Education & Lifelong Learning Committee

Tuesday 8 April 2003 at 3.00 pm

Present:  Provost Roach, Councillors Calvert, Campbell, Jackson, McCabe, McGraw, Mitchell, Morrison (D), O’Rourke, Robertson (A), Robertson (Y), Father T Boyle, Rev J Miller and Rev C McGranaghan, Church Representatives and Mrs P Purdie, Parent Representative.

Chair:  Councillor Robertson (A) presided. 

In attendance:  Chief Executive, Depute Chief Executive, Director of Community & Protective Services, Director of Education Services, Director of Finance, Director of Legal & Support Services, Head of Planning Services, Head of Property Services, Head of Transportation & Roads Service and Managing Solicitor (Committees/Contracts).

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.

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Mr Duncan Anderson

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Prior to the commencement of business, the Committee observed a one minute's silence as a mark of respect following the recent death of Mr Duncan Anderson.  The Convener paid tribute to Mr Anderson's years of service as Teacher Representative on the Education & Lifelong Learning Committee.

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Councillors Jackson and Campbell

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The Convener referred to the forthcoming retirals of Councillors Jackson and Campbell who were both attending their last meeting of the Education & Lifelong Learning Committee.  He thanked them for their contribution to the work of the Committee over the years and on behalf of those present conveyed his best wishes for a long and happy retirement.

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THE FUTURE PROVISION OF EDUCATION IN INVERCLYDE - RESULTS OF THE CONSULTATION PROCESS

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There was submitted a report by the Director of Education Services (1) providing information on the statutory consultation exercise relating to the future provision of education in Inverclyde, (2) highlighting issues and themes raised during the consultation and the implications for the original proposals and (3) seeking approval of the recommendations in respect of each of the 9 consultation documents together with general recommendations in respect of all the documents.

(a) The Provision of Secondary Education in Inverclyde

Councillor Robertson (A) moved:

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(1)   that the Committee endorse the following proposals set out in the consultation document relating to the future provision of secondary education, viz:-

(i)    that Wellington Academy be closed formally with effect from the end of June 2004;

(ii)   that the pupils attending Wellington Academy transfer to Greenock High School;

(iii)   that the Wellington Academy building continue in use as an annexe of Greenock High School until the refurbishment of Greenock High School is completed;

(iv)  that the pupils currently attending King's Glen Primary School and Oakfield Primary School be associated with Greenock Academy from December 2003 and that the P7 of 2003/2004 transfer to Greenock High School from August 2004;

(v)   that the pupils currently attending Overton, Lady Alice and Highlander's Academy be associated with Greenock High School from December 2003 and that the P7 of 2003/2004 transfer to Greenock High School from August 2004;

(vi)  that all secondary schools be refurbished to include the installation of facilities to increase access for the disabled;

(vii)  that those pupils currently attending Highholm Primary School be associated with Port Glasgow High School from December 2003;

(2)   that to support the implementation of the proposals it be agreed:

(i)    to approve the provision of additional staff throughout the transition period the cost of which will be contained within the existing staffing budget;

(ii)   to note that road safety and traffic management measures will be improved at Greenock High School;  and

(iii)   to approve an increase in the footwear and clothing grant from £40 to £80 in the transitional year.

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As an amendment Councillor Mitchell moved that the proposals be not endorsed and that all 8 secondary schools in Inverclyde be retained.  On a vote, 5 Members voted for the amendment and 10 for the motion which was declared carried.  Those Members who 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.

(b)  The Provision of Denominational Primary Education in Port Glasgow

Councillor Robertson (A) moved:

(1)   that the Committee endorse the following proposals set out in the consultation document relating to the provision of denominational primary education in Port Glasgow, viz:-

(i)    that Holy Family and St Francis Primary Schools be closed formally in June 2004;

(ii)   that the pupils attending Holy Family and St Francis Primary Schools transfer to a new school with a capacity of 462 to be built on a site within the grounds of St Stephen's High School as shown in Appendix 7 of the consultation document;

(iii)   that the Holy Family and St Francis Primary School buildings continue in use as annexes of the new school until the completion of the new school;

