January 2001

EDUCATION COMMITTEE

Minute of Meeting held in the Council Offices, Stornoway, on Tuesday 30 January 2001 at 2.00pm

PRESENT

Mr Norman L Macdonald (Chairman)

Mrs Morag Munro (Vice-Chairman)

Mr Finlay Morrison

Mr Malcolm J Macleod

Mr Donald M Mackay

Mr Iain Morrison

Mr Archie Campbell

Mr Alexander A Macdonald

Mr David Blaney

Mr Ian M Macleod

Rev Andrew Coghill

Mr Roderick J Murray

Rev Donald A Macdonald

Mr Murdo Macleod

Rev John Macleod

Mr Philip R McLean

Mr Allan Smithyman

Mr Donald I Nicholson

Dr Alan J F Fraser

Mr Norman M Macleod

Prayer

The meeting was opened with prayer led by Rev Donald A Macdonald.

Tribute: Mr Donald M Mackay

The Chairman referred to Mr Donald M Mackay, elected Member for the Lochs Electoral Division who had been awarded an OBE in the New Years Honours List for Services to the Community and, on behalf of the Committee, congratulated Mr Mackay on this well deserved honour.

MINUTES

Education Committee

E08

1

The minute of meeting of 21 November 2000 was approved.

Education Sub-Committee

E08

2

The minute of meeting of Education Sub-Committee of 21 November 2000 was noted.

School Board Appointments Committee

3

The minutes of meetings of the School Board Appointments Committee of 15 November 2000, 6 December 2000 and 18 January 2001 were noted.

Gaelic Development Sub-Committee

4*

The minute of meeting of the Gaelic Development Sub-Committee of 28 November 2000 was submitted.

It was agreed to recommend approval of the recommendations at items 37, 39 and 40 of the minute.

Arising out of consideration of this item it was agreed to recommend that the Chairman, Vice-Chairman and Mr Donald M Mackay meet with the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services to consider the future of Gaelic Medium Education.

FINANCE

AEF Announcement, Policy Framework and Budget Strategy 2001/02 to 2003/04

PR110.03.25

5

It was agreed to defer consideration of this item until 19 February 2001.

Updated Service Strategy Development Reports

PR110.08

6

It was agreed to defer consideration of this item until 19 February 2001.

Draft Revenue Budget 2001/02

PR110.03.25

7

It was agreed to defer consideration of this item until 19 February 2001.

Non-Housing Capital Monitoring to 31 December 2000

PR110.08

8*

With reference to item 117 of the minute of meeting of 21 November 2000 the Director of Finance submitted a Report detailing the Programme of Capital Expenditure for the Comhairle for the period 1 April 2000 to 31 December 2000/01 for all services except the Housing Revenue Account. The Report detailed the approved expenditure and estimated out-turn for the financial year 2000/01 for each service.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) the forecast out-turn be approved as the Revised Approved Programme;

(2) slippage within the Conditional Upon External Funding Programme be approved as detailed in appendix 3 of the Report;

(3) an overspend of £21k on the Smith Avenue/Sandwick Road Roundabout Project be included in the Capital Programme and funded out of slippage;

(4) £365k be included in the Capital Programme for the Ardmhor Road and Breakwater and be funded out of slippage;

(5) £40k be included in the Capital Programme, to be funded from the overall levels of slippage, for the relocation of Daliburgh Library

(6) acceleration of the Minor Fishery Piers Improvement Programme be approved;

(7) an additional £10k, funded from slippage, be allocated to complete the works at Sandwick Cemetery;

(8) the Waste Disposal Strategy project be transferred from the Conditional Programme to the main Capital Programme at a net cost of £60k; and

(9) the Airport Development project and the Mobile Recyclable Materials project, which had been successful in obtaining HISP funding, be included in the Capital Programme.

BUILDINGS

Capital Works: Programme and Progress

E03

9

With reference to item 87 of the minute of meeting of 21 November 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.

