05

126

The Minute of Meeting of the Joint Consultative Committee: Teaching Staff of 9 February 1999 was noted.

The Chairman, seconded by the Vice-Chairman moved the suspension of Standing Order 67 in order to permit the consideration of the following item in order that a matter determined by the Comhairle on 7 September 1999 could be considered.

It was agreed to suspend Standing Order 67.

The Chairman ruled in terms of Standing Order 8(a) that the following item be considered as a matter of urgency in order to enable the Committee to consider and make decisions on the points raised in a letter from the Chairman of Lews Castle School Board.

Letter of 5 October 1999 from Lews Castle School Board

E08.12

127

The Chairman referred to a letter of 5 October 1999 from the Rev T S Sinclair, Chairman, Lews Castle School Board concerning the recent decision of the Comhairle on 7 September 1999 regarding representation on the Secondary Education in Stornoway Review Working Group and other issues. The Chairman invited Members to make any points they wished to concerning the letter.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) one additional Member be appointed to the Secondary Education in Stornoway Review Working Group; and

(2) the Teaching Staff of Lews Castle School be invited to nominate a representative to be the additional Member indicated in (1) above.

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 agree the membership of the Working Group prior to its inaugural meeting, scheduled for 5 October 1999, on the basis that this recommendation was not contentious and did not breach a major policy decision of the Comhairle.

FINANCE

Carry Forward of Revenue Budgets from the 1998/99 to the 1999/2000 Financial Year: Final Proposals

E03

128*

The Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning proposals for allocating the remaining 1998/99 Carry Forward of Revenue Budgets from the 1998/99 to the 1999/2000 Financial Year. The Report summarised the proposals.

It was agreed to recommend that an allocation of £153,000 of uncommitted carry forward from the 1998/99 financial year to the 1999/2000 Secondary Education Indirect Employee Expenses Budgets.

Future of Capital Programme

E03

129*

With reference to Item 113 of the Minute of Meeting of 17 August 1999, the Director of Finance submitted a Report regarding the capital planning process. The methods by which capital was financed were outlined in the Report. It was noted that there had been a trend of decline in capital allocations since 1992/93. The projected capital resources for the period 2000/01 to 2002/03 were set out in the Report. The key issues raised at a Seminar held on 7 September 1999 for Members to discuss the future capital programme were outlined in the Report, together with the outcome of consultation with Community Councils.

It was agreed to recommend, insofar as the Committee's interests were concerned, that:

(1) projects for programme areas of greater than £100,000 be managed through project planning techniques including critical path analysis, schedules of works and monthly cash flow forecasts;

(2) projects for programme areas of less than £100,000 be managed through a checklist setting out the major stages of the project, including land acquisition, planning consent and relevant crofting approval with Project Officers required to complete the checklist, signing and dating each stage of the project after it is completed;

(3) future capital programmes should not have a capital contingency;

(4) all capital slippage should be reallocated to projects which represented new opportunities, crises which need capital investment, acceleration of existing schemes or inclusion of previously rejected projects;

(5) project initiation reports should include a section on the recoverability of VAT and its effects on the project and the finances of the Comhairle as a whole;

(6) the weightings set out in Appendix 3 to the Minute for scoring project initiation reports be approved;

(7) the timetable for determining the capital programme as set out in Appendix 4 to the Minute be adopted;

(8) all projects for programme areas would require a project initiation report approved by the relevant Service Committee;

(9) the Director of Finance submit a Report to the next series of meetings setting out ways in which additional capital resources might be secured;

(10) the Director of Finance submit a paper setting out how any pre-viewing of project initiation reports might be managed including essential safeguards to ensure transparency;

(11) the Report to the January/February series of meetings recommending the new capital programme should include an overview setting out how projects address community needs and details of geographical distribution of projects; and

(12) Members be surveyed in January or February 2000 as to the success or otherwise of the process of setting the capital programme.

