MED9903

COMHAIRLE NAN EILEAN SIAR

EDUCATION COMMITTEE

Minute of Meeting held in the Council Offices, Stornoway, on Tuesday 9 March 1999 at 2.00 pm

PRESENT

Mr Roderick Macdonald (Chairman)

Mr Donald A Mackay (Vice-Chairman)

Mrs Christina McNeill

Mr Alexander A Macdonald

Mr David Blaney

Mr Angus M Graham

Capt Roderick Mackinnon

Mr Alasdair G Macrae

Rev Andrew Coghill

Mr Iain Macsween

Rev Joseph Toal

Mr Finlay Morrison

Mr Philip Harding

Mr Donald M Mackay

Mr Duncan N Macleod

Mr Donald Macdonald

APOLOGIES

Mr Callum I Macmillan

Prayer

The Meeting was opened with prayer led by Rev Joseph Toal.

MINUTES

Education Committee

E02.01

34

The Minute of Meeting of 26 January 1999 was approved.

Lochs School Sub-Committee

E08

35

The Minute of Meeting of Lochs School Sub-Committee of 25 January 1999 was noted.

Education Sub-Committee

E08.10

Education Sub-Committee

E08.10

36

37

The Minute of Meeting of the Education Sub-Committee of 11 February 1999 was noted.

The Minute of Meeting of the Education Sub-Committee of 25 February 1999 was noted.

Appeals Committee (School Placings)

E80.01.02

38

The Minute of Meeting of the Appeals Committee (School Placings) of 14 January 1999 was noted.

Gaelic Development Sub-Committee

PR03.05.22

39

The Minute of Meeting of the Gaelic Development Sub-Committee of 28 January 1999 was approved.

Education and Transportation Joint Sub-Committee

E05.01.021

40

The Minute of Meeting of the Education and Transportation Joint Sub-Committee of 29 January 1999 was noted.

BUILDINGS

Capital Works Programme and Progress

E03

41

With reference to Item 19 of the Minute of Meeting of 26 January 1999, the Director of Technical Services submitted a work regarding the Capital Works Programme and Progress in respect of education properties.

It was agreed to note the Report.

The Chairman ruled in terms of Standing Order 8 that the following item be considered as a matter of urgency in order that the necessary offers and negotiations could be entered into immediately.

Mission to Deep Sea Fishermen Building, Stornoway: Youth Centre

E02

42

The Vice-Convener reported that consideration had been given to the Comhairle making an Offer for the purchase of the Mission to Deep Sea Fishermen Building in Stornoway for the purpose of a Youth Centre. The background to the matter was outlined and the advantages of the proposal were detailed. The source of finance was identified as under spend on the transportation winter maintenance budget.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) the Director of Corporate Services be authorised to enter into negotiations with a view to purchasing the Mission for Deep Sea Fishermen premises in Stornoway for the purposes of a Youth Centre;

(2) the purchase to be financed from savings on the transportation winter maintenance budget.

Repairs and Maintenance (Revenue) Programme 1998/99 Quarterly Expenditure Report to 31 December 1998

E03

43

With reference to Item 142 of the Minute of Meeting of 17 November 1998, the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning the repairs and maintenance (Revenue) Programme for 1998/99: Quarterly Expenditure to 31 December 1998 in respect of education properties.

It was agreed to note the Report.

Balivanich Residents Association - Proposed Play Area/Kickabout Area

E02

44

The Director of Education and Leisure Services and the Director of Technical Services submitted a Joint Report regarding a request from Balivanich Residents Association for lease of land within the Balivanich School grounds, for the purpose of providing a play area and kickabout area for young people. The background to the matter was outlined.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) the lease of the land identified in the Joint Report by the Director of Education and Leisure Services and the Director of Technical Services, subject to clearance by Technical Services Department as to the suitability of the land for the purposes identified, be approved; and

(2) it be noted that the Education Department required to address the security arrangements for pupils in the event of the development proceeding.