Sir E Scott School, Tarbert

E03

10*

With reference to item 87 of the minute of meeting of 1 September 2000 the Director of Corporate Services submitted the Note of the Informal Meeting of the Sir E Scott School Member/Officer Working Group. The Director of Technical Services submitted a report to seek approval to progress to detailed design stage with the Sir E Scott School proposed redevelopment. The report gave a preliminary indication of the proposed works and the associated costs.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) the note of the informal meeting of the Sir E Scott School Member/Officer Working Group be noted;

(2) the scope of the project be as detailed in the report by the Director of Technical Services;

(3) the feasibility of incorporating the proposed community swimming pool in the basement be examined as part of the detailed feasibility study;

(4) the outline brief and accommodation schedule be as detailed in the report by the Director of Technical Services;

(5) work commence immediately on determining and siting decant accommodation with a view to completing the work during the 2001 summer holidays;

(6) a PIR be prepared for the balance of the scheme from 2003-2004 onwards; and

(7) HSLC be permitted to apply for planning permission for the revised Sports Centre project.

The Committee unanimously agreed, in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 17 of the Scheme of Administration, that the Committee conditionally determine, in respect of recommendation (7) above, on behalf of the Comhairle, under delegated powers, in light of the need to avoid any delay in applying for planning permission on the basis that the recommendation was not contentious and did not breach a major policy position of the Comhairle.

Sgoil Lionacleit - Coastal Erosion

E07

11*

With reference to item 78 of the minute of meeting of 1 September 2000 the Director of Technical Services submitted a report informing the Committee of an updated projection of future erosion in the Sgoil Lionacleit area and seeking approval to approach SNH regarding the development of a shoreline management plan. It was indicated in the report that the ongoing coastal erosion at Lionacleit had been monitored over a number of years by the Technical Services Department.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) the development of a shoreline management plan be undertaken in consultation with Scottish Natural Heritage, and that this plan be monitored on a six monthly basis; and

(2) a further report on the likely financial implications arising from the implementation of such a plan be prepared for consideration prior to detailed development work being undertaken.

Balivanich Play Area

12

The Principal Administrator sought and obtained the Chairman's permission to withdraw the report by the Director of Technical Services concerning Balivanich Play Area.

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

Proposed Sale of Manish Old School and Schoolhouse

E02

13*

With reference to item 100 of the minute of meeting of 3 October 2000 the Director of Corporate Services and the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a joint report concerning the sale of Manish Old School and Schoolhouse. The report indicated that in October 2000 members authorised the Director of Corporate Services to offer Manish Old School and Schoolhouse for sale. It was indicated that one offer had been received by the closing date of 8 December 2000 and that the offer included the proposed use of the property as a restaurant and, in due course, self catering holiday accommodation. Details of the offer were appended to the report.

It was agreed to recommend that Manish Old School and Schoolhouse be sold to the prospective purchaser at the price offered in Appendix 1 of the Joint Report by the Director of Corporate Services and the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services and on such terms and conditions as the Director of Corporate Services, in consultation with the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services shall deem appropriate.

Future Use of Daliburgh Former Janitor's House

E02

14*

With reference to item 69 of the minute of meeting of 9 June 1998 the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a report concerning a request from Ceòlas to lease office accommodation in the Daliburgh former Janitor's House. It was indicated in the report that the former Janitor's House at Daliburgh School was empty and surplus to Education Service requirements and that the Department of Education and Leisure Services had received a request from Ceòlas to use the building for office accommodation for staff.

It was agreed to defer consideration of this item, in order to give the Local Member and the local community time to investigate this matter further.

Daliburgh Library

E02

15*

With reference to item 69 of the minute of meeting of 9 June 1998 the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a report concerning a recommendation from the Capital Programme Working Group that Daliburgh Library be accommodated within the former Janitor's House at Daliburgh. The report indicated that on 9 June 1998 the Committee agreed to demolish Daliburgh Library as soon as alternative accommodation could be secured. It was further indicated that the former janitor's house had now become available for occupancy and that the cost of renovations had been estimated at £37,000.