(iv)  that the delineated area of the new school from December 2003 be as shown in Appendix 5 of the consultation document;

(v)   that the catchment area for St Michael's Primary School be redelineated as shown in Appendix 6 of the consultation document from December 2003;

(vi)  that St Michael's and St John's Primary Schools be refurbished as part of the proposed Public Private Partnership project;  and

(vii)  that the new school be associated with St Stephen's High School;

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(2)   that to support the implementation of the proposals it be agreed:

(i)    to approve the provision of additional staffing throughout the transition period, the cost of which will be contained within the existing staffing budget;

(ii)   to note that road safety measures such as pedestrian barriers, dedicated road crossings, traffic calming, car parking and drop off points will be built into the design of the school;

(iii)   to note that the new primary school will be separated from St Stephen's High School and will have its own entrance and boundary fence;

(iv)  to note that a review of the travel distances and routes pupils take to the new school will be undertaken and reported to a future Committee;

(v)   to approve an increase in the footwear and clothing grant from £40 to £80 in the transitional year;  and

(vi)  to note that Rainbow Children's Centre will be located in the new build primary school.

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As an amendment Councillor Mitchell moved (i) that St Francis Primary School be retained, (ii) that no new primary school be built within the campus of St Stephen's High School, (iii) that Holy Family Primary School be closed and the pupils transferred to the choice of either St Michael's or St Francis Primary School and (iv) that the proposals be issued for consultation subject to their being developed to meet the statutory requirements and to provide the necessary statutory information.  On a vote, 4 Members voted for the amendment and 11 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.

(c)  The Provision of Non-Denominational Primary Education in Port Glasgow

Councillor Robertson (A) moved:

(1)   that the Committee endorse the following proposals set out in the consultation document relating to the provision of non-denominational primary education in Port Glasgow, viz:-

(i)    that Clune Park Primary School and Highholm Primary School be closed formally in June 2004;

(ii)   that the pupils attending Clune Park and Highholm Primary Schools transfer to a new school with a capacity of 330 to be built on a site at the lower end of Clune Brae and Glasgow Road as shown in Appendix 7 of the consultation document;

(iii)   that the Clune Park and Higholm Primary Schools buildings continue in use as annexes of the new school until completion of the new school;

(iv)  that the delineated area for the new school, replacing Clune Park and Highholm Primary Schools, be as shown in Appendix 5 of the consultation document from December 2003;

(v)   that Slaemuir Primary School and Boglestone Primary School be closed formally in June 2004;

(vi)  that the pupils attending Slaemuir Primary and Boglestone Primary Schools transfer to a new school with a capacity of 462 to be built on that part of the site adjacent to Boglestone Community Centre and that the playing fields be located on the Southfield Avenue side of the site;

(vii)  that the Slaemuir and Boglestone Primary Schools buildings continue in use as annexes of the new school until completion of the new school;

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(viii) that the delineated area for the new school, replacing Slaemuir Primary and Boglestone Primary Schools, be as shown in Appendix 6 of the consultation document from December 2003;

(ix)  that the pre-school education provision made at Slaemuir and Highholm Primary Schools be sustained in the new build schools;

(x)   that those pupils currently attending Highholm Primary School be associated with Port Glasgow High School from December 2003;  and

(xi)  that the two new schools be associated with Port Glasgow High School;

(2)   that to support the implementation of the proposals it be agreed:

(i)    to approve the provision of additional staffing throughout the transitional period, the cost of which will be contained within the existing staffing budget;

(ii)   to note that road safety measures such as pedestrian barriers, dedicated road crossings, traffic calming, car parking and drop off points will be built into the design of the school;

(iii)   to note that the tunnel joining the school with the playing fields will be updated with new lighting and CCTV with an Invervision link to the police;

(iv)  to note that a review of the travel distances and routes pupils take to the new school will be undertaken and reported to a future meeting of the Committee;  and

(v)   to approve an increase in the footwear and clothing grant from £40 to £80 in the transitional year.