Proposed Window Replacement Programme

130*

The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning a proposed window replacement programme at school properties. The Report gave details of the condition of the windows and external doors at a number of schools and indicated that it would be a number of years before they could all be replaced as part of a complete comprehensive improvement.

It was agreed to recommend that a PIR be prepared to initiate a rolling programme of Window and External Door replacements in Schools with an annual value of £150k.

Proposed Water Services Upgrade Programme

131*

The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning the approval of the preparation of a PIR to initiate a programme for the improvement of water service and distribution pipework and cold water storage provision at school properties. The Report gave details of the condition of the water services installations at a number of schools and indicated that it would be a number of years before they could all be replaced as part of a complete comprehensive improvement.

It was agreed to recommend that a PIR be prepared to initiate a rolling programme of improvements to water service, distribution pipework and cold water storage provision in Schools with an annual value of £80k.

Sir E Scott School, Tarbert: Proposed Refurbishment

E02.37

132*

With reference to Item 75 of the Minute of Meeting of 9 June 1999 the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning the preparation of a PIR to commence a major upgrade at Sir E Scott School. The background to the scheme of comprehensive modernisation and refurbishment was outlined in the Report.

It was agreed to recommend that a PIR be prepared for a scheme of comprehensive modernisation and refurbishment at Sir E Scott School on the basis outlined in the Report.

Proposed Electrical Upgrading Programme

133*

With reference to Item 38 of the Minute of Meeting of 22 April 1997 the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning the preparation of a PIR to continue the programme of electrical upgrading works at school properties. The Report gave details of the history of programmed electrical upgrading works which have been ongoing since 1982 and indicated that a major reprioritisation took place in 1994. The Report proposed the continuation of a rolling programme of electrical upgrading works.

It was agreed to recommend that a PIR be prepared to continue a rolling programme of improvements to electrical installations in Schools with an annual value of £120k.

Bayble School Upgrading Programme

134*

With reference to Item 58 of the Minute of Meeting of 10 June 1997 the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning the progress on the Upgrading Programme Scheme at Bayble School to date and proposals for the future improvement of the school. The Report detailed the history of the development of proposals for carrying out improvements to the school, set out the current position and sought approval of proposals for the next phase.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) the position to date regarding the phased improvement of Bayble School, be noted;

(2) the fact that the present levels of expenditure were insufficient to keep pace with the rate of deterioration of the fabric of the school, be noted;

(3) the ongoing strategy of phased improvements at Bayble School, be approved; and

(4) the proposed content of Phase 4, as detailed in the Report and the progression of a PIR for this work, be approved.

Nicolson Institute West Wing Refurbishment

135*

With reference to Item 30 of the Minute of Meeting of 12 March 1996 the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning approval of the West Wing Refurbishment at the Nicolson Institute as part of the ongoing improvements to the school. The Report outlined the areas of the school which were still awaiting upgrading.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) the position to date regarding the phased improvement of The Nicolson Institute, be noted;

(2) the proposed content of the West Wing Upgrading as detailed in the Report, be approved; and

(3) the preparation of a PIR for consideration in the context of the 2000-2003 Capital Programme, be approved.

Stornoway Primary School: Proposed Refurbishment

136*

With reference to Item 56 of the Minute of Meeting of 10 June 1997 the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning the preparation of a PIR to initiate a programme for the phased improvement of the Stornoway Primary School. The Report gave details of the need for extensive refurbishment at the School and indicated that limited progress had been made since the matter was first brought to the Committee's attention in 1993.

It was agreed to recommend that a PIR be prepared to initiate a rolling programme of improvements to Stornoway Primary School with an annual value of £125k.

BUILDINGS

Capital Works: Programme and Progress

137

With reference to Item 78 of the Minute of Meeting of 15 June 1999 the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report regarding the Capital Works Programme and Progress in respect of education properties.

It was agreed to note the Report.