It was agreed to defer consideration of this item, in order to give the Local Member and the local community time to investigate this matter further.

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

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

Former Use of Haldane Centre Site

E02

16*

The Director of Corporate Services and the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a joint report concerning the possible future use of the former Haldane Curriculum Centre site. The report indicated that the former Haldane Curriculum Centre was now empty and surplus to Education Service requirements and that a request had been received from Tighean Innse Gall, acting on behalf of the Muirneag Housing Association, to assess the site for rental housing. It was also indicated that Tighean Innse Gall have now asked for further time to assess their options, in view of the possible significant costs of developing the site, in particular the need for specialist clearance.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) disposal of the site be deferred until May 2001 when Tighean Innse Gall anticipate being in a position to put development proposals to the Comhairle, with a further report being submitted to the Committee;

(2) the Director of Corporate Services be authorised to establish the extent and nature of other community interest in acquiring the site and submit a further report to the Committee; and

(3) the property be advertised on the open market with offers being sought which specify the proposed future use, as well as price.

EDUCATIONAL PROVISION

Pre-School Education 2001 - Financial Issues

E01.02.06

17*

With reference to item 62 of the minute of meeting of 31 May 2000 the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a report concerning proposals for 2001/2002 pre-school grant funding and partnership arrangements, and to seek members' authority to decline a request for increased funding from a national pre-school organisation. The background to the matter was outlined in the report.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) a rate per full commissioned pre-school place (including for 3 year olds) of £1200 for the 2001/2002 pre-school year be approved;

(2) the initial proposed distribution of Pre-School Rural Grant as set out in Appendix 1 be approved; and

(3) in light of demands on funding, the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services be authorised to decline to meet a request for increased funding from the Scottish Pre-School Play Association for a support service to pre-school groups and to suggest that that request be referred for consideration by the Western Isles Childcare Partnership.

Proposed Closure of Lews Castle School on the Basis of the Delivery of all S3/S4 Secondary Education Provision in Lewis within The Nicolson Institute: Consultation Document and Responses

E01.04.40

18*

With reference to item 103 of the minute of meeting of 3 October 2000 the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a report concerning the proposed closure of Lews Castle School on the basis of the delivery of all S3/S4 secondary education provision in Lewis within The Nicolson Institute. The report was submitted on the basis of the information circulated to parents, school boards and other interested parties and in the light of representations made at the statutory consultation meetings and of the written responses received in connection with the proposal to close the school. The consultation document and the reports of the consultation meetings and the written submissions were appended to the report.

Mr Ian M Macleod, seconded by Mr Archie Campbell, moved:

(a) with effect from August 2001, all S3 pupils in Lewis would attend The Nicolson Institute where provision will include the vocational provision currently being established in collaboration with Lews Castle College and where all programmes of study will be tailored to the individual needs of each pupil. Pupils currently in S3 at Lews Castle School would remain there until June 2002 when they would either leave school or proceed to S5 within The Nicolson Institute; and

(b) that a Monitoring and Implementation Group be set up to oversee the implementation of Higher Still Guidelines and the Standards in Scotland's Schools etc. Act 2000 throughout the education authority.

Mr Donald I Nicholson, seconded by Mr Finlay Morrison, moved as an amendment that:

(a) the future provision of Secondary Education in Stornoway be delivered on the basis of option (c) as detailed in the report, namely, 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

(b) a Monitoring and Implementation Group be set up to oversee the implementation of Higher Still Guidelines and the Standards in Scotland's Schools etc. Act 2000 throughout the education authority.

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

Proposed Centralisation of Educational Provision within Bayble School following its Refurbishment: Consultation Document and Responses

E02.10

19*

With reference to item 90 of the minute of meeting of 1 September 2000 the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a report concerning the public responses to the consultation exercise carried out in relation to the centralisation of educational provision in the Point Area within Bayble School following its refurbishment. The legal and financial details were outlined in the report. Appended to the report were the Consultation Document and the Report on the Consultation Meeting and written responses.

