The Inverclyde Council

Wednesday 21 January 2004 at 4.00 pm

Present:   Provost Rebecchi, Councillors Blair, Forbes, Fyfe, Gallacher, Hill, Hunter, McCabe, McCormick (M), McKenzie, Mitchell, Moran, Nimmo, Roach, Robertson, Snoddy, Stewart and Tucker.

Chair:  Provost Rebecchi presided. 

In attendance:  Chief Executive, Depute Chief Executive, Director of Education Services, Director of Finance, Director of Legal & Support Services, Director of Social Work & Housing Services, Mr A Gerrard (for Head of Property Services) and Managing Solicitor (Committees/Contracts).

Apologies:  Councillors McCormick (P) and White.

The meeting was adjourned from 4pm to 7pm to allow completion of the meetings of the Education & Lifelong Learning and Policy & Strategy Committees and preparation of the minutes thereof.

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Minute of the Education & Lifelong Learning Committee (Special) - 21 January 2004

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Approval of the minute as a correct record was moved by Councillor Mitchell seconded by Councillor Tucker subject to replacement of decisions (5) to (9) under “Decisions Affecting All Schools” with the following:-

(5)  that it be remitted to the Director of Education Services to report to the Committee on the following matters:-

(a) a review of the current eligible distance for free transport for pupils moving to a new/different school;

(b) an outline of proposals to achieve an increase in teaching and support staff for all schools affected by the proposals;

(c) a proposal that for the one year transitional period for affected schools the school clothing grant payable to parents of pupils affected by a change of uniform be increased to £80;

(d) indicative time frames for work to all schools which are to be refurbished/remodelled; and

(e) a proposal that where school closures and amalgamations are to be implemented all receiving schools should be fully refurbished and all backlogs of repairs be completed prior to receiving pupils from closed schools.

Councillor Mitchell seconded by Councillor Tucker moved with reference to paragraph (A) (The Provision of Denominational Primary Education in Port Glasgow) that the decision of the Committee as minuted be approved.

As an amendment Councillor Robertson seconded by Councillor McCabe moved:-

(i)  that it be remitted to the Director of Education Services to draw up statutory consultation documents for 2 new denominational primary schools to replace Holy Family, St Francis, St Michael’s and St John’s Primary Schools;

(ii)  that it be remitted to the Cross Party Working Group to determine the sites for the new schools in consultation with appropriate interested parties;

(iii)      that St Francis Primary School not close in June 2004;

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(iv)     that no new school be built in the grounds of St Stephen’s High School and that no new delineated area be established;

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(v)      that Holy Family Primary School not close in June 2004;

(vi)     that the delineated area for St Michael’s Primary School be as shown in Appendix 3 of the consultative document from January 2004;

(vii)     that the delineated area for St John’s Primary School be as shown in Appendix 4 of the consultative document from January 2004;

(viii)    that the delineated area for St Francis Primary School be as shown in Appendix 5 of the consultative document from January 2004;

(ix)     that it be reaffirmed that St Francis, St Michael’s and St John’s Primary Schools be associated with St Stephen’s High School.

Councillors McCabe, McKenzie, Moran, Roach and Robertson requested in terms of the relevant Standing Order that the vote be taken as a roll-call vote and this was agreed.

On a vote, Councillors McKenzie, Moran, McCormick (M), Roach, Robertson and McCabe voted in favour of the amendment and Councillors Blair, Fyfe, Nimmo, Snoddy, Stewart, Mitchell, Hill, Gallacher, Forbes, Hunter and Tucker voted in favour of the minute which was declared carried.  

Councillor Mitchell seconded by Councillor Tucker moved with reference to paragraph (B) (The Provision of Non-Denominational Primary Education in Port Glasgow) that the decision of the Committee as minuted be approved.

