Education and Lifelong Learning Committee

Tuesday 3 May 2005 at 3.00 pm

Present:  Councillors Blair, Forbes, Hill, McCabe, Mitchell, Robertson, Snoddy, Tucker and White, Father T Boyle and Rev C McGranaghan, Church Representatives, Mr A Sweeney, Parent Representative and Mr T Tracey, Teacher Representative.

Chair:  Councillor Mitchell presided.

In attendance:  Director of Education Services, Head of Pre-5 and Children’s Services, Head of SEN and IT, Head of Planning and Resources, Head of Support for Learning, Dr N Lawrie, Acting Head of Service, Head of Finance Services, Mr H McNeilly (for Head of Legal Services) and Mr A Gerrard (for Head of Property Services).

Apologies:  Councillors Gallacher and McKenzie and Rev W Armstrong.

The following paragraphs are submitted for information only, having been dealt with under the powers delegated to the Committee.

400

Capital Programme 2005/06 to 2007/08 - Progress

400

There was submitted a report by the Director of Education Services on the position of the Capital Programme 2005/06 to 2007/08.

(Councillors McCabe, Robertson, Forbes, Hill, Blair and Tucker entered the meeting during consideration of this item of business).

Decided:

(1)      that the progress of the specific projects detailed in the appendices to the report be noted;

(2)      that the proposals for the utilisation of the budget for plant repair etc. described in paragraph 4.2 of the report be approved; 

(3)      that it be remitted to the Director of Education Services to prepare a report on options for the education of pupils of Oakfield and Kings  Glen Primary Schools prior to completion of the refurbishment of Oakfield Primary School and to consult with Councillors Mitchell, McCabe and McCormick (M) prior to taking any action in this regard;  and

(4)      that it be noted that a report will be submitted to the next meeting of the Committee on proposals for the extension works at Inverkip Primary School.

401

Teaching Staff in Primary and Secondary Schools

401

There was submitted a report by the Director of Education Services providing summary information on the staffing position in primary and secondary schools, probationer placements and changes in the management of student placements from higher education institutions.

Decided:  that the report be noted and the action taken by Education Services be endorsed.

402

Pre-School Education - Payments to Partner Providers for Commissioned Places

402

There was submitted a report by the Director of Education Services requesting approval of an increase in the payment rate for pre-school education commissioned places to partner providers.

The Head of Pre-5 and Children’s Services advised the Committee that the references within the report to academic year 2005/06 should be to financial year 2005/06.

Decided:  that the payment to partner providers for a pre-school education commissioned place be increased to £1,057 for financial year 2005/06.

403

Future Provision of Pre-School Education at Carsemeadow Nursery School

403

There was submitted a report by the Director of Education Services (1) providing background information on Carsemeadow Nursery School, (2) outlining the current services provided to children from the Inverclyde and Renfrewshire Council areas and (3) proposing that consultation take place on the future provision of early years education currently provided at the Nursery School.

Decided:

(1)      that the pattern of uptake of pre-school education provision at Carsemeadow Nursery School be noted;  and

(2)      that it be remitted to the Director of Education Services to submit a report to a future meeting of the Committee seeking approval for the issue of a formal consultative document in respect of the future provision of pre-school education currently provided at Carsemeadow Nursery School.

404

Hourly Rate of Payment for Day Carers

404

There was submitted a report by the Director of Education Services seeking approval for an increase in the hourly rate of payment made to day carers who support vulnerable children.

Decided:  that the hourly rate paid to day carers be increased from £2.50 per hour to £3.50 per hour for each child cared for on behalf of the Council.

405

Standards and Quality Report 2003/04

405

There was submitted a report by the Director of Education Services seeking approval of the Standards and Quality Report for 2003/04 set out in the appendix.

Decided: 

(1)      that the Standards and Quality Report for 2003/04 be approved;  and

(2)      that the Committee’s concern regarding the lack of continuing music instruction for pupils after leaving school be referred to the Strategy for the Arts Group.

406

Making the Difference - Improving Parents’ Involvement in Schools:  A Consultation on a Draft Bill

406

There was submitted a report by the Director of Education Services advising of (1) the publication of a Bill on parental involvement, “Making the Difference - Improving Parents’ Involvement in Schools” and (2) the action being taken to respond to the consultation.

The Head of Pre-5 and Children’s Services advised the Committee that an information session for all Members of the Committee would be held at 1.30 pm on Wednesday 18 May 2005.±

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

Decided:

(1)      that the publication of the draft Bill on parental involvement, “Making the Difference - Improving Parents’ Involvement in Schools” be noted;

(2)      that the steps taken by the Director of Education Services to encourage participation in the consultation exercise be noted;  and

(3)      that the Council's formal response to the draft document be formulated following the information session on 18 May.

407

St Michael’s Primary School Refurbishment:  Acceptance of Lowest Tender - Use of Powers Delegated to the Chief Executive

407

There was submitted a report dated April 2005 by the Director of Education Services advising of the use of the powers delegated to the Chief Executive to accept the lowest tender received for the refurbishment of St Michael’s Primary School, that by Clark Contracts Ltd in the amount of £2,619,136.72.

Noted

The Convener being of the opinion that the undernoted report by the Director of Education Services was relevant, competent and urgent moved its consideration to allow the Committee to consider a strategy for the future location of the Rainbow Centre at the earliest opportunity.  This was unanimously agreed in terms of the relevant Standing Order.

408

Future Location of Rainbow Family Centre

408

There was submitted a report by the Director of Education Services (1) on a range of issues relative to the Rainbow Family Centre, Port Glasgow and (2) seeking approval of a strategy to determine the future location of the Centre.

(Mr Tracey left the meeting during consideration of this item of business).

Decided:

(1)      that it be agreed that the relevant Officers continue to give priority to the carrying out of an options appraisal in respect of:-

(a)      retention of the Rainbow Family Centre at its current location;

(b)      the accommodation of the Rainbow Family Centre at Park Farm Community Hall either within an extension to the existing hall or in a new build adjacent to the hall;

(c)      options for the accommodation of the Centre within other premises; and

(d)      options for the siting of a new build Centre;  and

(2)      that the results of the options appraisal be submitted to the Committee in due course.