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As an amendment, Councillor Mitchell moved (i) that Slaemuir Primary School be retained, (ii) that Boglestone Primary School be closed, (iii) that the Boglestone roundabout site not be used for a new school, (iv) that the pupils of Boglestone Primary School transfer to the choice of either Slaemuir Primary School or a new school to be built at Ashgrove Lane/ Robert Street, (v) that both Highholm and Clune Park Primary Schools be closed and the pupils transfer to the new school at Ashgrove Lane/Robert Street and (vi) that these proposals be issued for consultation subject to their being developed to meet the statutory requirements and to provide the necessary statutory information.  On a vote, 4 Members voted for the amendment and 11 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.

(d)  The Provision of Denominational Primary Education in East Greenock

Councillor Robertson (A) moved:

(1)   that the Committee endorse the following proposals set out in the consultation document relating to the provision of denominational primary education in East Greenock:-

(i)    that St Mungo's, St Kenneth's and St Laurence's Primary Schools be closed formally in June 2004;

(ii)   that the pupils attending St Mungo's, St Kenneth's and St Laurence's Primary Schools transfer to a new school with a capacity of 528 to be built on a site in the area of Gilmour Street/Fairrie Street as shown in Appendix 6 of the consultation document;

(iii)   that the St Mungo's, St Kenneth's and St Laurence's Primary School buildings continue in use as annexes of the new school until completion of the new school;

(iv)  that the delineated area for the new school be from December 2003 as shown in Appendix 5 of the consultation document;

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(v)   that the new school be associated with Notre Dame High School with the exception of those pupils residing in the areas shown hatched in black in Appendix 5 of the consultation document who will continue to be associated with St Stephen's High School;  and

(vi)  that the current provision of pre-school education in St Mungo's Primary School be sustained in the new denominational primary school in the locality;

(2)   that to support the implementation of the proposals it be agreed:

(i)    to approve the provision of additional teaching and support staff throughout the transition period;

(ii)   to note that road safety measures such as pedestrian barriers, dedicated road crossings, traffic calming, car parking and drop off points will be built into the design of the new school; 

(iii)   to note that road safety measures on Bridgend Road at the railway bridge will be introduced;

(iv)  to note that a review of the travel distances and routes pupils take to the new school will be undertaken and reported to a future Committee;  and

(v)   to approve an increase in the footwear and clothing grant from £40 to £80 in the transitional year;

(3)  that it be remitted to the Head of Transportation and Roads Service to submit proposals to address the road safety environment including the possible introduction of one way road systems, the installation of traffic lights, pedestrian barriers, road widening and upgrading of underpasses and footpaths.

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As an amendment, Councillor Mitchell moved that the site at Gilmour Street/Fairrie Street be not endorsed as the site for the new school and the location of the new school be the subject of further consideration.  On a vote, 3 Members voted for the amendment and 12 for the motion which was declared carried.  Those Members who had voted in favour of the amendment requested in terms of the relevant Standing Order that the matter be referred to The Inverclyde Council for decision in terms of the amendment.

(e)  The Provision of Non-Denominational Primary Education in East Greenock

Councillor Robertson (A) moved:

(1)   that the Committee endorse the following proposals set out in the consultation document relating to the provision of non-denominational primary education in East Greenock, viz:-

(i)    that King's Glen Primary School and Oakfield Primary School be closed formally in June 2004;

(ii)   that the pupils attending King's Glen and Oakfield Primary Schools transfer to a new school with a capacity of 528 to be built on the site of the existing St Kenneth's Primary School as shown in Appendix 6 of the consultation document;

(iii)   that the King's Glen and Oakfield Primary Schools buildings continue in use as annexes of the new school until completion of the new school;

(iv)  that the delineated area for the new school be as shown in Appendix 5 of the consultation document from December 2003;  and

(v)   that pupils attending King's Glen and Oakfield Primary Schools be associated with Greenock Academy with effect from December 2003 and the new school be associated with Greenock Academy;

(2)   that to support the implementation of the proposal it be agreed:

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(i)    to approve the provision of additional teaching and support staff throughout the transition period;

(ii)   to note that road safety measures such as pedestrian barriers, dedicated road crossings, traffic calming, car parking and drop off points will be built into the design of the new school;

(iii)   to note that road safety measures on Bridgend Road at the railway bridge will be introduced;

(iv)  to note that a review of the travel distances and routes pupils take to the new school will be undertaken and reported to a future meeting of the Committee;  and

(v)   to approve an increase in the footwear and clothing grant from £40 to £80 in the transitional year.