Lionel Old School

E02.01

45

With reference to Item 98 of the Minute of Meeting of 18 August 1998, the Director of Education and Leisure Services and the Director of Corporate Services submitted a Joint Report regarding interest expressed by Iomairt Nis in the acquisition of Lionel Old School.

The Report made recommendations on the disposal, in principle, of the building. The Report indicated that their preferred development option was the establishment of a youth hostel.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) subject to submission to the Comhairle of a draft feasibility study, design and costings, the Committee agrees in principle to make Lionel Old School available to Iomairt Nis for the purposes set out in Appendix 1 of the Joint Report by the Director of Education and Leisure Services and the Director of Corporate Services; and

(2) a further Report be placed before the Committee when further information is received.

EDUCATIONAL PROVISION

Gaelic Medium Education Secondary Schools

E01.01.24

46

The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report regarding the current situation regarding Gaelic Medium teaching in secondary schools. The background to the matter was outlined.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) the increase in Gaelic Medium Education, be noted; and

(2) the proposals to enhance provision in Gaelic Medium Education, be noted.

Gaelic Specific Grant Bid 1999-2000: Outcome of Bid

PR13.05.01

47

With reference to Item 10 of the Minute of Meeting of the Education Sub-Committee of 13 May 1998, the Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report regarding the amount of specific grant for Gaelic Education offered to the Comhairle in relation to the bid submitted to SOEID for the financial year 1999/2000, and to seek approval for an amended scheme of expenditure. The background to the matter was outlined.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) the Director of Education and Leisure Services be authorised to proceed with the implementation of the project under the Scheme of Specific Grants for Gaelic Education, as detailed in the Report but with the reduction set out in appendix 2 of the Report.

1999/2000 Pre-School Education Arrangements

E01.02.06

48

With reference to Item 124 of the Minute of Meeting of 29 September 1998, the Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report regarding SOEID 1999/2000 pre-school education funding notified to date to seek approval of initial proposals for 1999/2000 pre-school funding and partnership arrangements within the Western Isles, and to seek members' views on funding for local development by national pre-school organisations.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) the continuation of current Pre-School Partnership arrangements and administrative procedures subject to revision to the terms of the contract between the Comhairle and pre-school providers to reflect new provision for 3 year old children be noted.

(2) a rate per full commissioned pre-school and 3 year old place of £1,140 for the 1999/2000 pre-school year be approved.

(3) the extension to 3 year old pupils of the existing pre-school transport policy be approved.

(4) the reestablishment from July 1999 to June 2000, on a fixed term contract basis, of staff posts funded in 1998/99 from Rural Grant and detailed at Appendix 2 be approved.

(5) Service Level Agreement (SLA), a further contribution of £10,000 to SPPA should be made in respect of part funding for the post of SPPA development worker from April 1999 to March 2000 and if so, whether that funding should be allocated from within the Rural Grant as set out at Appendix 2 be approved.

(6) subject to an agreement on SLA, an initial contribution of up to £4,357 should be made top CNSA in respect of funding for a proposed post of CNSA development worker from April 1999 for a period of six months and if so whether that funding should be allocated from within the Rural Grant as set out at Appendix 2 be noted.

(7) the continuation for 1999/2000 of Rural Grant supplementary development funding to smaller groups but subject to a revised minimum payment (including main grant place payment for pre-school and 3 year old pupils) of 8 place fees be approved.

(8) formal proposals for distribution of Development Grant funding remaining Rural Grant funding, and for any Pre-school Gaelic Grant funding will be submitted to members in June 1999 be noted.