Lease of Site for New Build of Children's Centre in Barra

138*

With reference to Item 32 of the Minute of Meeting of 10 March 1998 the Director of Corporate Services and the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Joint Report concerning an application from the Barra Pre-School Association to lease an area of land opposite Castlebay School for the purpose of establishing a children's centre. The background to the matter was outlined in the Report.

It was agreed to recommend that the land shown on the plan attached with the Report extending to 1151m² opposite Castlebay School be leased to Barra Pre-School Association for the erection of a Children's Centre, subject to terms and conditions to be agreed by the Director of Corporate Services and subject to the receipt of a detailed planning application.

Jamieson Drive Community Playgroup: Development of Current Site

139*

The Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services and the Director of Corporate Services submitted a Joint Report concerning a request from Jamieson Drive Community Playgroup for an area of Comhairle owned land to enable them to develop their existing pre-school provision.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) the Director of Corporate Services be authorised to lease the area of ground hatched on the plan at Appendix 2 to the Report, forming part of the ground of Stornoway Primary School to Jamieson Drive Community Playgroup for a term of 25 years on such terms and conditions as the Director of Corporate Services in consultation with the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services shall determine; and

(2) a nominal rent be sought for the lease in (1) above, subject to the consent of the Scottish Ministers being obtained.

EDUCATIONAL PROVISION

Education Key Tasks: 1999-2002

PR11.40

140

With reference to Item 100 of the Minute of Meeting of 15 June 1999 the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report proposing Key Tasks for the Education Committee for 1999 - 2002.

It was agreed that the list of Key Tasks for the Education Committee enclosed with the Report for the period 1999 - 2002, be approved.

1999/00 Gaelic Pre-School Education Grant

141*

With reference to Item 124 of the Minute of Meeting of 29 August 1999 the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report informing Members of the distribution of Gaelic Pre-School Education Grant approved by SOEID. The Report detailed the allocation and distribution of the grant.

It was agreed to recommend that the allocation and distribution of Gaelic Pre-School Education Grant for 1999/00, be noted.

Lionel School: Standard Inspection Report

E01.04.32

142*

The Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report informing Members of the results of a standard inspection by HM Inspectors at Lionel School, Isle of Lewis in March/April 1999. The background to the matter was outlined in the Report.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) the content of the report be noted; and

(2) congratulations be conveyed to the Head Teacher and staff of the School in respect of the high quality of education offered at the school as recognised by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Schools.

Lionacleit Hostel: Care and Welfare Inspection

143*

With reference to Item 90 of the Minute of Meeting of 15 June 1999 the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning the findings of the Care and Welfare Inspection by HM Inspectorate at Lionacleit Hostel in April 1999. The background to the matter was outlined in the Report.

It was agreed to recommend that the report be noted, particularly the key strengths identified and the quality of care provided by hostel staff.

Lionacleit Hostel: Staffing

144*

With reference to Item 98 of the Minute of Meeting of 30 September 1997 the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report seeking approval for the introduction of a "sleeping-in" allowance payment for all care staff at Lionacleit Hostel. The Report outlined why payment of a "sleep-in" allowance was considered essential at Lionacleit Hostel.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) the payment of a "sleep-in allowance" for all care staff at Lionacleit Hostel, to be backdated to the beginning of the August 1999 session and at a cost of £5060 for the remainder of the current financial year, be approved;

(2) the funding of the payment from the existing APT & C staffing budget for the Education Committee, be approved; and

(3) it be noted that the requirement for this provision be considered as an item of committed growth in the context of the preparation of the Revenue Estimates for 2000/01.

Improvement in Scottish Education Bill: Response to Consultation

145*

The Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning the draft Improvement in Scottish Education Bill. The Report outlined what the Bill was intended to do and that draft comments for approval, or amendment were to be submitted to the Scottish Executive Education Department by 31 October 1999. The Report outlined the aims of the Scottish Parliament in bringing forward the Bill.

It was agreed to recommend that the draft responses for submission to the Scottish Executive Education Department, as set out in Sections 8 and 9 of the Report, be approved.