It was agreed to recommend that the centralisation of education provision in Point be within a refurbished Bayble School.

RELATED MATTERS

ECG Testing in Schools

E07

20*

The Director of Corporate Services submitted a report concerning the proposal by CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young) to conduct a pilot research involving ECG testing of 15-18 year olds in Western Isles Schools. It was detailed in the report that the purpose of the testing was to diagnose hidden heart conditions and was being conducted in memory of Joanne Fotheringham, a former teacher at Bayble School.

It was agreed to recommend that the Pilot Study project proposed by CRY in memory of Joanne Fotheringham which would involve 15-18 year olds in Western Isles schools taking part in ECG testing be approved.

PERFORMANCE REVIEW

Report Outstanding: Progress

PR33.01.12

21

With reference to item 126 of the minute of meeting of 21 November 2000 the Director of Corporate Services submitted a report concerning reports outstanding arising from decisions of the Education Committee.

It was agreed to note the report.

ADDITIONAL ITEM

The Chairman ruled in accordance with Standing Order 8 that the following item be considered as a matter or urgency in order that the offer of payment would not be delayed.

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

Claim for Conservation of Salary

E06

22*

The Director of Corporate Services submitted a report concerning approval for offer of settlement in court action for a teacher's claim for conservation of salary. It was indicated in the report that Mrs AYS had made a claim against the Comhairle for conservation of salary which had been placed before the Education Sub-Committee on 1 November 2000 for consideration. The Sub-Committee rejected the claim and she had raised an action against the Comhairle in the Court of Session for the salary she claims she was entitled to following her return to work in a lower post.

It was agreed to recommend that the offer of the principal sum of £18,951.78 to the Pursuer with the option to offer interest and expenses thereon in settlement of the court action of Mrs AYS v Western Isles Islands Council (sic) be approved.

___

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

Prayer		The meeting was opened with prayer led by Rev Donald A Macdonald.
Tribute: Mr Donald M Mackay		The Chairman referred to Mr Donald M Mackay, elected Member for the Lochs Electoral Division who had been awarded an OBE in the New Years Honours List for Services to the Community and, on behalf of the Committee, congratulated Mr Mackay on this well deserved honour.
		MINUTES
Education Committee E08	1	The minute of meeting of 21 November 2000 was approved.
Education Sub-Committee E08	2	The minute of meeting of Education Sub-Committee of 21 November 2000 was noted.
School Board Appointments Committee	3	The minutes of meetings of the School Board Appointments Committee of 15 November 2000, 6 December 2000 and 18 January 2001 were noted.
Gaelic Development Sub-Committee	4*	The minute of meeting of the Gaelic Development Sub-Committee of 28 November 2000 was submitted. It was agreed to recommend approval of the recommendations at items 37, 39 and 40 of the minute. Arising out of consideration of this item it was agreed to recommend that the Chairman, Vice-Chairman and Mr Donald M Mackay meet with the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services to consider the future of Gaelic Medium Education.