Review of Education Provision: Manish Primary School

E01.04.38

49

With reference to Item 147 of the Minute of Meeting of 29 September 1998, the Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report regarding the possible closure of Manish Primary School on 30 June 2000 on the basis of the information circulated to parents, school boards and other interested parties and in the light of discussions arising from the statutory consultation meeting and of the written responses received in connection with the proposal to close the school. The consultation document and the note of the consultation meeting and the written submissions were appended to the Report.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) Manish Primary School be closed on 30 June 2000 and that, with effect from 14 August 2000, Leverhulme Memorial School be designated as the receiving school for children from the current Manish catchment area; and

(2) the net savings derived from the closure of Manish Primary School be transferred directly to the Education Repairs and Maintenance Budget but priority for first call upon this cash be given to Leverhulme Memorial School to undertake any outstanding improvements identified by the management.

The Excellence Fund for Schools: Submission for Funding 1999-2000

E01

50

With reference to Item 25 of the Minute of Meeting of 26 January 1999, the Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report providing details of the Excellence Fund for Schools and outlining the range of activities which will be supported by Government funding specifically hypothecated for these areas of development.

It was agreed that the areas of development promoted by the Government through the Excellence Fund for Schools which applies from 1 April 1999, be noted.

Education and Training Targets: Western Isles Achievements

E01

51

The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report indicating the academic and vocational achievements of young people in the Western Isles according to the SOEID statistics.

It was agreed that the achievements gained in the Western Isles in meeting and surpassing national targets, be noted.

Lochs Area School and Knockiandue School

E01

52

Mr Duncan N Macleod declared an interest and withdrew from the meeting during consideration of the following item:

With reference to Item 36 of the Minute of Meeting of 10 March 1998 the Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning the arrangements for Knockiandue pupils on the completion of the new Lochs Area School.

Mr Donald M Mackay, seconded by Mr Alexander A Macdonald moved that:

(1) the designated receiving school from the current Knockiandue catchment area be Balallan Primary School;

(2) the net savings derived from the closure of Knockiandue School be transferred to Balallan Primary School.

Mr Roderick Macdonald, seconded by Mr Donald A Mackay moved as an amendment that the Comhairle's decision of 24 March 1998 regarding the closure of Knockiadue School and the transfer of pupils to the Lochs Area School be reiterated.

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

Review of Education Service: Further Report on the Administration and Clerical Staff

E05.14

53

With reference to Item 80 of the Minute of Meeting of 9 June 1998, the Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning the impact on the Department's Administrative and Clerical staff in relation to the restructuring agreed by the Comhairle on 23 June 1998 and taking account of the workload generated by new Government initiatives.. The Report indicated that as a result of the agreed restructuring of the Directorate and additional workload arising from new Government initiatives, changes were required at APT & C level within the Department.

It was agreed that:

(1) the contents of the Report by the Director of Education and Leisure Services, especially the revised Line Management arrangements set out in the Appendix, be noted;

(2) it be noted that a further report, outlining the impact of the additional services resulting from the setting up of Pre-School Provision and the Excellence Fund function would be prepared following the result of the Excellence Fund submission;

(3) the retitling of the following posts be approved:

(a) Chief Administrative Officer to Principal Officer (Support Services);

(b) Chief Resources Officer to Principal Officer (Finance and Resources);

(c) Chief Curriculum Officer to Principal Officer (Curriculum Support);

(d) Administrative Assistant (Resources) to Senior Administrative Assistant (Finance and Resources), with regrading from AP11/111 TO APIV.

(4) the deployment of Administrative Staff as School Support Officers, be noted;

(5) it be noted that a further Report on the Technician Service be produced following a Job Evaluation Review.

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(h) and 9(i), namely, that exempt information relating to the amount of expenditure proposed to be incurred by the Comhairle under a particular contract for the supply of services and the terms proposed by the Comhairle in the course of negotiations for a Contract for the supply of goods or services would be disclosed.