TEACHING STAFF

Appointment to the Post of Itinerant Behaviour Support Teacher

E01.04.29

146*

The Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report concerning the appointment of IT to the post of itinerant Behaviour Support Teacher, Education Development Department. The background to the matter was outlined in the Report.

It was agreed to recommend that IT be appointed to the vacant post of itinerant Behaviour Support Teacher on a Fixed Term Contract to 31 March 2000.

Appointment to the Post of Gaelic Medium Teacher, Uig School

E01.04.29

147*

The Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report concerning the appointment of IM to the post of Gaelic Medium Teacher, Uig School. The background to the matter was outlined in the Report.

It was agreed to recommend that IM be appointed to the vacant post of Gaelic Medium Teacher, Uig School.

SUPPORT SERVICES

Provision of Milk in Schools

148*

The Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning a study of the financial, administrative and practical implications and considerations relating to the provision of milk in schools. The findings, costings and available options would be presented to the Comhairle at an early date.

It was agreed to recommend that the Report be noted.

Notice of Motion: Transport Provision in Respect of School Placing Request

149

The Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report to enable the Committee to consider a Notice of Motion remitted from the Meeting of the Comhairle on 29 June 1999. The background to the matter was outlined in the Report.

Mr David Blaney, seconded by Mr Norman M Macleod moved that the Comhairle adopt as a policy that any pupil who attends an S6 School as a result of a placing request to study a subject not available at his or her local two-year secondary school, should be granted free transport.

Mr Norman L Macdonald, seconded by Mrs Morag Munro moved as an amendment that the existing school transport policy be maintained.

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

Performance Reporting of the Schools Meals Contract

150*

With reference to Item 54 of the Minute of Meeting of 9 March 1999 the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning the statutory reporting requirements for Defined Activities as per the Local Government Act 1988. The background to the matter was outlined in the Report.

It was agreed to recommend that the Report be noted.

Traffic Management at Schools

E02.37

151

With reference to Item 81 of the Minute of Meeting of 15 June 1999 the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning a PIR bid for Traffic Management at Schools. The Report indicated that since 1993 an effort has been made to improve traffic management at schools which has now provided substantially improved facilities at various schools throughout the Western Isles. The Report also indicated that there are still a large number of school throughout the islands where traffic management needed to be improved.

It was agreed to recommend that the preparation of a PIR for the inclusion of £120k per annum in the Capital Programme for Traffic Management at Schools and that the money be applied to schemes from a priority list to be prepared and agreed before April 2000.

PERFORMANCE REVIEW

Reports Outstanding: Progress

PR33.01.12

152

With reference to Item 101 of the Minute of Meeting of 15 June 1999 the Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report concerning Reports outstanding arising from decisions of the Committee.

It was agreed to note the Report.

___

PRESENT	Mr Norman L Macdonald (Chairman)
	Mrs Morag Munro	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 Roderick J Murray	Rev Andrew Coghill
	Mr Philip R McLean	Mr Alan Smithyman
	Mr Donald I Nicholson	Dr Alan J F Fraser
	Mr Norman M Macleod