		FINANCE
AEF Announcement, Policy Framework and Budget Strategy 2001/02 to 2003/04 PR110.03.25	5	It was agreed to defer consideration of this item until 19 February 2001.
Updated Service Strategy Development Reports PR110.08	6	It was agreed to defer consideration of this item until 19 February 2001.
Draft Revenue Budget 2001/02 PR110.03.25	7	It was agreed to defer consideration of this item until 19 February 2001.
Non-Housing Capital Monitoring to 31 December 2000 PR110.08	8*	With reference to item 117 of the minute of meeting of 21 November 2000 the Director of Finance submitted a Report detailing the Programme of Capital Expenditure for the Comhairle for the period 1 April 2000 to 31 December 2000/01 for all services except the Housing Revenue Account. The Report detailed the approved expenditure and estimated out-turn for the financial year 2000/01 for each service. It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the forecast out-turn be approved as the Revised Approved Programme; (2) slippage within the Conditional Upon External Funding Programme be approved as detailed in appendix 3 of the Report; (3) an overspend of £21k on the Smith Avenue/Sandwick Road Roundabout Project be included in the Capital Programme and funded out of slippage; (4) £365k be included in the Capital Programme for the Ardmhor Road and Breakwater and be funded out of slippage; (5) £40k be included in the Capital Programme, to be funded from the overall levels of slippage, for the relocation of Daliburgh Library (6) acceleration of the Minor Fishery Piers Improvement Programme be approved; (7) an additional £10k, funded from slippage, be allocated to complete the works at Sandwick Cemetery; (8) the Waste Disposal Strategy project be transferred from the Conditional Programme to the main Capital Programme at a net cost of £60k; and (9) the Airport Development project and the Mobile Recyclable Materials project, which had been successful in obtaining HISP funding, be included in the Capital Programme.
		BUILDINGS
Capital Works: Programme and Progress E03	9	With reference to item 87 of the minute of meeting of 21 November 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.
Sir E Scott School, Tarbert E03	10*	With reference to item 87 of the minute of meeting of 1 September 2000 the Director of Corporate Services submitted the Note of the Informal Meeting of the Sir E Scott School Member/Officer Working Group. The Director of Technical Services submitted a report to seek approval to progress to detailed design stage with the Sir E Scott School proposed redevelopment. The report gave a preliminary indication of the proposed works and the associated costs. It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the note of the informal meeting of the Sir E Scott School Member/Officer Working Group be noted; (2) the scope of the project be as detailed in the report by the Director of Technical Services; (3) the feasibility of incorporating the proposed community swimming pool in the basement be examined as part of the detailed feasibility study; (4) the outline brief and accommodation schedule be as detailed in the report by the Director of Technical Services; (5) work commence immediately on determining and siting decant accommodation with a view to completing the work during the 2001 summer holidays; (6) a PIR be prepared for the balance of the scheme from 2003-2004 onwards; and (7) HSLC be permitted to apply for planning permission for the revised Sports Centre project.
		The Committee unanimously agreed, in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 17 of the Scheme of Administration, that the Committee conditionally determine, in respect of recommendation (7) above, on behalf of the Comhairle, under delegated powers, in light of the need to avoid any delay in applying for planning permission on the basis that the recommendation was not contentious and did not breach a major policy position of the Comhairle.
Sgoil Lionacleit - Coastal Erosion E07	11*	With reference to item 78 of the minute of meeting of 1 September 2000 the Director of Technical Services submitted a report informing the Committee of an updated projection of future erosion in the Sgoil Lionacleit area and seeking approval to approach SNH regarding the development of a shoreline management plan. It was indicated in the report that the ongoing coastal erosion at Lionacleit had been monitored over a number of years by the Technical Services Department. It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the development of a shoreline management plan be undertaken in consultation with Scottish Natural Heritage, and that this plan be monitored on a six monthly basis; and (2) a further report on the likely financial implications arising from the implementation of such a plan be prepared for consideration prior to detailed development work being undertaken.
Balivanich Play Area	12	The Principal Administrator sought and obtained the Chairman's permission to withdraw the report by the Director of Technical Services concerning Balivanich Play Area.
		It was agreed that, in accordance with the provisions of Schedule 7A of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, the press and public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following item on the grounds defined in Standing Order 26(f), namely, that exempt information relating to the financial or business affairs of particular persons, other than the Comhairle would be disclosed.