(3)   that it be remitted to the Head of Transportation and Roads Service to submit proposals to address the road safety environment including the possible introduction of one way road systems, the installation of traffic lights, pedestrian barriers, road widening and upgrading of underpasses and footpaths.

This was agreed unanimously.

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(f)  The Provision of Primary Education in Inverkip and Wemyss Bay

Councillor Robertson (A) moved that the proposals set out in the consultation document relating to the provision of primary education in Inverkip and Wemyss Bay be not endorsed and that proposals be issued for consultation, subject to their being developed to meet the statutory requirements and to provide the necessary statutory information, to provide a new denominational primary school for Wemyss Bay and an extension to the existing Wemyss Bay Primary School and that account be taken in the consultation documents of the community centre site/green field site as a possible location for the new school, as suggested by the residents, to include the possibility of a shared campus.

This was agreed unanimously.

(g)  The Provision of Non-Denominational Primary Education Across Springfield, Larkfield and Ravenscraig Primary Schools

Councillor Robertson (A) moved:

(1)   that the Committee endorse the following proposals set out in the consultation document relating to the provision of non-denominational primary education across Springfield, Larkfield and Ravenscraig Primary Schools:-

(i)    that Springfield Primary School be closed formally in June 2004;

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

(iii)   that the Springfield Primary School building continue in use as an annexe of Larkfield Primary School until the refurbishment of Larkfield Primary School is complete;

(iv)  that the existing Larkfield and Ravenscraig Primary Schools be refurbished as part of the proposed Public Private Partnership project;  and

(v)   that the catchment areas for Larkfield and Ravenscraig Primary Schools be redelineated as shown in Appendix 5 of the consultation document from December 2003; 

(2)   that to support the implementation of the proposals it be agreed:

(i)    to approve the provision of additional staff throughout the transition period, the cost of which will be contained within the existing staffing budget;

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(ii)   to note that road safety and traffic management measures will be improved at Larkfield Primary School;

(iii)   to note that the parents of P1 children will be given the option that their child attend P1 in the Springfield Primary School building from August 2004;

(iv)  to note that a review of travel distances and routes pupils take to Larkfield Primary School will be undertaken and reported to a future Committee;  and

(v)   to approve an increase in the footwear and clothing grant from £40 to £80 in the transitional year.

This was agreed unanimously.

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(h)  The Provision of Denominational Primary Education Across Holy Cross and St Joseph's Primary Schools

Councillor Robertson (A) moved that the proposals set out in the consultation document relating to the provision of denominational primary education across Holy Cross and St Joseph's Primary Schools be not endorsed and that proposals be issued for consultation, subject to their being developed to meet the statutory requirements and to provide the necessary statutory information, to provide a new school on the site of the former multi-storey flats at Grieve Road to replace St Joseph's and Holy Cross Primary Schools.

This was agreed unanimously.

(i)  The Provision of Education for Deaf and Hearing Impaired Children in Inverclyde

Councillor Robertson (A) moved that the proposals set out in the consultation document relating to the provision of education for deaf and hearing impaired children in Inverclyde be not endorsed, that Garvel School be retained in the meantime and that further consultation take place with the users of the school to determine what provision would be in the best interest of the pupils,  be it either upgrading of the existing school or relocation of the school.

This was agreed unanimously.

DECIDED:

Decisions Affecting All Schools

Decided:

(1)   that the Head of Transportation and Roads Service report to the Committee as soon as possible on proposals to ensure that there are safe routes to all new schools and to all refurbished schools;

(2)   that the Director of Education Services consult with School Boards on a proposal that for those pupils moving to a new/different school, the current distance eligible for free school transport to school be reduced;

(3)   that the Director of Education Services report to the Committee on proposals for achieving an increase in teaching staff and support staff for all schools affected by the proposals;  and

(4)   that for the one year transition period, the school clothing grant be increased to £80 for parents of those pupils affected by possible changes in school uniform.