APOLOGIES	Mrs Catherine Garbutt

Prayer		The Meeting was opened with prayer led by Mr Donald I Nicholson.
Tribute: Iain Kennedy C41.03		The Chairman referred to Iain Kennedy, a pupil at Back School who had recently received an award for bravery from the First Minister for helping to save the life of a fisherman and on behalf of the Committee congratulated Iain on gaining the award.
Tribute: Angus Macleod C41.03		The Chairman referred to Mr Angus Macleod, a pupil of Sir E Scott School who had recently been awarded the Gold Award for S5 pupils, one of only three in the North of Scotland, by the Scottish Mathematics Council and on behalf of the Committee congratulated Angus on his achievement.
		MINUTES
Education Committee E02.01	123	The Minute of Meeting of 17 August 1999 was approved.
Education Sub-Committee E08.10	124*	The Minute of Meeting of the Education Sub-Committee of 8 September 1999 was submitted. It was agreed to recommend approval of the recommendations at item 25 of the Minute.
		The Chairman ruled in terms of Standing Order 8(a), that the following items be considered as a matter of urgency in order to enable the Committee to immediately appoint a Member to the Joint Consultative Committee: Teaching Staff.
Appointment to JCC: Teaching Staff E08.05	125*	The Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report concerning the membership of the Joint Consultative Committee: Teaching Staff. It was reported that Mr Archibald K Campbell had resigned as a Member of the Joint Consultative Committee: Teaching Staff and the Committee was invited to appoint a new Member to the vacancy arising. It was agreed to appoint Mr Ian M Macleod as a Member of the Joint Consultative Committee: Teaching Staff.
		The Chairman ruled in terms of Standing Order 8(a) that the following item be considered as a matter of urgency in order to consider the recently approved Minute of the Joint Consultative Committee: Teaching Staff.
Joint Consultative Committee: Teaching Staff E08.05	126	The Minute of Meeting of the Joint Consultative Committee: Teaching Staff of 9 February 1999 was noted. The Chairman, seconded by the Vice-Chairman moved the suspension of Standing Order 67 in order to permit the consideration of the following item in order that a matter determined by the Comhairle on 7 September 1999 could be considered. It was agreed to suspend Standing Order 67. The Chairman ruled in terms of Standing Order 8(a) that the following item be considered as a matter of urgency in order to enable the Committee to consider and make decisions on the points raised in a letter from the Chairman of Lews Castle School Board.
Letter of 5 October 1999 from Lews Castle School Board E08.12	127	The Chairman referred to a letter of 5 October 1999 from the Rev T S Sinclair, Chairman, Lews Castle School Board concerning the recent decision of the Comhairle on 7 September 1999 regarding representation on the Secondary Education in Stornoway Review Working Group and other issues. The Chairman invited Members to make any points they wished to concerning the letter. It was agreed to recommend that: (1) one additional Member be appointed to the Secondary Education in Stornoway Review Working Group; and (2) the Teaching Staff of Lews Castle School be invited to nominate a representative to be the additional Member indicated in (1) above. 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 agree the membership of the Working Group prior to its inaugural meeting, scheduled for 5 October 1999, on the basis that this recommendation was not contentious and did not breach a major policy decision of the Comhairle.
		FINANCE
Carry Forward of Revenue Budgets from the 1998/99 to the 1999/2000 Financial Year: Final Proposals E03	128*	The Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning proposals for allocating the remaining 1998/99 Carry Forward of Revenue Budgets from the 1998/99 to the 1999/2000 Financial Year. The Report summarised the proposals. It was agreed to recommend that an allocation of £153,000 of uncommitted carry forward from the 1998/99 financial year to the 1999/2000 Secondary Education Indirect Employee Expenses Budgets.
Future of Capital Programme E03	129*	With reference to Item 113 of the Minute of Meeting of 17 August 1999, the Director of Finance submitted a Report regarding the capital planning process. The methods by which capital was financed were outlined in the Report. It was noted that there had been a trend of decline in capital allocations since 1992/93. The projected capital resources for the period 2000/01 to 2002/03 were set out in the Report. The key issues raised at a Seminar held on 7 September 1999 for Members to discuss the future capital programme were outlined in the Report, together with the outcome of consultation with Community Councils.
		It was agreed to recommend, insofar as the Committee's interests were concerned, that:
		(1) projects for programme areas of greater than £100,000 be managed through project planning techniques including critical path analysis, schedules of works and monthly cash flow forecasts;
		(2) projects for programme areas of less than £100,000 be managed through a checklist setting out the major stages of the project, including land acquisition, planning consent and relevant crofting approval with Project Officers required to complete the checklist, signing and dating each stage of the project after it is completed;
		(3) future capital programmes should not have a capital contingency;
		(4) all capital slippage should be reallocated to projects which represented new opportunities, crises which need capital investment, acceleration of existing schemes or inclusion of previously rejected projects;
		(5) project initiation reports should include a section on the recoverability of VAT and its effects on the project and the finances of the Comhairle as a whole;
		(6) the weightings set out in Appendix 3 to the Minute for scoring project initiation reports be approved;
		(7) the timetable for determining the capital programme as set out in Appendix 4 to the Minute be adopted;