Proposed Sale of Manish Old School and Schoolhouse E02	13*	With reference to item 100 of the minute of meeting of 3 October 2000 the Director of Corporate Services and the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a joint report concerning the sale of Manish Old School and Schoolhouse. The report indicated that in October 2000 members authorised the Director of Corporate Services to offer Manish Old School and Schoolhouse for sale. It was indicated that one offer had been received by the closing date of 8 December 2000 and that the offer included the proposed use of the property as a restaurant and, in due course, self catering holiday accommodation. Details of the offer were appended to the report. It was agreed to recommend that Manish Old School and Schoolhouse be sold to the prospective purchaser at the price offered in Appendix 1 of the Joint Report by the Director of Corporate Services and the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services and on such terms and conditions as the Director of Corporate Services, in consultation with the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services shall deem appropriate.
Future Use of Daliburgh Former Janitor's House E02	14*	With reference to item 69 of the minute of meeting of 9 June 1998 the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a report concerning a request from Ceòlas to lease office accommodation in the Daliburgh former Janitor's House. It was indicated in the report that the former Janitor's House at Daliburgh School was empty and surplus to Education Service requirements and that the Department of Education and Leisure Services had received a request from Ceòlas to use the building for office accommodation for staff. It was agreed to defer consideration of this item, in order to give the Local Member and the local community time to investigate this matter further.
Daliburgh Library E02	15*	With reference to item 69 of the minute of meeting of 9 June 1998 the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a report concerning a recommendation from the Capital Programme Working Group that Daliburgh Library be accommodated within the former Janitor's House at Daliburgh. The report indicated that on 9 June 1998 the Committee agreed to demolish Daliburgh Library as soon as alternative accommodation could be secured. It was further indicated that the former janitor's house had now become available for occupancy and that the cost of renovations had been estimated at £37,000. It was agreed to defer consideration of this item, in order to give the Local Member and the local community time to investigate this matter further.
		It was agreed that, in accordance with the provisions of Schedule 7A of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, the press and public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following item on the grounds defined in Standing Order 26(f), namely, that exempt information relating to the financial or business affairs of particular persons, other than the Comhairle would be disclosed.
		Mr Donald I Nicholson and Mr Norman M Macleod declared an interest in the following item and left the meeting during consideration of the item.
Former Use of Haldane Centre Site E02	16*	The Director of Corporate Services and the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a joint report concerning the possible future use of the former Haldane Curriculum Centre site. The report indicated that the former Haldane Curriculum Centre was now empty and surplus to Education Service requirements and that a request had been received from Tighean Innse Gall, acting on behalf of the Muirneag Housing Association, to assess the site for rental housing. It was also indicated that Tighean Innse Gall have now asked for further time to assess their options, in view of the possible significant costs of developing the site, in particular the need for specialist clearance. It was agreed to recommend that: (1) disposal of the site be deferred until May 2001 when Tighean Innse Gall anticipate being in a position to put development proposals to the Comhairle, with a further report being submitted to the Committee; (2) the Director of Corporate Services be authorised to establish the extent and nature of other community interest in acquiring the site and submit a further report to the Committee; and (3) the property be advertised on the open market with offers being sought which specify the proposed future use, as well as price.
		EDUCATIONAL PROVISION
Pre-School Education 2001 - Financial Issues E01.02.06	17*	With reference to item 62 of the minute of meeting of 31 May 2000 the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a report concerning proposals for 2001/2002 pre-school grant funding and partnership arrangements, and to seek members' authority to decline a request for increased funding from a national pre-school organisation. The background to the matter was outlined in the report.
		It was agreed to recommend that: (1) a rate per full commissioned pre-school place (including for 3 year olds) of £1200 for the 2001/2002 pre-school year be approved;
		(2) the initial proposed distribution of Pre-School Rural Grant as set out in Appendix 1 be approved; and (3) in light of demands on funding, the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services be authorised to decline to meet a request for increased funding from the Scottish Pre-School Play Association for a support service to pre-school groups and to suggest that that request be referred for consideration by the Western Isles Childcare Partnership.
