Med9911

EDUCATION COMMITTEE

Minute of Meeting held in the Council Offices, Stornoway, on Tuesday 30 November 1999 at 2.00pm

PRESENT

Mr Norman L Macdonald (Chairman)

Mrs Morag Munro (Vice-Chairman)

Mr Iain Morrison

Mr Archibald K Campbell

Mr Ian M Macleod

Mr David Blaney

Mr Philip R McLean

Rev Andrew Coghill

Mr Donald I Nicholson

Rev Donald A Macdonald

Mr Norman M Macleod

Rev John Macleod

Mr Finlay Morrison

Mr Alan Smithyman

Mr Donald M Mackay

Dr Alan J F Fraser

APOLOGIES

Mr Alexander A Macdonald

Mrs Christina Garbutt

Prayer

The meeting was opened with prayer led by Rev John Macleod.

Tribute: Exam Results in Western Isles Schools

C41.03

The Chairman referred to the recently published exam results for pupils in the Western Isles and on behalf of the Committee congratulated pupils on their excellent achievements and commented on the good work which was being undertaken by teachers and pupils in order to achieve these successes.

MINUTES

Education Committee

E02.01

153

The minute of meeting of 5 October 1999 was approved.

Education Sub-Committee

E08.10

154

The minute of meeting of the Education Sub-Committee of 28 October 1999 was noted.

Lochs School Sub-Committee

E08

155

The minute of meeting of the Lochs School Sub-Committee of 28 October 199 was noted.

Arising from the above item the Depute Director of Technical Services reported that following the site difficulties experienced during the groundworks contract, the Sub-Committee on 30 June 1999 approved an alternative procurement method involving advancing both the foundation works and structural steelwork. This change was designed to ensure these elements of the project could be completed, as separate contracts, during the better weather in summer.

Both of these contracts were now completed and as a result of favourable weather did not experience problems on the site. Unfortunately the significant time involved in checking and supervising these contract removed staff from the building design work resulting in some delay to the overall design programme. In addition to these delays other areas of the design work including the development of mechanical and electrical services have also taken additional time to conclude resulting in a lengthening of the overall design process.

Recent efforts to supplement existing design staff have proved unsuccessful and commitments to other Comhairle projects have precluded the supplementing of the current design team to reduce the overall programme.

The building foundations and steelworks contract are now completed and the revised programme of the new Lochs School is:

Documents to tender Mid January 2000

Tenders returned End February 2000

Site start March 2000

Building completion Easter 2001

School Board Appointment Committee

E08.09

156

The minutes of meetings of the School Board Appointment Committee of 23 August 1999, 21 October 1999 and 10 November 1999 were noted.

Gaelic Development Sub-Committee

PR03.05.22

157

The minute of meeting of the Gaelic Development Sub-Committee of 25 October 1999 was noted.

Secondary Education in Stornoway Review Working Group

E08.12

158

The minutes of meetings of the Secondary Education in Stornoway Review Working Group of 5 October 1999, 4 November 1999, 11 November 1999 and 16 November 1999 were noted.

FINANCE

Second Quarter Revenue Out-turn

PR110.08.14

159

With reference to Item 110 of the Minute of Meeting of 17 August 1999, 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 six months ended 30 September 1999 and comparing such Income and Expenditure with the Revenue Estimates for Income and Expenditure for the period. The Report detailed the forecast outturn expenditure for each of the Comhairle's Services for the financial year ending 31 March 2000.

It was agreed to note the Report, insofar as the Committee's interest was concerned.

Second Quarter Out-turn: General Fund Capital

PR110.08

160*

With reference to Item 113 of the Minute of Meeting of 17 August 1999, the Director of Finance submitted a Report regarding the Programme of Capital Expenditure for the Comhairle for the period 1 April to 30 September 1999 for all Services except the Housing Revenue Account. The Report detailed the approved expenditure and estimated outturn expenditure for the financial year 1999/2000 for each Service. It was noted that the forecast outturn was £758,000 below the revised approved programme of £14,787,000. A summary of the variations was set out in the Report. Details of the Capital Programme, together with proposed revisions were appended to the Report.

It was agreed to recommend approval of the 1999/2000 outturn as the revised approved programme of capital expenditure for 1999/2000.

Budget Strategy 2000-2001 to 2001-2002

PR110.03.25

161*

The Director of Finance submitted a Report setting out a proposed budget strategy for 2000/01. The Report outlined the present financial requirements of the Comhairle and identified a number of new burdens and reductions in cost. Comments on inflation and interest rates were set out in the Report and the assumption regarding revenue support grant, special islands needs allowance and capping were outlined. It was noted that there was assumption of a 5% increase in Council Tax in 1999/2000 which left a shortfall of £1,410,000 to be funded from savings. It had been assumed that no balances were to be applied. Details of the provisional cash planning limits for each services were appended to the Report. An outline of the possible financial situation for the years 2001/02 and 20002/03 were set out in the Report.