		(8) all projects for programme areas would require a project initiation report approved by the relevant Service Committee;
		(9) the Director of Finance submit a Report to the next series of meetings setting out ways in which additional capital resources might be secured;
		(10) the Director of Finance submit a paper setting out how any pre-viewing of project initiation reports might be managed including essential safeguards to ensure transparency;
		(11) the Report to the January/February series of meetings recommending the new capital programme should include an overview setting out how projects address community needs and details of geographical distribution of projects; and
		(12) Members be surveyed in January or February 2000 as to the success or otherwise of the process of setting the capital programme.
Proposed Window Replacement Programme	130*	The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning a proposed window replacement programme at school properties. The Report gave details of the condition of the windows and external doors at a number of schools and indicated that it would be a number of years before they could all be replaced as part of a complete comprehensive improvement. It was agreed to recommend that a PIR be prepared to initiate a rolling programme of Window and External Door replacements in Schools with an annual value of £150k.
Proposed Water Services Upgrade Programme	131*	The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning the approval of the preparation of a PIR to initiate a programme for the improvement of water service and distribution pipework and cold water storage provision at school properties. The Report gave details of the condition of the water services installations at a number of schools and indicated that it would be a number of years before they could all be replaced as part of a complete comprehensive improvement. It was agreed to recommend that a PIR be prepared to initiate a rolling programme of improvements to water service, distribution pipework and cold water storage provision in Schools with an annual value of £80k.
Sir E Scott School, Tarbert: Proposed Refurbishment E02.37	132*	With reference to Item 75 of the Minute of Meeting of 9 June 1999 the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning the preparation of a PIR to commence a major upgrade at Sir E Scott School. The background to the scheme of comprehensive modernisation and refurbishment was outlined in the Report. It was agreed to recommend that a PIR be prepared for a scheme of comprehensive modernisation and refurbishment at Sir E Scott School on the basis outlined in the Report.
Proposed Electrical Upgrading Programme	133*	With reference to Item 38 of the Minute of Meeting of 22 April 1997 the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning the preparation of a PIR to continue the programme of electrical upgrading works at school properties. The Report gave details of the history of programmed electrical upgrading works which have been ongoing since 1982 and indicated that a major reprioritisation took place in 1994. The Report proposed the continuation of a rolling programme of electrical upgrading works. It was agreed to recommend that a PIR be prepared to continue a rolling programme of improvements to electrical installations in Schools with an annual value of £120k.
Bayble School Upgrading Programme	134*	With reference to Item 58 of the Minute of Meeting of 10 June 1997 the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning the progress on the Upgrading Programme Scheme at Bayble School to date and proposals for the future improvement of the school. The Report detailed the history of the development of proposals for carrying out improvements to the school, set out the current position and sought approval of proposals for the next phase. It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the position to date regarding the phased improvement of Bayble School, be noted; (2) the fact that the present levels of expenditure were insufficient to keep pace with the rate of deterioration of the fabric of the school, be noted; (3) the ongoing strategy of phased improvements at Bayble School, be approved; and (4) the proposed content of Phase 4, as detailed in the Report and the progression of a PIR for this work, be approved.
Nicolson Institute West Wing Refurbishment	135*	With reference to Item 30 of the Minute of Meeting of 12 March 1996 the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning approval of the West Wing Refurbishment at the Nicolson Institute as part of the ongoing improvements to the school. The Report outlined the areas of the school which were still awaiting upgrading. It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the position to date regarding the phased improvement of The Nicolson Institute, be noted; (2) the proposed content of the West Wing Upgrading as detailed in the Report, be approved; and (3) the preparation of a PIR for consideration in the context of the 2000-2003 Capital Programme, be approved.
Stornoway Primary School: Proposed Refurbishment	136*	With reference to Item 56 of the Minute of Meeting of 10 June 1997 the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning the preparation of a PIR to initiate a programme for the phased improvement of the Stornoway Primary School. The Report gave details of the need for extensive refurbishment at the School and indicated that limited progress had been made since the matter was first brought to the Committee's attention in 1993. It was agreed to recommend that a PIR be prepared to initiate a rolling programme of improvements to Stornoway Primary School with an annual value of £125k.
		BUILDINGS
Capital Works: Programme and Progress	137	With reference to Item 78 of the Minute of Meeting of 15 June 1999 the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report regarding the Capital Works Programme and Progress in respect of education properties. It was agreed to note the Report.