School Catering: Best Value Review

E05

54

With reference to Item 151 of the Minute of Meeting of 1 November 1998, the Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning the outcome of the Best Value review of School Catering and to seek Members approval of the proposed recommendations. Appended to the Report were the main options available to the Comhairle, a summary of costs, the range of management services and the current staff establishment.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) the Best Value Review that was undertaken in respect of School Catering, be noted;

(2) the proposed partnership arrangement with Castle View Services Ltd as outlined in Option 4(b) at paragraph 9 and authorises the Director of Corporate Services to conclude the appropriate contract on such terms and conditions as the Director of Corporate Services, in consultation with the Director of Education and Leisure Services, shall deem appropriate, be approved;

(3) the financial savings identified be utilised to enhance the Conditions of Service of staff transferring as outlined in Paragraph 2.5, be approved;

(4) the posts as outlined in Appendix 5 be established with effect from the date of transfer, be approved;

(5) the intention to submit a further Report which incorporates the Service Improvement Plan, be noted.

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 employees of the Comhairle would be disclosed.

Lews Castle School/The Nicolson Institute: Volunteers for Redundancy

E08.12

55

With reference to Item 9 of the Minute of Meeting of 26 January 1999, the Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report concerning the decision in respect of whether to accept volunteers for redundancy.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) the following employees be granted voluntary early retirement on the basis of redundancy with effect from 15 August 1999 on the basis of maximum enhancements under the Pension Regulations:

John Mackenzie, Head Teacher, Lews Castle School

Cameron Macleay, Depute Head Teacher, Lews Castle School

Isabella Galbraith, Assistant Head Teacher, Lews Castle School

Rodney Mackenzie, Assistant Head Teacher, The Nicolson Institute

Angus McCormack, Acting Assistant Head Teacher, The Nicolson Institute

Neil Macarthur, Principal Teacher, Guidance, The Nicolson Institute; and

(2) the financial implications of these redundancies be noted.

PERFORMANCE REVIEW

Monitoring Progress with Decisions

PR33.01.12

56

With reference to Item 109 of the Minute of Meeting of 18 August 1998 ,the Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report detailing the decisions of the Education Committee from 1 January 1996 to 31 January 1999.

It was agreed to note the Report.

Reports Outstanding: Progress

PR33.01.12

57

With reference to Item 33 of the Minute of Meeting of 26 January 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 Roderick Macdonald (Chairman)
	Mr Donald A Mackay (Vice-Chairman)	Mrs Christina McNeill
	Mr Alexander A Macdonald	Mr David Blaney
	Mr Angus M Graham	Capt Roderick Mackinnon
	Mr Alasdair G Macrae	Rev Andrew Coghill
	Mr Iain Macsween	Rev Joseph Toal
	Mr Finlay Morrison	Mr Philip Harding
	Mr Donald M Mackay	Mr Duncan N Macleod
	Mr Donald Macdonald

APOLOGIES	Mr Callum I Macmillan

Prayer		The Meeting was opened with prayer led by Rev Joseph Toal.
		MINUTES
Education Committee E02.01	34	The Minute of Meeting of 26 January 1999 was approved.
Lochs School Sub-Committee E08	35	The Minute of Meeting of Lochs School Sub-Committee of 25 January 1999 was noted.
Education Sub-Committee E08.10 Education Sub-Committee E08.10	36 37	The Minute of Meeting of the Education Sub-Committee of 11 February 1999 was noted. The Minute of Meeting of the Education Sub-Committee of 25 February 1999 was noted.
Appeals Committee (School Placings) E80.01.02	38	The Minute of Meeting of the Appeals Committee (School Placings) of 14 January 1999 was noted.
Gaelic Development Sub-Committee PR03.05.22	39	The Minute of Meeting of the Gaelic Development Sub-Committee of 28 January 1999 was approved.
Education and Transportation Joint Sub-Committee E05.01.021	40	The Minute of Meeting of the Education and Transportation Joint Sub-Committee of 29 January 1999 was noted.