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(a) The Provision of Secondary Education in Inverclyde

Decided:

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C

(1)   that the Committee endorse the following proposals set out in the consultation document relating to the future provision of secondary education, viz:-

(i)    that Wellington Academy be closed formally with effect from the end of June 2004;

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(ii)   that the pupils attending Wellington Academy transfer to Greenock High School;

(iii)   that the Wellington Academy building continue in use as an annexe of Greenock High School until the refurbishment of Greenock High School is completed;

(iv)  that the pupils currently attending King's Glen Primary School and Oakfield Primary School be associated with Greenock Academy from December 2003 and that the P7 of 2003/2004 transfer to Greenock High School from August 2004;

(v)   that the pupils currently attending Overton, Lady Alice and Highlander's Academy be associated with Greenock High School from December 2003 and that the P7 of 2003/2004 transfer to Greenock High School from August 2004;

(vi)  that all secondary schools be refurbished to include the installation of facilities to increase access for the disabled;  and

(vii)  that those pupils currently attending Highholm Primary School be associated with Port Glasgow High School from December 2003;

(2)   that to support the implementation of the proposals it be agreed:

(i)    to approve the provision of additional staff throughout the transition period the cost of which will be contained within the existing staffing budget;

(ii)   to note that road safety and traffic management measures will be improved at Greenock High School;  and

(iii)   to approve an increase in the footwear and clothing grant from £40 to £80 in the transitional year.

(b)  The Provision of Denominational Primary Education in Port Glasgow

Decided:

C

(1)   that the Committee endorse the following proposals set out in the consultation document relating to the provision of denominational primary education in Port Glasgow, viz:-

(i)    that Holy Family and St Francis Primary Schools be closed formally in June 2004;

(ii)   that the pupils attending Holy Family and St Francis Primary Schools transfer to a new school with a capacity of 462 to be built on a site within the grounds of St Stephen's High School as shown in Appendix 7 of the consultation document;

(iii)   that the Holy Family and St Francis Primary Schools buildings continue in use as annexes of the new school until the completion of the new school;

(iv)  that the delineated area of the new school from December 2003 be as shown in Appendix 5 of the consultation document;

(v)   that the catchment area for St Michael's Primary School be redelineated as shown in Appendix 6 of the consultation document from December 2003;

(vi)  that St Michael's and St John's Primary Schools be refurbished as part of the proposed Public Private Partnership project;  and

(vii)  that the new school be associated with St Stephen's High School;

(2)   that to support the implementation of the proposals it be agreed:

(i)    to approve the provision of additional staff throughout the transition period, the cost of which will be contained within the existing staffing budget;

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(ii)   to note that road safety measures such as pedestrian barriers, dedicated road crossings, traffic calming, car parking and drop off points will be built into the design of the school;

(iii)   to note that the new primary school will be separated from St Stephen's High School and will have its own entrance and boundary fence;

(iv)  to note that a review of the travel distances and routes pupils take to the new school will be undertaken and reported to a future Committee;  and

(v)   to approve an increase in the footwear and clothing grant from £40 to £80 in the transitional year;  and

(vi)  to note that Rainbow Children's Centre will be located in the new build primary school.

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(c)  The Provision of Non-Denominational Primary Education in Port Glasgow

Decided:

C

(1)   that the Committee endorse the following proposals set out in the consultation document relating to the provision of non-denominational primary education in Port Glasgow, viz:-

(i)    that Clune Park Primary School and Highholm Primary School be closed formally in June 2004;

(ii)   that the pupils attending Clune Park and Highholm Primary Schools transfer to a new school with a capacity of 330 to be built on a site at the lower end of Clune Brae and Glasgow Road as shown in Appendix 7 of the consultation document;

(iii)   that the Clune Park and Highholm Primary Schools buildings continue in use as annexes of the new school until completion of the new school;