It was agreed to recommend approval of the budget strategy, as detailed in the report by the Director of Finance insofar as the Committee's interest was concerned.

The growth/save reports were submitted.

It was agreed to note the reports.

Project Initiation Reports

PR110.03.05

162

The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing the following Project Initiation Reports in relation to the education Capital Programme:

Acres Boys Club

Boiler Replacement

Back School Improvements

Bayble School Improvements

Castlebay School Improvements

Daliburgh School Canteen Refurbishment

Disabled Access

Emergency Structural Repairs

Energy Improvements

Electrical Upgrading

Future Programme

National Grid for Learning

Primary and Secondary Schools Equipment

Sgoil Lionacleit Repairs

Sgoil Lionacleit Fitness Suite and Dance Studio

Lional School

The Nicolson Institute West Wing

Roofing Replacement

Sir E Scott School

Stornoway Primary School Refurbishment

Traffic Management

Water Services

Window Replacement

HORSA Replacement

It was agreed to approve the above Project Initiation Report for consideration within the Comhairle 2000/2001 to 2002/2003 Capital Programme.

BUILDINGS

Capital Works: Programme and Progress

E03

163

With reference to item 137 of the minute of meeting of 5 October 1999 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 1999/00: Quarterly Expenditure to 30 September 1999

E03

164

With reference to item 115 of the minute of meeting of 17 August 1999 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 second 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 Committee at quarterly intervals.

Siting of Portacabin for School and Pre-School Use

E02

165*

The Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a report seeking approval to purchase and site a Portacabin within the curtilage of Balallan School to house the areas pre-school class and one school group. The background to the matter was detailed in the report.

It was agreed to recommend that a two room portacabin for school and pre-school use be sited at Balallan School with financial arrangements as detailed in Section 5.1 of the report by the Director of Education and Leisure Services.

Daliburgh School - School Meals Provision

E05

166*

The Director of Technical Services submitted a report concerning the unsatisfactory condition of the kitchen facilities at Daliburgh School and to seek approval for a scheme of proposed improvements. The Report indicated that in order to conform with current food safety regulations the kitchen equipment, floor, wall and ceiling finishes required replacement.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) expenditure on this project of up to £25k from the 1999-2000 Capital Programme (Emergency Structural Repairs), be approved; and

(2) the submission of a PIR for the balance of this work for consideration in the 2000-2001 Capital Programme, be approved.

EDUCATIONAL PROVISION

Marking the Millennium - Gift of a Bible to each School Pupil

E07

167*

The Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a report concerning the presentation of a bible to each school pupil in the Western Isles to mark the millennium. The report recommended that each pupil in the Western Isles be gifted with a special millennium edition of the Good News Bible published by the National Bible Society.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) all schools in the Western Isles would be consulted in order to ascertain which version of the Bible pupils would prefer to receive a copy of; and

(2) the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services be authorised to make the necessary provision in (1) above and to identify any additional funding which may be required.

Review of Secondary Education in Stornoway: Working Group Progress Report

E08.12

168*

With reference to item 127 of the minute of meeting of 5 October 1999 the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report informing Members of the progress of the Review of Secondary Provision in Stornoway Working Group.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) the progress made by the Working Group as detailed in the draft document be noted;

(2) the appointment of an independent Consultant to examine the feasibility of producing a timetable sufficiently sophisticated to deliver Option 4, be approved; and

(3) the arrangement of a Seminar designed to provide a briefing on developments in Secondary Education, be approved.

SUPPORT SERVICES

Provision of Milk/Promotion of Healthy Eating in Schools

E05

169*

With reference to item 148 of the minute of meeting of 5 October 1999 the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a report regarding the progress to date in examining the feasibility of re-introducing milk into schools as part of a healthy eating initiative. The background to the matter was outlined in the report.

It was agreed to recommend that the progress to date be noted.

Road Safety - 20mph Speed Limit Zones Adjacent to Schools

E05

170*

The Director of Technical Services submitted a report concerning the changes to the implementation of 20mph speed limits. The background to the matter was outlined in the report.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) the changes to the implementation of 20mph speed limits be noted; and

(2) where appropriate locations occur adjacent to schools, 20mph speed limits should be investigated as part of the proposed programme for traffic management at schools.

PERFORMANCE REVIEW

Outstanding Reports: Progress Report

PR33.01.12

171

With reference to item 152 of the minute of meeting of 5 October 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.