		BUILDINGS
Capital Works Programme and Progress E03	41	With reference to Item 19 of the Minute of Meeting of 26 January 1999, the Director of Technical Services submitted a work regarding the Capital Works Programme and Progress in respect of education properties. It was agreed to note the Report.
		The Chairman ruled in terms of Standing Order 8 that the following item be considered as a matter of urgency in order that the necessary offers and negotiations could be entered into immediately.
Mission to Deep Sea Fishermen Building, Stornoway: Youth Centre E02	42	The Vice-Convener reported that consideration had been given to the Comhairle making an Offer for the purchase of the Mission to Deep Sea Fishermen Building in Stornoway for the purpose of a Youth Centre. The background to the matter was outlined and the advantages of the proposal were detailed. The source of finance was identified as under spend on the transportation winter maintenance budget. It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the Director of Corporate Services be authorised to enter into negotiations with a view to purchasing the Mission for Deep Sea Fishermen premises in Stornoway for the purposes of a Youth Centre; (2) the purchase to be financed from savings on the transportation winter maintenance budget.
Repairs and Maintenance (Revenue) Programme 1998/99 Quarterly Expenditure Report to 31 December 1998 E03	43	With reference to Item 142 of the Minute of Meeting of 17 November 1998, the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning the repairs and maintenance (Revenue) Programme for 1998/99: Quarterly Expenditure to 31 December 1998 in respect of education properties. It was agreed to note the Report.
Balivanich Residents Association - Proposed Play Area/Kickabout Area E02	44	The Director of Education and Leisure Services and the Director of Technical Services submitted a Joint Report regarding a request from Balivanich Residents Association for lease of land within the Balivanich School grounds, for the purpose of providing a play area and kickabout area for young people. The background to the matter was outlined. It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the lease of the land identified in the Joint Report by the Director of Education and Leisure Services and the Director of Technical Services, subject to clearance by Technical Services Department as to the suitability of the land for the purposes identified, be approved; and (2) it be noted that the Education Department required to address the security arrangements for pupils in the event of the development proceeding.
Lionel Old School E02.01	45	With reference to Item 98 of the Minute of Meeting of 18 August 1998, the Director of Education and Leisure Services and the Director of Corporate Services submitted a Joint Report regarding interest expressed by Iomairt Nis in the acquisition of Lionel Old School.
		The Report made recommendations on the disposal, in principle, of the building. The Report indicated that their preferred development option was the establishment of a youth hostel. It was agreed to recommend that: (1) subject to submission to the Comhairle of a draft feasibility study, design and costings, the Committee agrees in principle to make Lionel Old School available to Iomairt Nis for the purposes set out in Appendix 1 of the Joint Report by the Director of Education and Leisure Services and the Director of Corporate Services; and (2) a further Report be placed before the Committee when further information is received.
		EDUCATIONAL PROVISION
Gaelic Medium Education Secondary Schools E01.01.24	46	The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report regarding the current situation regarding Gaelic Medium teaching in secondary schools. The background to the matter was outlined. It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the increase in Gaelic Medium Education, be noted; and (2) the proposals to enhance provision in Gaelic Medium Education, be noted.
Gaelic Specific Grant Bid 1999-2000: Outcome of Bid PR13.05.01	47	With reference to Item 10 of the Minute of Meeting of the Education Sub-Committee of 13 May 1998, the Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report regarding the amount of specific grant for Gaelic Education offered to the Comhairle in relation to the bid submitted to SOEID for the financial year 1999/2000, and to seek approval for an amended scheme of expenditure. The background to the matter was outlined. It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the Director of Education and Leisure Services be authorised to proceed with the implementation of the project under the Scheme of Specific Grants for Gaelic Education, as detailed in the Report but with the reduction set out in appendix 2 of the Report.