As an amendment Councillor Robertson seconded by Councillor McCabe moved:-

(i) that it be remitted to the Director of Education Services to draw up statutory consultation documents for 2 new non-denominational primary schools to replace Slaemuir, Boglestone, Clune Park and Highholm Primary Schools;

(ii)  that it be remitted to the Cross Party Working Group to determine the sites for the new schools in consultation with appropriate interested parties;

(iii)      that Clune Park Primary School not close in June 2004;

(iv)     that Highholm Primary School not close in June 2004;

(v)      that no new school be built on a site at the lower end of Clune Brae and Glasgow Road and no delineated area be established;

(vi)     that Slaemuir Primary School not close in June 2004;

(vii)     that Boglestone Primary School not close in June 2004;

(viii)    that the delineated area for Slaemuir Primary School be as shown in Appendix 3 of the consultative document from January 2004;

(ix)     that the delineated area for Highholm Primary School be as shown in Appendix 4 of the consultative document from January 2004;

(x)      that no new school be built on the site adjacent to Boglestone Community Centre and no delineated area be established.

Councillors McCabe, McKenzie, Moran, Roach and Robertson requested in terms of the relevant Standing Order that the vote be taken as a roll-call vote and this was agreed.

On a vote Councillors McKenzie, Moran, McCormick (M), Roach, Robertson and McCabe voted in favour of the amendment and Councillors Blair, Fyfe, Nimmo, Snoddy, Stewart, Mitchell, Hill, Gallacher, Forbes, Hunter and Tucker voted in favour of the minute which was declared carried.  

Councillor Mitchell seconded by Councillor Tucker moved with reference to paragraph (C) (The Provision of Denominational Primary Education in East Greenock ) that the decision of the Committee as minuted be approved.

Councillor McCormick (M) declared an interest in this item and took no part in its consideration or decision following oral advice on his position from the Director of Legal & Support Services.

As an amendment Councillor Robertson seconded by Councillor McCabe moved:-

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(i)  that it be remitted to the Director of Education Services to draw up statutory consultation documents for 2 new denominational primary schools to replace St Mungo’s, St Kenneth’s and St Laurence’s Primary Schools;

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(ii)  that it be remitted to the Cross Party Working Group to determine the sites for the new schools in consultation with appropriate interested parties;

(iii)      that St Kenneth’s Primary School not close in June 2004;

(iv)     that St. Laurence’s Primary School not close in June 2004;

(v)      that no new school be built on the site in the area of Gilmour Street/Fairrie Street and that no delineated area be established;

(vi)     that St Mungo’s Primary School not close in June 2004.

Councillors McCabe, McKenzie, Moran, Roach and Robertson requested in terms of the relevant Standing Order that the vote be taken as a roll-call vote and this was agreed.

On a vote Councillors McKenzie, Moran, Roach, Robertson and McCabe voted in favour of the amendment and Councillors Blair, Fyfe, Nimmo, Snoddy, Stewart, Mitchell, Hill, Gallacher, Forbes, Hunter and Tucker voted in favour of the minute which was declared carried.  

Councillor Mitchell seconded by Councillor Tucker moved with reference to paragraph (D) (The Provision of Non-Denominational Primary Education in East Greenock) that the decision of the Committee as minuted be approved.

As an amendment Councillor Robertson seconded by Councillor McCabe moved:-

(i)  that it be remitted to the Director of Education Services to draw up a statutory consultation document for a new non-denominational primary school to replace King’s Glen and Oakfield Primary Schools;

(ii)  that it be remitted to the Cross Party Working Group to determine the site for the new school in consultation with appropriate interested parties;

(iii)      that King’s Glen Primary School not close in June 2004;

(iv)     that Oakfield Primary School not close in June 2004;

(v)      that no new school be built;

(vi)     that the delineated area for King’s Glen Primary School be as shown in Appendix 3 of the consultative document from January 2004;

(vii)     that the delineated area for Oakfield Primary School be as shown in Appendix 4 of the consultative document from January 2004.

Councillors McCabe, McKenzie, Moran, Roach and Robertson requested in terms of the relevant Standing Order that the vote be taken as a roll-call vote and this was agreed.