LEGISLATION

Repeal of Section 2A of the Local Government Act 1986

E07

172

The Acting Chief Executive submitted a report concerning the proposed repeal of Section 2A of the Local Government Act 1986. It was reported that the Comhairle was asked to give its views on the consultation paper entitled Standards in Public Life by 14 January 2000.

It was agreed that the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services write a letter to the Scottish Executive indicating the views of the Committee as expressed at the meeting on the basis of the Committee's opposition to the proposed repeal of Section 2A of the Local Government Act 1986.

___

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

APOLOGIES	Mr Alexander A Macdonald	Mrs Christina Garbutt

Prayer		The meeting was opened with prayer led by Rev John Macleod.
Tribute: Exam Results in Western Isles Schools C41.03		The Chairman referred to the recently published exam results for pupils in the Western Isles and on behalf of the Committee congratulated pupils on their excellent achievements and commented on the good work which was being undertaken by teachers and pupils in order to achieve these successes.
		MINUTES
Education Committee E02.01	153	The minute of meeting of 5 October 1999 was approved.
Education Sub-Committee E08.10	154	The minute of meeting of the Education Sub-Committee of 28 October 1999 was noted.
Lochs School Sub-Committee E08	155	The minute of meeting of the Lochs School Sub-Committee of 28 October 199 was noted. Arising from the above item the Depute Director of Technical Services reported that following the site difficulties experienced during the groundworks contract, the Sub-Committee on 30 June 1999 approved an alternative procurement method involving advancing both the foundation works and structural steelwork. This change was designed to ensure these elements of the project could be completed, as separate contracts, during the better weather in summer.
		Both of these contracts were now completed and as a result of favourable weather did not experience problems on the site. Unfortunately the significant time involved in checking and supervising these contract removed staff from the building design work resulting in some delay to the overall design programme. In addition to these delays other areas of the design work including the development of mechanical and electrical services have also taken additional time to conclude resulting in a lengthening of the overall design process.
		Recent efforts to supplement existing design staff have proved unsuccessful and commitments to other Comhairle projects have precluded the supplementing of the current design team to reduce the overall programme. The building foundations and steelworks contract are now completed and the revised programme of the new Lochs School is: Documents to tender Mid January 2000 Tenders returned End February 2000 Site start March 2000 Building completion Easter 2001
School Board Appointment Committee E08.09	156	The minutes of meetings of the School Board Appointment Committee of 23 August 1999, 21 October 1999 and 10 November 1999 were noted.
Gaelic Development Sub-Committee PR03.05.22	157	The minute of meeting of the Gaelic Development Sub-Committee of 25 October 1999 was noted.
Secondary Education in Stornoway Review Working Group E08.12	158	The minutes of meetings of the Secondary Education in Stornoway Review Working Group of 5 October 1999, 4 November 1999, 11 November 1999 and 16 November 1999 were noted.
		FINANCE
Second Quarter Revenue Out-turn PR110.08.14	159	With reference to Item 110 of the Minute of Meeting of 17 August 1999, 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 six months ended 30 September 1999 and comparing such Income and Expenditure with the Revenue Estimates for Income and Expenditure for the period. The Report detailed the forecast outturn expenditure for each of the Comhairle's Services for the financial year ending 31 March 2000. It was agreed to note the Report, insofar as the Committee's interest was concerned.
Second Quarter Out-turn: General Fund Capital PR110.08	160*	With reference to Item 113 of the Minute of Meeting of 17 August 1999, the Director of Finance submitted a Report regarding the Programme of Capital Expenditure for the Comhairle for the period 1 April to 30 September 1999 for all Services except the Housing Revenue Account. The Report detailed the approved expenditure and estimated outturn expenditure for the financial year 1999/2000 for each Service. It was noted that the forecast outturn was £758,000 below the revised approved programme of £14,787,000. A summary of the variations was set out in the Report. Details of the Capital Programme, together with proposed revisions were appended to the Report.
		It was agreed to recommend approval of the 1999/2000 outturn as the revised approved programme of capital expenditure for 1999/2000.
Budget Strategy 2000-2001 to 2001-2002 PR110.03.25	161*	The Director of Finance submitted a Report setting out a proposed budget strategy for 2000/01. The Report outlined the present financial requirements of the Comhairle and identified a number of new burdens and reductions in cost. Comments on inflation and interest rates were set out in the Report and the assumption regarding revenue support grant, special islands needs allowance and capping were outlined. It was noted that there was assumption of a 5% increase in Council Tax in 1999/2000 which left a shortfall of £1,410,000 to be funded from savings. It had been assumed that no balances were to be applied. Details of the provisional cash planning limits for each services were appended to the Report. An outline of the possible financial situation for the years 2001/02 and 20002/03 were set out in the Report.
		It was agreed to recommend approval of the budget strategy, as detailed in the report by the Director of Finance insofar as the Committee's interest was concerned.
		The growth/save reports were submitted. It was agreed to note the reports.
