Education and Lifelong Learning Committee

Tuesday 15 January 2008 at 4.00 pm

Present:  Provost McCormick, Councillors Blair, Brooks, Clocherty, Dorrian, Ferguson (for Grieve), Loughran, McCabe, MacLeod (for Osborne), White and Wilson, Rev A MacLean (for Rev D Hamilton), Rev C McGranaghan and Mr B Anderson (for Father M McMahon), Church Representatives, Mr G Miller, Parent Representative and Mr T Tracey, Teacher Representative.

Chair:  Councillor McCabe presided.

In attendance:  Corporate Director Education and Social Care, Head of Schools, Head of Lifelong Learning and Educational Support, Head of Support and Development, Head of School Estate Projects, School Estate Manager, Mr I Cameron (for Chief Financial Officer), Mr H McNeilly (for Head of Legal and Administration) and Head of Corporate Communications and Public Affairs.

Apologies:  Councillors Grieve and Osborne.

Prior to the commencement of business, Councillor McCabe congratulated and welcomed to the meeting, Mr Glen Miller who had recently been elected as parent representative and Mr Tom Tracey who had been re-elected as teacher representative.  He also welcomed  Rev Andrew MacLean and Mr Bert Anderson who were substituting for Rev Hamilton and Father McMahon respectively.

With the exception of the decisions marked "C" which are open for confirmation or otherwise, the following paragraphs are submitted for information only, having been dealt with under the powers delegated to the Committee.

30

Consultations on Schools Estate

30

There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Education and Social Care (1) providing an update on consultations on the Schools Estate and (2) seeking approval for the issue of a consultation document on the future of St Gabriel’s and Sacred Heart Primary Schools and the future provision for Aileymill and Sacred Heart Nursery Establishments.

Following discussion, Councillor McCabe moved:

(1) that subject to the deletion of section 3.5 and the insertion at the end of section 4.3 of the words “until such time as a decision is made on the future of Sacred Heart and St Gabriel’s Primary Schools”, approval be granted for the issue of the consultation document appended to the report on (a) the future of St Gabriel’s and Sacred Heart Primary Schools and the possibility of amalgamation of the two schools and (b) the future provision for Aileymill and Sacred Heart Nursery Establishments;  and

(2) that it be remitted to the Corporate Director Education and Social Care to submit consultation documents on the future of special schools and units, Highlanders’ Academy, Overton and Lady Alice Primary Schools and St Mary’s and Ardgowan Primary Schools once the revised funding model for the Schools Estate has been sufficiently developed to allow the financial implications of the various options to be considered and once there is a clearer indication of the level and method of government funding available for future development.

As an amendment to (2), Councillor Blair moved that Lady Alice Primary School be deleted from the consultation proposals.  On a vote, 5 Members voted for the amendment and 7 for the motion which was declared carried.  Those Members who had voted in favour of the amendment then requested in terms of the relevant Standing Order that the matter be referred to The Inverclyde Council for decision in terms of the amendment.

Decided:

(1) that subject to the deletion of section 3.5 and the insertion at the end of section 4.3 of the words “until such time as a decision is made on the future of Sacred Heart and St Gabriel’s Primary Schools”, approval be granted for the issue of the consultation document appended to the report on (a) the future of St Gabriel’s and Sacred Heart Primary Schools and the possibility of amalgamation of the two schools and (b) the future provision for Aileymill and Sacred Heart Nursery Establishments;  and

C

(2) that it be remitted to the Corporate Director Education and Social Care to submit consultation documents on the future of special schools and units, Highlanders’ Academy, Overton and Lady Alice Primary Schools and St Mary’s and Ardgowan Primary Schools once the revised funding model for the Schools Estate has been sufficiently developed to allow the financial implications of the various options to be considered and once there is a clearer indication of the level and method of government funding available for future development.

C

31

Results of the Consultation on the Closure of Clune Park Primary School and Amalgamation with Newark Primary School

31

There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Education and Social Care (1) providing information on the statutory consultation exercise relating to the proposed closure of Clune Park Primary School and its amalgamation with Newark Primary School, (2) highlighting the issues raised during the consultation and the implications which these have for the proposals and (3) seeking approval of recommendations in this regard.

Following discussion, Councillor McCabe moved:

(1) that Clune Park Primary School close and amalgamate with Slaemuir and Highholm Primary Schools to form the new Newark Primary School;

(2) that the proposed amalgamation take effect on or about the time Newark Primary School is due for completion;  and

(3) that the future use of the school site be referred to the Clune Park Regeneration Strategy Group.

As an amendment, Councillor MacLeod moved that Clune Park Primary School remain open, that the school be refurbished and adapted as necessary and that Education Services consider the number of rooms required for the projected rolls and also for any pupils who can be accommodated following a review of and consultation on alterations to the catchment areas.

On a vote, 8 Members voted for the amendment and 8 for the motion.  There being equality in voting, the Convener exercised his casting vote in favour of the motion which was declared carried.  Those Members who had voted in favour of the amendment then requested in terms of the relevant Standing Order that the matter be referred to The Inverclyde Council for decision in terms of the amendment.

