Education & Lifelong Learning Committee

Tuesday 6 March 2007 at 3.00 pm

Present:  Councillors Forbes, Gallacher, Hill, McCabe, McKenzie, Mitchell, Robertson, Snoddy, Tucker and White, Father M McMahon, Rev W Armstrong and Rev C McGranaghan, Church Representatives, Mr R Henderson, Parent Representative and Mr T Tracey, Teacher Representative.

Chair:  Councillor Mitchell presided.

In attendance:  Corporate Director Education and Social Care, Head of Schools, Head of Lifelong Learning and Educational Support, Acting Head of Service - Educational Development, Head of Support and Development, Head of Planning and Resources, School Estate Manager, Mr H McNeilly (for Head of Legal and Administration), Mr J Aird (for Head of Finance) and Head of Property Resources and Facilities Management.

It was noted that this was the last meeting of the Committee which the Convener and Councillors Hill and Robertson, as retiring Members, would be attending.  Councillor Mitchell asked that his thanks be conveyed to all other Members, including the Non-Elected Members, and officials for their assistance over the years.  Councillor Robertson, on behalf of the Members and officials, then paid tribute to Councillor Mitchell for his chairmanship of the Committee.

It was noted also that Dr Nigel Lawrie would shortly be leaving the employment of the Council to take up a post with HM Inspectorate of Education.  Members of the Committee wished him every success in his new post.

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

199

Revenue Budget 2006/07 - Period 9

199

There was submitted a report by the Head of Finance on the position of the 2006/07 Revenue Budget as at Period 9 (31 December 2006) which showed a current projected underspend of £126,000.

Decided:

(1) that the current projected underspend of £126,000 for 2006/07 as at 31 December 2006 be noted;  and

(2) that it be noted that the budget pressure in respect of the additional support needs transport had been referred to the 2007/08 budget process.

200

Capital Programme 2006/07 to 2007/08 - Progress

200

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.

Noted

201

Education Service Performance Report

201

There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Education and Social Care advising of the progress which the Education Service had made during November and December 2006 in relation to achieving its service objectives and how this contributes to the achievement of key corporate priorities.

(Councillor Gallacher entered the meeting during consideration of this item of business).

Decided:

(1)   that the contents of the report and the system of performance management reporting be approved;

(2)   that a report providing additional information on school attendance be submitted to the next meeting of the Committee;  and

(3)   that it be noted that a report on the action taken to address the findings of the report by HM Inspectors of Education on Ardgowan Primary School will be submitted to the Committee in October 2007.

202

Creation of a Mainstream Secondary Communication and Language Base

202

There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Education and Social Care providing options relating to the creation of a communication and language base in a mainstream secondary location for young people suffering from autistic spectrum disorders (ASD).

Decided:

(1)   that the parents/carers of young people currently attending the communication and language bases at St Laurence’s Primary and Glenburn Schools be consulted regarding their future preference for ASD provision at secondary level;  and

(2)   that if there is a substantial preference, a communication and language base for young people of secondary school age be established in a mainstream setting on the basis of one of the options listed in the report, adding to the range of provision for ASD sufferers in Inverclyde.

203

Report on Literacy in Inverclyde Schools

203

There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Education and Social Care (1) summarising the key features of the West Dunbartonshire Literacy Initiative, (2) comparing this project with literacy development in Inverclyde and (3) advising of possible courses of action which could be adopted within Inverclyde.

Decided:

(1) that approval be given to the proposals contained in the report for (a) the introduction of baseline testing for all schools in Primary 1, if possible commencing in the next school session, and (b) the establishment of a Working Group to investigate the possibility of using standardised tests at other significant stages;

(2) that the results of the standardised testing be included in the attainment information presented to Members;  and

(3) that the findings of the Working Group be reported to the Committee in due course.

204

Class Sizes - P1, S1 and S2 Maths and English

204

There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Education and Social Care notifying the Committee of the Scottish Executive’s target for class sizes in Primary 1 and Secondary 1 and 2 Maths and English from August 2007.

Following discussion, Councillor Mitchell moved (1) that the approach being adopted to meet the Scottish Executive’s stated objectives for class sizes in Primary 1 and Secondary 1 and 2 Maths and English as set out in the report be agreed and (2) that the implications for placing requests be noted and it be agreed that an individual P1 class should be no greater than 25, including placing requests, after catchment pupils have been accommodated.

As an amendment, Mr Tracey moved (1) that the Committee agree to adhere to the original spirit of the Executive’s Partnership Agreement on class sizes in Primary 1 and Secondary 1 and 2 Maths and English and (2) that the implications for placing requests be noted and it be agreed (a) that an individual P1 class should be no greater than 25 and (b) an individual S1 and/or S2 Maths and/or English class should be no greater than 20, including placing requests, after catchment pupils have been accommodated.

As a further amendment, Councillor McCabe moved that consideration be continued for a further report setting out the long term aspirations for the delivery of sufficient accommodation which would allow for the proposal for a maximum of 20 pupils in each S1 and S2 Maths and English class to be implemented.

On a vote between the two amendments, 1 Member voted for the amendment by Mr Tracey and 3 for the amendment by Councillor McCabe.  The amendment by Mr Tracey then fell.

On a vote between the amendment by Councillor McCabe and the motion, 3 Members voted for the amendment and 7 for the motion which was declared carried.