(iv)  that the delineated area for the new school, replacing Clune Park and Highholm Primary Schools, be as shown in Appendix 5 of the consultation document from December 2003;

(v)   that Slaemuir Primary School and Boglestone Primary School be closed formally in June 2004;

(vi)  that the pupils attending Slaemuir Primary and Boglestone Primary Schools transfer to a new school with a capacity of 462 to be built on that part of the site adjacent to Boglestone Community Centre and that the playing fields be located on the Southfield Avenue side of the site;

(vii)  that the Slaemuir and Boglestone Primary Schools buildings continue in use as annexes of the new school until completion of the new school;

(viii) that the delineated area for the new school, replacing Slaemuir Primary and Boglestone Primary Schools, be as shown in Appendix 6 of the consultation document from December 2003;

(ix)  that the pre-school education provision made at Slaemuir and Highholm Primary Schools be sustained in the new build schools;

(x)   that those pupils currently attending Highholm Primary School be associated with Port Glasgow High School from December 2003;  and

(xi)  that the two new schools be associated with Port Glasgow High School;

(2)   that to support the implementation of the proposals it be agreed:

(i)    to approve the provision of additional staffing throughout the transitional period, the cost of which will be contained within the existing staffing budget;

(ii)   to note that road safety measures such as pedestrian barriers, dedicated road crossings, traffic calming, car parking and drop off points will be built into the design of the school;

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(iii)   to note that the tunnel joining the school with the playing fields will be updated with new lighting and CCTV with an Invervision link to the police;

(iv)  to note that a review of the travel distances and routes pupils take to the new school will be undertaken and reported to a future meeting of the Committee;

(v)   to approve an increase in the footwear and clothing grant from £40 to £80 in the transitional year.

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(d)  The Provision of Denominational Primary Education in East Greenock

Decided:

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C

(1)   that the Committee endorse the following proposals set out in the consultation document relating to the provision of denominational primary education in East Greenock:-

(i)    that St Mungo's, St Kenneth's and St Laurence's Primary Schools be closed formally in June 2004;

(ii)   that the pupils attending St Mungo's, St Kenneth's and St Laurence's Primary Schools transfer to a new school with a capacity of 528 to be built on a site in the area of Gilmour Street/Fairrie Street as shown in Appendix 6 of the consultation document;

(iii)   that the St Mungo's, St Kenneth's and St Laurence's Primary School buildings continue in use as annexes of the new school until completion of the new school;

(iv)  that the delineated area for the new school be from December 2003 as shown in Appendix 5 of the consultation document;

(v)   that the new school be associated with Notre Dame High School with the exception of those pupils residing in the areas shown hatched in black in Appendix 5 of the consultation document who will continue to be associated with St Stephen's High School;  and

(vi)  that the current provision of pre-school education in St Mungo's Primary School be sustained in the new denominational primary school in the locality;

(2)   that to support the implementation of the proposals it be agreed:

(i)    to approve the provision of additional teaching and support staff throughout the transition period;

(ii)   to note that road safety measures such as pedestrian barriers, dedicated road crossings, traffic calming, car parking and drop off points will be built into the design of the new school;

(iii)   to note that road safety measures on Bridgend Road at the railway bridge will be introduced;

(iv)  to note that a review of the travel distances and routes pupils take to the new school will be undertaken and reported to a future Committee;  and

(v)   to approve an increase in the footwear and clothing grant from £40 to £80 in the transitional year.

(3)  that it be remitted to the Head of Transportation and Roads Service to submit proposals to address the road safety environment including the possible introduction of one way road systems, the installation of traffic lights, pedestrian barriers, road widening and upgrading of underpasses and footpaths.