On a vote Councillors McKenzie, Moran, McCormick (M), Roach, Robertson and McCabe voted in favour of the amendment and Councillors Blair, Fyfe, Nimmo, Snoddy, Stewart, Mitchell, Hill, Gallacher, Forbes, Hunter and Tucker voted in favour of the minute which was declared carried.

Councillor Mitchell seconded by Councillor Tucker moved with reference to paragraph (F) (The Provision of Non-Denominational Primary Education across Springfield, Larkfield and Ravenscraig Primary Schools) that the decision of the Committee as minuted be approved.

As an amendment Councillor Robertson seconded by Councillor McCabe moved:-

(i)       that Springfield Primary School not close in June 2004;

(ii)      that the pupils attending Springfield Primary School transfer to Larkfield Primary School;

(iii)      that the catchment areas for Larkfield and Ravenscraig Primary Schools be redelineated as shown in Appendices 3 and 4 of the consultative document from January 2004;

(iv)     that Larkfield Primary School be closed formally in June 2006;

(v)      that Ravenscraig Primary School be closed formally in June 2006;

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(vi)     that the pupils attending Larkfield and Ravenscraig Primary Schools transfer to a new school with a capacity of 429 to be built on the site adjacent to the Aileymill Nursery between Auchmead Road and Cumberland Road;

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(vii)     that the Ravenscraig and Larkfield Primary School buildings continue in use as annexes of the new school until completion of the new school;

(viii)    that the delineated area of the new school be the combined delineated areas of the existing Larkfield, Ravenscraig and Springfield Primary Schools, as shown in Appendix 2 of the consultative document;

(ix)     that the new school be associated with Greenock High School;

(x)      that a submission be sent as soon as possible to the Scottish Ministers seeking consent for implementation of the proposals;

(xi)     that to support the implementation of the proposals, approval be given to the provision of additional teaching and support staff throughout the transition period;

(xii)  that there be further consultation on the site of the school being the site of the Ravenscraig Car Park adjacent to the current Ravenscraig Primary School.

Councillors McCabe, McKenzie, Moran, Roach and Robertson requested in terms of the relevant Standing Order that the vote be taken as a roll-call vote and this was agreed.

On a vote Councillors McKenzie, Moran, McCormick (M), Roach, Robertson and McCabe voted in favour of the amendment and Councillors Blair, Fyfe, Nimmo, Snoddy, Stewart, Mitchell, Hill, Gallacher, Forbes, Hunter and Tucker voted in favour of the minute which was declared carried.

Councillor Mitchell seconded by Councillor Tucker moved with reference to paragraph (G) (The Provision of Denominational Primary Education across Holy Cross and St Joseph’s Primary Schools) that the decision of the Committee as minuted be approved.

As an amendment Councillor Robertson seconded by Councillor McCabe moved  that it be remitted to the Director of Education Services to draw up a statutory consultation document for a new denominational primary school to replace Holy Cross and St Joseph’s Primary Schools to be built on the site of the former ABC flats in Grieve Road, Greenock.

Councillors McCabe, McKenzie, Moran, Roach and Robertson requested in terms of the relevant Standing Order that the vote be taken as a roll-call vote and this was agreed.

On a vote Councillors McKenzie, Moran, McCormick (M), Roach, Robertson and McCabe voted in favour of the amendment and Councillors Blair, Fyfe, Nimmo, Snoddy, Stewart, Mitchell, Hill, Gallacher, Forbes, Hunter and Tucker voted in favour of the minute which was declared carried.

Councillor Mitchell seconded by Councillor Tucker moved with reference to paragraph (H) (The Provision of Non-Denominational Primary Education across Overton and Highlander’s Academy Primary Schools) that the decision of the Committee as minuted be approved.