Proposed Closure of Lews Castle School on the Basis of the Delivery of all S3/S4 Secondary Education Provision in Lewis within The Nicolson Institute: Consultation Document and Responses E01.04.40	18*	With reference to item 103 of the minute of meeting of 3 October 2000 the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a report concerning the proposed closure of Lews Castle School on the basis of the delivery of all S3/S4 secondary education provision in Lewis within The Nicolson Institute. The report was submitted on the basis of the information circulated to parents, school boards and other interested parties and in the light of representations made at the statutory consultation meetings and of the written responses received in connection with the proposal to close the school. The consultation document and the reports of the consultation meetings and the written submissions were appended to the report.
		Mr Ian M Macleod, seconded by Mr Archie Campbell, moved: (a) with effect from August 2001, all S3 pupils in Lewis would attend The Nicolson Institute where provision will include the vocational provision currently being established in collaboration with Lews Castle College and where all programmes of study will be tailored to the individual needs of each pupil. Pupils currently in S3 at Lews Castle School would remain there until June 2002 when they would either leave school or proceed to S5 within The Nicolson Institute; and (b) that a Monitoring and Implementation Group be set up to oversee the implementation of Higher Still Guidelines and the Standards in Scotland's Schools etc. Act 2000 throughout the education authority. Mr Donald I Nicholson, seconded by Mr Finlay Morrison, moved as an amendment that: (a) the future provision of Secondary Education in Stornoway be delivered on the basis of option (c) as detailed in the report, namely, 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 (b) a Monitoring and Implementation Group be set up to oversee the implementation of Higher Still Guidelines and the Standards in Scotland's Schools etc. Act 2000 throughout the education authority. On the matter being put to the vote, the motion received the majority of the votes cast and it was agreed to recommend accordingly.
Proposed Centralisation of Educational Provision within Bayble School following its Refurbishment: Consultation Document and Responses E02.10	19*	With reference to item 90 of the minute of meeting of 1 September 2000 the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a report concerning the public responses to the consultation exercise carried out in relation to the centralisation of educational provision in the Point Area within Bayble School following its refurbishment. The legal and financial details were outlined in the report. Appended to the report were the Consultation Document and the Report on the Consultation Meeting and written responses. It was agreed to recommend that the centralisation of education provision in Point be within a refurbished Bayble School.
		RELATED MATTERS
ECG Testing in Schools E07	20*	The Director of Corporate Services submitted a report concerning the proposal by CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young) to conduct a pilot research involving ECG testing of 15-18 year olds in Western Isles Schools. It was detailed in the report that the purpose of the testing was to diagnose hidden heart conditions and was being conducted in memory of Joanne Fotheringham, a former teacher at Bayble School. It was agreed to recommend that the Pilot Study project proposed by CRY in memory of Joanne Fotheringham which would involve 15-18 year olds in Western Isles schools taking part in ECG testing be approved.
		PERFORMANCE REVIEW
Report Outstanding: Progress PR33.01.12	21	With reference to item 126 of the minute of meeting of 21 November 2000 the Director of Corporate Services submitted a report concerning reports outstanding arising from decisions of the Education Committee. It was agreed to note the report.
		ADDITIONAL ITEM
		The Chairman ruled in accordance with Standing Order 8 that the following item be considered as a matter or urgency in order that the offer of payment would not be delayed.
		It was agreed that, in accordance with the provisions of Schedule 7A of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, the press and public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following item on the grounds defined in Standing Order 26(a), namely, that exempt information relating to a particular employee, former employee or applicant to become an employee of, or a particular office holder or former office holder, or applicant to become an office holder under, the Comhairle would be disclosed.
Claim for Conservation of Salary E06	22*	The Director of Corporate Services submitted a report concerning approval for offer of settlement in court action for a teacher's claim for conservation of salary. It was indicated in the report that Mrs AYS had made a claim against the Comhairle for conservation of salary which had been placed before the Education Sub-Committee on 1 November 2000 for consideration. The Sub-Committee rejected the claim and she had raised an action against the Comhairle in the Court of Session for the salary she claims she was entitled to following her return to work in a lower post. It was agreed to recommend that the offer of the principal sum of £18,951.78 to the Pursuer with the option to offer interest and expenses thereon in settlement of the court action of Mrs AYS v Western Isles Islands Council (sic) be approved.