C

Decided:

(1) that Clune Park Primary School close and amalgamate with Slaemuir and Highholm Primary Schools to form the new Newark Primary School;

C

(2) that the proposed amalgamation take effect on or about the time Newark Primary School is due for completion;  and

(3) that the future use of the school site be referred to the Clune Park Regeneration Strategy Group.

Mr Tracey asked that his dissent at this decision be recorded.

Councillor Ferguson left the meeting at this juncture.

32

Results of Informal Consultation on Moorfoot Rising 5’s

32

It was agreed that consideration of this item be continued to the next meeting to allow further discussions to take place.

33

Revenue Budget 2007/08 - Period 7

33

There was submitted a report by the Chief Financial Officer and the Corporate Director Education and Social Care on the position of the Revenue Budget 2007/08 as at Period 7 (31 October 2007) which was projected to be on budget.

(Provost McCormick and Councillor Wilson left the meeting during consideration of this item of business).

Noted

34

Virement Request - National Grid for Learning/GLOW

34

There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Education and Social Care (1) advising of changes in the composition of the National Priority Action Fund grant and the Schools Fund Capital grant and (2) seeking approval for virement within the 2007/08 Revenue Budget.

Decided:

(1)   that approval be given to (a) virement of £200,000 from the CFCR ASN Accessibility Budget to the National Grid for Learning and (b) virement of £47,000 from the Revenue ASN Accessibility Budget to the National Grid for Learning;  and

(2)   that it be noted that the Schools Fund Capital grant will now be used to fund accessibility issues within the School Estate Programme.

35

Capital Programme 2006/07 to 2007/08 - Progress

35

There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Education and Social Care on the progress of the Capital Programme 2006/07 to 2007/08.

(Councillor Wilson returned to the meeting during consideration of this item of business).

Decided:

(1)   that the progress of the specific projects detailed in appendix 1 be noted;  and

(2) that approval be given to the inclusion within the Capital Programme of the projects detailed in section 5 of the report, that permission be granted to issue tenders for the projects and, in the case of King’s Oak Primary School replacement roof and windows project, delegated authority be granted in the usual manner to accept the lowest acceptable tender received.

36

Education Service Performance Report - November to December 2007

36

There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Education and Social Care advising of the progress made by Education Services during the period November to December 2007 in relation to achieving the service objectives and explaining how this contributes to the achievement of key priorities.

Noted

37

Follow-Up Inspection - Community Learning and Development in East and Central Greenock

37

There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Education and Social Care on the findings of the follow-up inspection of Community Learning and Development in East and Central Greenock.

Decided:

(1) that  the HMIe follow-up report which identifies the progress made in Community Learning and Development in East and Central Greenock be noted;  and

(2) that the Committee’s appreciation be conveyed to all relevant staff.

38

Standards and Quality Report 2006/07

38

There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Education and Social Care seeking approval of the Education Services Standards and Quality Report 2006/2007 and its distribution to key stakeholders.

Decided:

(1) that approval be given to the content of the Education Services Standards and Quality Report 2006/2007 and its distribution to key stakeholders;  and

(2) that a report be submitted to the next meeting of the Committee on 5-14 Attainment, including information on minimum standards, and any proposals for reviewing the current assessment methods.

39

Election and Appointment of Teacher and Parent Representatives to the Education and Lifelong Learning Committee

39

There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Education and Social Care on the outcome of the elections held for the purposes of appointing a teacher representative and a parent representative to the Education and Lifelong Learning Committee

Decided:  that the Committee note the appointment of Mr Tom Tracey and Mr Glen Miller as teacher and parent representative respectively.

40

Creation of a Secondary Communication and Language Base in Notre Dame High School

40

There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Education and Social Care seeking approval for the creation of a secondary communication and language base for young people suffering from autism in Notre Dame High School with effect from the start of the new school session in August 2009.

Decided:  that a new secondary communication and language base be opened within Notre Dame High School for the start of the school session in August 2009 and that the Glenburn base be phased out with effect from the same date.

41

Early Years Provision in Inverkip

41

There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Education and Social Care seeking approval to address the issue of the shortfall in early years places within Inverkip following notification that Inverkip Pre-5 Centre will cease to operate in March 2008.

Decided:

(1) that a nursery class be established within Inverkip Primary School;  and

(2) that if the budget pressure funding is not forthcoming, the revenue savings of £10,647 be used for prudential borrowing to fund the capital costs.

42

School Transport Policy

42

There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Education and Social Care seeking approval of a revised policy on school transport.

Decided:  that the revised policy on the provision of school transport dated September 2007 as appended to the report be approved for immediate implementation.

43

Destinations of Leavers from Scottish Schools 2006 - 2007

43

There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Education and Social Care (1) informing the Committee of the destinations of school leavers in 2006 - 2007 and (2) providing comparative information against national figures.

Mr Callum McLean of Careers Scotland was present for this item and answered a number of questions from Members.