As an amendment Councillor Robertson seconded by Councillor McCabe moved:-

(i)  that it be remitted to the Director of Education Services to draw up statutory  consultation documents for a new non-denominational primary school to replace Overton and Lady Alice Primary Schools; and

(ii)  that it be remitted to the Cross Party Working Group to determine the site for the new school in consultation with appropriate interested parties.

Councillors McCabe, McKenzie, Moran, Roach and Robertson requested in terms of the relevant Standing Order that the vote be taken as a roll-call vote and this was agreed.

On a vote Councillors McKenzie, Moran, McCormick (M), Roach, Robertson and McCabe voted in favour of the amendment and Councillors Blair, Fyfe, Nimmo, Snoddy, Stewart, Mitchell, Hill, Gallacher, Forbes, Hunter and Tucker voted in favour of the minute which was declared carried.

Councillor Mitchell seconded by Councillor Tucker moved with reference to paragraph (I) (The Provision of Secondary Education in Inverclyde) that the decision of the Committee as µminuted be approved.

As an amendment Councillor Robertson seconded by Councillor McCabe moved:-

(i)       that Wellington Academy not close in June 2004;

(ii)      that the pupils currently attending King’s Glen Primary School, Lady Alice Primary School, Overton Primary School, Highlander’s Academy and Oakfield Primary School be associated with Wellington Academy from January 2004;

(iii)      that those pupils attending Highholm Primary School be associated with Port Glasgow High School from January 2004.

(iv)  that the matter be remitted to the Cross Party Working Group for consideration.

Councillors McCabe, McKenzie, Moran, Roach and Robertson requested in terms of the relevant Standing Order that the vote be taken as a roll-call vote and this was agreed.

On a vote Councillors McKenzie, Moran, McCormick (M), Roach, Robertson and McCabe voted in favour of the amendment and Councillors Blair, Fyfe, Nimmo, Snoddy, Stewart, Mitchell, Hill, Gallacher, Forbes, Hunter and Tucker voted in favour of the minute which was declared carried.  

(Councillor Snoddy left the meeting at this juncture).

Councillor Mitchell seconded by Councillor Tucker moved with reference to paragraph (J) (The Provision of Denominational Primary Education across St Gabriel’s and Sacred Heart Primary Schools) that the decision of the Committee as minuted be approved.

As an amendment Councillor Robertson seconded by Councillor McCabe moved:-

(i)  that it be remitted to the Director of Education Services to draw up statutory consultation documents for a new denominational primary school to replace St Gabriel’s and Sacred Heart Primary Schools;

(ii)  that it be remitted to the Cross Party Working Group to determine the site for the new school in consultation with appropriate interested parties.

Councillors McCabe, McKenzie, Moran, Roach and Robertson requested in terms of the relevant Standing Order that the vote be taken as a roll-call vote and this was agreed.

On a vote Councillors McKenzie, Moran, McCormick (M), Roach, Robertson and McCabe voted in favour of the amendment and Councillors Blair, Fyfe, Nimmo, Stewart, Mitchell, Hill, Gallacher, Forbes, Hunter and Tucker voted in favour of the minute which was declared carried.  

Decided:  that the minute as corrected by the replacement of existing paragraphs (5) to (9) under “Decisions Affecting All Schools” with the following be approved:-

(5)  that it be remitted to the Director of Education Services to report to the Committee on the following matters:-

(a) a review of the current eligible distance for free transport for pupils moving to a new/different school;

(b) an outline of proposals to achieve an increase in teaching and support staff for all schools affected by the proposals;

(c) a proposal that for the one year transitional period for affected schools the school clothing grant payable to parents of pupils affected by a change of uniform be increased to £80;

(d) indicative time frames for work to all schools which are to be refurbished/remodelled; and (e) a proposal that where school closures and amalgamations are to be implemented all receiving schools should be fully refurbished and all backlogs of repairs be completed prior to receiving pupils from closed schools.

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Minute of the Policy & Strategy Committee (Special) - 21 January 2004

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Approved on the motion of Councillor Blair.