1999/2000 Pre-School Education Arrangements E01.02.06	48	With reference to Item 124 of the Minute of Meeting of 29 September 1998, the Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report regarding SOEID 1999/2000 pre-school education funding notified to date to seek approval of initial proposals for 1999/2000 pre-school funding and partnership arrangements within the Western Isles, and to seek members' views on funding for local development by national pre-school organisations. It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the continuation of current Pre-School Partnership arrangements and administrative procedures subject to revision to the terms of the contract between the Comhairle and pre-school providers to reflect new provision for 3 year old children be noted. (2) a rate per full commissioned pre-school and 3 year old place of £1,140 for the 1999/2000 pre-school year be approved.
		(3) the extension to 3 year old pupils of the existing pre-school transport policy be approved. (4) the reestablishment from July 1999 to June 2000, on a fixed term contract basis, of staff posts funded in 1998/99 from Rural Grant and detailed at Appendix 2 be approved. (5) Service Level Agreement (SLA), a further contribution of £10,000 to SPPA should be made in respect of part funding for the post of SPPA development worker from April 1999 to March 2000 and if so, whether that funding should be allocated from within the Rural Grant as set out at Appendix 2 be approved. (6) subject to an agreement on SLA, an initial contribution of up to £4,357 should be made top CNSA in respect of funding for a proposed post of CNSA development worker from April 1999 for a period of six months and if so whether that funding should be allocated from within the Rural Grant as set out at Appendix 2 be noted.
		(7) the continuation for 1999/2000 of Rural Grant supplementary development funding to smaller groups but subject to a revised minimum payment (including main grant place payment for pre-school and 3 year old pupils) of 8 place fees be approved. (8) formal proposals for distribution of Development Grant funding remaining Rural Grant funding, and for any Pre-school Gaelic Grant funding will be submitted to members in June 1999 be noted.
Review of Education Provision: Manish Primary School E01.04.38	49	With reference to Item 147 of the Minute of Meeting of 29 September 1998, the Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report regarding the possible closure of Manish Primary School on 30 June 2000 on the basis of the information circulated to parents, school boards and other interested parties and in the light of discussions arising from the statutory consultation meeting and of the written responses received in connection with the proposal to close the school. The consultation document and the note of the consultation meeting and the written submissions were appended to the Report.
		It was agreed to recommend that: (1) Manish Primary School be closed on 30 June 2000 and that, with effect from 14 August 2000, Leverhulme Memorial School be designated as the receiving school for children from the current Manish catchment area; and (2) the net savings derived from the closure of Manish Primary School be transferred directly to the Education Repairs and Maintenance Budget but priority for first call upon this cash be given to Leverhulme Memorial School to undertake any outstanding improvements identified by the management.
The Excellence Fund for Schools: Submission for Funding 1999-2000 E01	50	With reference to Item 25 of the Minute of Meeting of 26 January 1999, the Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report providing details of the Excellence Fund for Schools and outlining the range of activities which will be supported by Government funding specifically hypothecated for these areas of development. It was agreed that the areas of development promoted by the Government through the Excellence Fund for Schools which applies from 1 April 1999, be noted.
Education and Training Targets: Western Isles Achievements E01	51	The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report indicating the academic and vocational achievements of young people in the Western Isles according to the SOEID statistics. It was agreed that the achievements gained in the Western Isles in meeting and surpassing national targets, be noted.
Lochs Area School and Knockiandue School E01	52	Mr Duncan N Macleod declared an interest and withdrew from the meeting during consideration of the following item: With reference to Item 36 of the Minute of Meeting of 10 March 1998 the Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning the arrangements for Knockiandue pupils on the completion of the new Lochs Area School. Mr Donald M Mackay, seconded by Mr Alexander A Macdonald moved that: (1) the designated receiving school from the current Knockiandue catchment area be Balallan Primary School; (2) the net savings derived from the closure of Knockiandue School be transferred to Balallan Primary School. Mr Roderick Macdonald, seconded by Mr Donald A Mackay moved as an amendment that the Comhairle's decision of 24 March 1998 regarding the closure of Knockiadue School and the transfer of pupils to the Lochs Area School be reiterated. On the matter being put to the vote the Motion received the majority of the votes cast and it was agreed to recommend accordingly.