Project Initiation Reports PR110.03.05	162	The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing the following Project Initiation Reports in relation to the education Capital Programme: Acres Boys Club Boiler Replacement Back School Improvements Bayble School Improvements Castlebay School Improvements Daliburgh School Canteen Refurbishment Disabled Access Emergency Structural Repairs Energy Improvements Electrical Upgrading Future Programme National Grid for Learning Primary and Secondary Schools Equipment Sgoil Lionacleit Repairs Sgoil Lionacleit Fitness Suite and Dance Studio Lional School The Nicolson Institute West Wing Roofing Replacement Sir E Scott School Stornoway Primary School Refurbishment Traffic Management Water Services Window Replacement HORSA Replacement
		It was agreed to approve the above Project Initiation Report for consideration within the Comhairle 2000/2001 to 2002/2003 Capital Programme.
		BUILDINGS
Capital Works: Programme and Progress E03	163	With reference to item 137 of the minute of meeting of 5 October 1999 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 1999/00: Quarterly Expenditure to 30 September 1999 E03	164	With reference to item 115 of the minute of meeting of 17 August 1999 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 second 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 Committee at quarterly intervals.
Siting of Portacabin for School and Pre-School Use E02	165*	The Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a report seeking approval to purchase and site a Portacabin within the curtilage of Balallan School to house the areas pre-school class and one school group. The background to the matter was detailed in the report. It was agreed to recommend that a two room portacabin for school and pre-school use be sited at Balallan School with financial arrangements as detailed in Section 5.1 of the report by the Director of Education and Leisure Services.
Daliburgh School - School Meals Provision E05	166*	The Director of Technical Services submitted a report concerning the unsatisfactory condition of the kitchen facilities at Daliburgh School and to seek approval for a scheme of proposed improvements. The Report indicated that in order to conform with current food safety regulations the kitchen equipment, floor, wall and ceiling finishes required replacement. It was agreed to recommend that: (1) expenditure on this project of up to £25k from the 1999-2000 Capital Programme (Emergency Structural Repairs), be approved; and (2) the submission of a PIR for the balance of this work for consideration in the 2000-2001 Capital Programme, be approved.
		EDUCATIONAL PROVISION
Marking the Millennium - Gift of a Bible to each School Pupil E07	167*	The Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a report concerning the presentation of a bible to each school pupil in the Western Isles to mark the millennium. The report recommended that each pupil in the Western Isles be gifted with a special millennium edition of the Good News Bible published by the National Bible Society. It was agreed to recommend that: (1) all schools in the Western Isles would be consulted in order to ascertain which version of the Bible pupils would prefer to receive a copy of; and (2) the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services be authorised to make the necessary provision in (1) above and to identify any additional funding which may be required.
Review of Secondary Education in Stornoway: Working Group Progress Report E08.12	168*	With reference to item 127 of the minute of meeting of 5 October 1999 the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report informing Members of the progress of the Review of Secondary Provision in Stornoway Working Group. It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the progress made by the Working Group as detailed in the draft document be noted; (2) the appointment of an independent Consultant to examine the feasibility of producing a timetable sufficiently sophisticated to deliver Option 4, be approved; and (3) the arrangement of a Seminar designed to provide a briefing on developments in Secondary Education, be approved.
		SUPPORT SERVICES
Provision of Milk/Promotion of Healthy Eating in Schools E05	169*	With reference to item 148 of the minute of meeting of 5 October 1999 the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a report regarding the progress to date in examining the feasibility of re-introducing milk into schools as part of a healthy eating initiative. The background to the matter was outlined in the report. It was agreed to recommend that the progress to date be noted.
Road Safety - 20mph Speed Limit Zones Adjacent to Schools E05	170*	The Director of Technical Services submitted a report concerning the changes to the implementation of 20mph speed limits. The background to the matter was outlined in the report. It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the changes to the implementation of 20mph speed limits be noted; and (2) where appropriate locations occur adjacent to schools, 20mph speed limits should be investigated as part of the proposed programme for traffic management at schools.
		PERFORMANCE REVIEW
Outstanding Reports: Progress Report PR33.01.12	171	With reference to item 152 of the minute of meeting of 5 October 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.
		LEGISLATION
Repeal of Section 2A of the Local Government Act 1986 E07	172	The Acting Chief Executive submitted a report concerning the proposed repeal of Section 2A of the Local Government Act 1986. It was reported that the Comhairle was asked to give its views on the consultation paper entitled Standards in Public Life by 14 January 2000. It was agreed that the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services write a letter to the Scottish Executive indicating the views of the Committee as expressed at the meeting on the basis of the Committee's opposition to the proposed repeal of Section 2A of the Local Government Act 1986.