Lease of Site for New Build of Children's Centre in Barra	138*	With reference to Item 32 of the Minute of Meeting of 10 March 1998 the Director of Corporate Services and the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Joint Report concerning an application from the Barra Pre-School Association to lease an area of land opposite Castlebay School for the purpose of establishing a children's centre. The background to the matter was outlined in the Report. It was agreed to recommend that the land shown on the plan attached with the Report extending to 1151m² opposite Castlebay School be leased to Barra Pre-School Association for the erection of a Children's Centre, subject to terms and conditions to be agreed by the Director of Corporate Services and subject to the receipt of a detailed planning application.
Jamieson Drive Community Playgroup: Development of Current Site	139*	The Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services and the Director of Corporate Services submitted a Joint Report concerning a request from Jamieson Drive Community Playgroup for an area of Comhairle owned land to enable them to develop their existing pre-school provision. It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the Director of Corporate Services be authorised to lease the area of ground hatched on the plan at Appendix 2 to the Report, forming part of the ground of Stornoway Primary School to Jamieson Drive Community Playgroup for a term of 25 years on such terms and conditions as the Director of Corporate Services in consultation with the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services shall determine; and (2) a nominal rent be sought for the lease in (1) above, subject to the consent of the Scottish Ministers being obtained.
		EDUCATIONAL PROVISION
Education Key Tasks: 1999-2002 PR11.40	140	With reference to Item 100 of the Minute of Meeting of 15 June 1999 the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report proposing Key Tasks for the Education Committee for 1999 - 2002. It was agreed that the list of Key Tasks for the Education Committee enclosed with the Report for the period 1999 - 2002, be approved.
1999/00 Gaelic Pre-School Education Grant	141*	With reference to Item 124 of the Minute of Meeting of 29 August 1999 the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report informing Members of the distribution of Gaelic Pre-School Education Grant approved by SOEID. The Report detailed the allocation and distribution of the grant. It was agreed to recommend that the allocation and distribution of Gaelic Pre-School Education Grant for 1999/00, be noted.
Lionel School: Standard Inspection Report E01.04.32	142*	The Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report informing Members of the results of a standard inspection by HM Inspectors at Lionel School, Isle of Lewis in March/April 1999. The background to the matter was outlined in the Report. It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the content of the report be noted; and (2) congratulations be conveyed to the Head Teacher and staff of the School in respect of the high quality of education offered at the school as recognised by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Schools.
Lionacleit Hostel: Care and Welfare Inspection	143*	With reference to Item 90 of the Minute of Meeting of 15 June 1999 the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning the findings of the Care and Welfare Inspection by HM Inspectorate at Lionacleit Hostel in April 1999. The background to the matter was outlined in the Report. It was agreed to recommend that the report be noted, particularly the key strengths identified and the quality of care provided by hostel staff.
Lionacleit Hostel: Staffing	144*	With reference to Item 98 of the Minute of Meeting of 30 September 1997 the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report seeking approval for the introduction of a "sleeping-in" allowance payment for all care staff at Lionacleit Hostel. The Report outlined why payment of a "sleep-in" allowance was considered essential at Lionacleit Hostel. It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the payment of a "sleep-in allowance" for all care staff at Lionacleit Hostel, to be backdated to the beginning of the August 1999 session and at a cost of £5060 for the remainder of the current financial year, be approved; (2) the funding of the payment from the existing APT & C staffing budget for the Education Committee, be approved; and (3) it be noted that the requirement for this provision be considered as an item of committed growth in the context of the preparation of the Revenue Estimates for 2000/01.
Improvement in Scottish Education Bill: Response to Consultation	145*	The Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning the draft Improvement in Scottish Education Bill. The Report outlined what the Bill was intended to do and that draft comments for approval, or amendment were to be submitted to the Scottish Executive Education Department by 31 October 1999. The Report outlined the aims of the Scottish Parliament in bringing forward the Bill. It was agreed to recommend that the draft responses for submission to the Scottish Executive Education Department, as set out in Sections 8 and 9 of the Report, be approved.
		TEACHING STAFF
Appointment to the Post of Itinerant Behaviour Support Teacher E01.04.29	146*	The Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report concerning the appointment of IT to the post of itinerant Behaviour Support Teacher, Education Development Department. The background to the matter was outlined in the Report. It was agreed to recommend that IT be appointed to the vacant post of itinerant Behaviour Support Teacher on a Fixed Term Contract to 31 March 2000.
Appointment to the Post of Gaelic Medium Teacher, Uig School E01.04.29	147*	The Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report concerning the appointment of IM to the post of Gaelic Medium Teacher, Uig School. The background to the matter was outlined in the Report. It was agreed to recommend that IM be appointed to the vacant post of Gaelic Medium Teacher, Uig School.