Review of Education Service: Further Report on the Administration and Clerical Staff E05.14	53	With reference to Item 80 of the Minute of Meeting of 9 June 1998, the Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning the impact on the Department's Administrative and Clerical staff in relation to the restructuring agreed by the Comhairle on 23 June 1998 and taking account of the workload generated by new Government initiatives.. The Report indicated that as a result of the agreed restructuring of the Directorate and additional workload arising from new Government initiatives, changes were required at APT & C level within the Department.
		It was agreed that: (1) the contents of the Report by the Director of Education and Leisure Services, especially the revised Line Management arrangements set out in the Appendix, be noted; (2) it be noted that a further report, outlining the impact of the additional services resulting from the setting up of Pre-School Provision and the Excellence Fund function would be prepared following the result of the Excellence Fund submission; (3) the retitling of the following posts be approved: (a) Chief Administrative Officer to Principal Officer (Support Services); (b) Chief Resources Officer to Principal Officer (Finance and Resources); (c) Chief Curriculum Officer to Principal Officer (Curriculum Support);
		(d) Administrative Assistant (Resources) to Senior Administrative Assistant (Finance and Resources), with regrading from AP11/111 TO APIV.
		(4) the deployment of Administrative Staff as School Support Officers, be noted; (5) it be noted that a further Report on the Technician Service be produced following a Job Evaluation Review.
		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(h) and 9(i), namely, that exempt information relating to the amount of expenditure proposed to be incurred by the Comhairle under a particular contract for the supply of services and the terms proposed by the Comhairle in the course of negotiations for a Contract for the supply of goods or services would be disclosed.
School Catering: Best Value Review E05	54	With reference to Item 151 of the Minute of Meeting of 1 November 1998, the Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning the outcome of the Best Value review of School Catering and to seek Members approval of the proposed recommendations. Appended to the Report were the main options available to the Comhairle, a summary of costs, the range of management services and the current staff establishment. It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the Best Value Review that was undertaken in respect of School Catering, be noted; (2) the proposed partnership arrangement with Castle View Services Ltd as outlined in Option 4(b) at paragraph 9 and authorises the Director of Corporate Services to conclude the appropriate contract on such terms and conditions as the Director of Corporate Services, in consultation with the Director of Education and Leisure Services, shall deem appropriate, be approved; (3) the financial savings identified be utilised to enhance the Conditions of Service of staff transferring as outlined in Paragraph 2.5, be approved; (4) the posts as outlined in Appendix 5 be established with effect from the date of transfer, be approved; (5) the intention to submit a further Report which incorporates the Service Improvement Plan, be noted.
		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 employees of the Comhairle would be disclosed.
Lews Castle School/The Nicolson Institute: Volunteers for Redundancy E08.12	55	With reference to Item 9 of the Minute of Meeting of 26 January 1999, the Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report concerning the decision in respect of whether to accept volunteers for redundancy. It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the following employees be granted voluntary early retirement on the basis of redundancy with effect from 15 August 1999 on the basis of maximum enhancements under the Pension Regulations: John Mackenzie, Head Teacher, Lews Castle School Cameron Macleay, Depute Head Teacher, Lews Castle School Isabella Galbraith, Assistant Head Teacher, Lews Castle School Rodney Mackenzie, Assistant Head Teacher, The Nicolson Institute Angus McCormack, Acting Assistant Head Teacher, The Nicolson Institute Neil Macarthur, Principal Teacher, Guidance, The Nicolson Institute; and (2) the financial implications of these redundancies be noted.
		PERFORMANCE REVIEW

Monitoring Progress with Decisions PR33.01.12	56	With reference to Item 109 of the Minute of Meeting of 18 August 1998 ,the Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report detailing the decisions of the Education Committee from 1 January 1996 to 31 January 1999. It was agreed to note the Report.
Reports Outstanding: Progress PR33.01.12	57	With reference to Item 33 of the Minute of Meeting of 26 January 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.