Decided:  that the encouraging figures in relation to school leaver destinations and the positive outcomes being achieved by young people in the area be noted.

44

Learning Assistants

44

There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Education and Social Care seeking approval for the establishment of a new post of learning assistant to be recruited on a phased basis commencing in August 2008.

Decided:

(1) that approval be given to the creation of a new post of learning assistant;  and

(2) that recruitment take place on a phased basis by competitive interview of 40 learning assistants to commence duties in August 2008.

45

Financial Inclusion

45

There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Education and Social Care on the implications for Inverclyde schools of the Council’s Financial Inclusion Strategy.

Decided:  that the proposals for financial education within Inverclyde schools as detailed in the report be approved.

46

Child Poverty Package - Continuing Resource Allocation for Out of School Care 2007 - 2008

46

There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Education and Social Care seeking approval of the recommendations of Inverclyde Childcare Partnership regarding resources for out of school care services to help reduce child poverty and support parental employment in disadvantaged areas.

Decided:  that approval be given to the recommendations of the Inverclyde Childcare Partnership for funding for out of school care as follows:

Gamble Children’s Centre                                               £  9,351

Enterprise Childcare - OSCAR                                       £  4,539

Enterprise Childcare - West Kirk                                    £  3,052

Wellington Out of School Care                                       £  4,479

Hammy’s Out of School Care                                         £  4,579

TOTAL                                                                             £26,000

47

A Curriculum for Excellence

47

There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Education and Social Care providing an update on the delivery of A Curriculum for Excellence.

Decided:

(1) that the Committee note the progress made;  and

(2) that an annual report be submitted on the implementation of A Curriculum for Excellence.

48

The Smith Group Challenge

48

There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Education and Social Care informing the Committee of the developments made in respect of “The Smith Group Challenge” following the visit by Sir Robert Smith to Inverclyde on 24 October 2007.

Decided:

(1) that the action taken as detailed in the report be approved;  and

(2) that progress reports be submitted to future meetings of the Committee.

49

Inverclyde Council Corporate Parenting Strategy and Children’s Champion Scheme

49

There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Education and Social Care (1) on the development of a Corporate Parenting Strategy and Children’s Champion Scheme and (2) seeking approval of a reporting structure to ensure that the Committee is informed of developments and progress.

(Councillor Wilson left the meeting during consideration of this item of business).

Decided:  that the Corporate Parenting Strategy and Children’s Champion Scheme together with the associated reporting structure, be endorsed.

50

School Term Dates - Sessions 2009/10 and 2010/11

50

There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Education and Social Care seeking approval of the school term dates for sessions 2009/10 and 2010/11.

Decided:  that approval be given to the term dates for sessions 2009/10 and 2010/11 as set out in appendices 1 and 2 of the report.

51

Items for Noting

51

There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Education and Social Care providing information for noting on (1) the website, www.scottishschoolsonline.gov.uk, and (2) primary, secondary and special schools attendance.

(Councillor Wilson returned to the meeting during consideration of the item of business).

Noted

52

Use of Powers Delegated to the Chief Executive - Road Improvement Works at Newark Primary School

52

There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Education and Social Care advising of the use of the powers delegated to the Chief Executive to authorise the issue of tenders for road improvement works associated with Newark Primary School and to grant delegated authority in the usual manner to accept the lowest acceptable tender.

Noted

The Convener being of the opinion that the undernoted report by the Corporate Director Education and Social Care was relevant, competent and urgent moved its consideration to allow the Committee to consider the next and final aspect of the Competitive Dialogue process relative to the PPP programme without delay.   This was unanimously agreed in terms of the relevant Standing Order.

53

Permission to Request Final Bids from PPP Participants

53

There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Education and Social Care seeking authority to request final bid submissions from the three PPP participants who have been involved in the Competitive Dialogue process.

Decided:  that approval be given to request final bids from the three PPP participants who have been involved in the Competitive Dialogue process.

It was agreed in terms of Section 50(A)(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 as amended, that the public and press be excluded from the meeting for the following items on the grounds that the business involved the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in the respective paragraphs of Part I of Schedule 7(A) of the Act as are set opposite each item.

Item

Paragraph(s)

Use of Powers Delegated to the Chief Executive Refurbishment Works at Gourock High School

6 and 8

Consolidation of the Community Learning and Development Service

1

54

Use of Powers Delegated to the Chief Executive - Refurbishment Works at Gourock High School

54

There was submitted a report by the Head of Property Resources and Facilities Management advising of the use of the powers delegated to the Chief Executive to accept a tender submitted by the Building Services Unit for refurbishment works at Gourock High School.

Noted

55

Consolidation of the Community Learning and Development Service

55

There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Education and Social Care seeking approval for the consolidation of the Community Learning and Development Service within the Education and Social Care Directorate.

Decided:

(1) that the consolidated operational and staffing structure for the Community Learning and Development Service as detailed in the report be approved;  and

(2) that the virement request as detailed in paragraph 4.1.4 of the report be approved.