C

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(e)  The Provision of Non-Denominational Primary Education in East Greenock

Decided:

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(1)   that the Committee endorse the following proposals set out in the consultation document relating to the provision of non-denominational primary education in East Greenock, viz:-

(i)    that King's Glen Primary School and Oakfield Primary School be closed formally in June 2004;

(ii)   that the pupils attending King's Glen and Oakfield Primary Schools transfer to a new school with a capacity of 528 to be built on the site of the existing St Kenneth's Primary School as shown in Appendix 6 of the consultation document;

(iii)   that the King's Glen and Oakfield Primary Schools buildings continue in use as annexes of the new school until completion of the new school;

(iv)  that the delineated area for the new school be as shown in Appendix 5 of the consultation document from December 2003;  and

(v)   that pupils attending King's Glen and Oakfield Primary Schools be associated with Greenock Academy with effect from December 2003 and the new school be associated with Greenock Academy;

(2)   that to support the implementation of the proposal it be agreed:

(i)    to approve the provision of additional teaching and support staff throughout the transition period;

(ii)   to note that road safety measures such as pedestrian barriers, dedicated road crossings, traffic calming, car parking and drop off points will be built into the design of the new school;

(iii)   to note that road safety measures on Bridgend Road at the railway bridge will be introduced;

(iv)  to note that a review of the travel distances and routes pupils take to the new school will be undertaken and reported to a future meeting of the Committee;  and

(v)   to approve an increase in the footwear and clothing grant from £40 to £80 in the transitional year.

(3)   that it be remitted to the Head of Transportation and Roads Service to submit proposals to address the road safety environment including the possible introduction of one way road systems, the installation of traffic lights, pedestrian barriers, road widening and upgrading of underpasses and footpaths.

(f)  The Provision of Primary Education in Inverkip and Wemyss Bay

Decided:  that the proposals set out in the consultation document relating to the provision of primary education in Inverkip and Wemyss Bay be not endorsed and that proposals be issued for consultation, subject to their being developed to meet the statutory requirements and to provide the necessary statutory information, to provide a new denominational primary school for Wemyss Bay and an extension to the existing Wemyss Bay Primary School and that account be taken in the consultation documents of the community centre site/green field site as a possible location for the new school, as suggested by the residents, to include the possibility of a shared campus.

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(g)  The Provision of Non-Denominational Primary Education Across Springfield, Larkfield and Ravenscraig Primary Schools

Decided:

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(1)   that the Committee endorse the following proposals set out in the consultation document relating to the provision of non-denominational primary education across Springfield, Larkfield and Ravenscraig Primary Schools:-

(i)    that Springfield Primary School be closed formally in June 2004;

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

(iii)   that the Springfield Primary School building continue in use as an annexe of Larkfield Primary School until the refurbishment of Larkfield Primary School is complete;

(iv)  that the existing Larkfield and Ravenscraig Primary Schools be refurbished as part of the proposed Public Private Partnership project;  and

(v)   that the catchment areas for Larkfield and Ravenscraig Primary Schools be redelineated as shown in Appendix 5 of the consultation document from December 2003;  (2) that to support the implementation of the proposals it be agreed:

(i)    to approve the provision of additional staff throughout the transition period, the cost of which will be contained within the existing staffing budget;

(ii)   to note that road safety and traffic management measures will be improved at Larkfield Primary School;

(iii)   to note that the parents of P1 children will be given the option that their child attend P1 in the Springfield Primary School building from August 2004;

(iv)  to note that a review of travel distances and routes pupils take to Larkfield Primary School will be undertaken and reported to a future Committee;  and

(v)   to approve an increase in the footwear and clothing grant from £40 to £80 in the transitional year.

(h)  The Provision of Denominational Primary Education Across Holy Cross and St Joseph's Primary Schools

Decided:  that the proposals set out in the consultation document relating to the provision of denominational primary education across Holy Cross and St Joseph's Primary Schools be not endorsed and proposals be issued for consultation, subject to their being developed to meet the statutory requirements and to provide the necessary statutory information, to provide a new school on the site of the former multi-storey flats at Grieve Road to replace St Joseph's and Holy Cross Primary Schools.

(i)  The Provision of Education for Deaf and Hearing Impaired Children in Inverclyde

Decided:  that the proposals set out in the consultation document relating to the provision of education for deaf and hearing impaired children in Inverclyde be not endorsed, that Garvel School be retained in the meantime and that further consultation take place with the users of the school to determine what provision would be in the best interest of the pupils, be it either upgrading of the existing school or relocation of the school.