		SUPPORT SERVICES
Provision of Milk in Schools	148*	The Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning a study of the financial, administrative and practical implications and considerations relating to the provision of milk in schools. The findings, costings and available options would be presented to the Comhairle at an early date. It was agreed to recommend that the Report be noted.
Notice of Motion: Transport Provision in Respect of School Placing Request	149	The Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report to enable the Committee to consider a Notice of Motion remitted from the Meeting of the Comhairle on 29 June 1999. The background to the matter was outlined in the Report. Mr David Blaney, seconded by Mr Norman M Macleod moved that the Comhairle adopt as a policy that any pupil who attends an S6 School as a result of a placing request to study a subject not available at his or her local two-year secondary school, should be granted free transport. Mr Norman L Macdonald, seconded by Mrs Morag Munro moved as an amendment that the existing school transport policy be maintained. On the matter being put to the vote, the motion received the majority of the votes cast and it was agreed to recommend accordingly.
Performance Reporting of the Schools Meals Contract	150*	With reference to Item 54 of the Minute of Meeting of 9 March 1999 the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning the statutory reporting requirements for Defined Activities as per the Local Government Act 1988. The background to the matter was outlined in the Report. It was agreed to recommend that the Report be noted.
Traffic Management at Schools E02.37	151	With reference to Item 81 of the Minute of Meeting of 15 June 1999 the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning a PIR bid for Traffic Management at Schools. The Report indicated that since 1993 an effort has been made to improve traffic management at schools which has now provided substantially improved facilities at various schools throughout the Western Isles. The Report also indicated that there are still a large number of school throughout the islands where traffic management needed to be improved. It was agreed to recommend that the preparation of a PIR for the inclusion of £120k per annum in the Capital Programme for Traffic Management at Schools and that the money be applied to schemes from a priority list to be prepared and agreed before April 2000.
		PERFORMANCE REVIEW
Reports Outstanding: Progress PR33.01.12	152	With reference to Item 101 of the Minute of Meeting of 15 June 1999 the Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report concerning Reports outstanding arising from decisions of the Committee. It was agreed to note the Report.