Decided:

(1) that the approach being adopted to meet the Scottish Executive’s stated objectives for class sizes in Primary 1 and Secondary 1 and 2 Maths and English as set out in the report be agreed; and

(2) that the implications for placing requests be noted and it be agreed that an individual P1 class should be no greater than 25, including placing requests, after catchment pupils have been accommodated.

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

Councillor Snoddy left the meeting at this juncture.

205

Review of Devolved School Management (DSM)

205

There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Education and Social Care (1) on the conclusions of a review group set up to consider the appropriateness of the current arrangements for Devolved School Management known as the Delegated Management of Resources (DMR) in Inverclyde Council Education establishments and (2) seeking approval for implementation of the Group’s recommendations.

Decided:

(1) that agreement be given to the inclusion of Early Years establishments within the delegated scheme;

(2) that the current level of flexibility for virement for non-staffing costs be increased from £5,000 to £10,000 for any delegated budget line;

(3) that approval be given to the redistribution of the 1995/96 and 1996/97 unallocated budget savings on an annual basis according to projected rolls;  and

(4) that approval be given to the removal of the teacher absence cover budget from the carry forward facility.

206

Scottish Executive Funding - Additional Funding for 2006/07

206

There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Education and Social Care (1) advising of the offer of additional resources for pre-school and out of school care services as part of a re-determination of revenue support grant in financial year 2006/07 and (2) requesting that authority be granted to the Corporate Director Education and Social Care to use the funds in accordance with the conditions set out by the Scottish Executive in their letter of 12 January 2007.

Decided:

(1) that the Committee note the allocation of additional funding of £50,000 from the Scottish Executive;  and

(2) that approval be given to the allocation of the funding by the Corporate Director Education and Social Care in accordance with the conditions of payment.

207

Scottish Executive Funding - Additional Financial Resources for Schools 2006/07

207

There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Education and Social Care (1) advising of the offer of additional resources for schools in financial year 2006/07 and (2) requesting that authority be granted to the Corporate Director Education and Social Care to use the funds in accordance with the conditions set out by the Scottish Executive in their letter of 8 February 2007.

Decided:

(1) that the Committee note the allocation of additional funding of £100,000 from the Scottish Executive;  and

(2) that approval be given to the allocation of the funding by the Corporate Director Education and Social Care in accordance with the conditions of payment.

208

Destination of Leavers from Scottish Schools 2005 - 2006

208

There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Education and Social Care on the destinations in 2005/2006 of school leavers in Inverclyde and providing comparative information against national figures.

Decided:  that the Committee acknowledge the positive performance of Inverclyde schools in relation to national figures for school leaver destinations.

209

Schools of Ambition

209

There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Education and Social Care informing the Committee that Port Glasgow High School and St Stephen’s High School had been successful in their bid to join the national Schools of Ambition Programme.

Decided:

(1) that the Committee endorse the proposals set out in the report;

(2) that a report be submitted to the Committee following approval of the transformation plan;  and

(3) that thereafter annual progress reports be submitted to the Committee.

Councillor Snoddy returned to the meeting at this point.

210

Scottish Executive Consultation on “Engaged and Involved: Attendance in Scottish Schools”

210

There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Education and Social Care (1) advising of the issues raised in the consultation document “Engaged and Involved: Attendance in Scottish Schools” and (2) seeking approval for the response to the two consultation questions.

Decided:

(1) that the Committee note the issues raised in the consultation document;  and

(2) that approval be given to the response to the consultation as appended to the report.

211

Scottish Executive Consultation on Education Appeal Committees

211

There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Education and Social Care informing the Committee of the proposed response to the consultation on the reform of Education Appeal Committees which hear appeals against both exclusions and refused placing requests.

Decided:

(1) that approval be given to the response to the consultation set out in appendix 1 to the report;  and

(2) that a further report be submitted to the Committee once the outcome of the consultation is known.

212

Consultation Document - The Draft Culture (Scotland) Bill

212

There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Education and Social Care advising of a consultation document published by the Scottish Executive on the draft Culture (Scotland) Bill.

Decided:

(1) that the content of the draft Culture (Scotland) Bill as outlined in the report be noted;  and

(2) that approval be given to the response to the relevant parts of the consultation as detailed in the report.

213

Policy on Religious Observance

213

There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Education and Social Care seeking approval of a policy on Religious Observance in Inverclyde schools.

Decided:  that the policy on Religious Observance as detailed in the appendix to the report be approved.

214

Standard Circular 48, Educational Visits, Excursions and Off-Campus Activities

214

There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Education and Social Care seeking approval of Standard Circular 48, Educational Visits, Excursions and Off-Campus Activities.

Decided:  that Standard Circular 48, Educational Visits, Excursions and Off-Campus Activities as appended to the report be approved.

215

St Laurence’s Primary School Board - Request from Councillor McCormick (M)

215

There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Regeneration and Resources on a letter received by Councillor McCormick (M) from St Laurence’s Primary School Board on issues relating to (1) the possible use of the site of the former janitor’s house as a car park, (2) the safety of children using the bus from Sinclair Street and (3) the possible erection of “Twenty’s Plenty” signs outside the school.

It was noted in relation to the third item raised, that instructions had now been issued for the erection of “Twenty’s Plenty” signs outside both St Kenneth’s and St Laurence’s Primary Schools.

Decided:

(1) that the matters raised in the letter from St Laurence’s Primary School Board to Councillor McCormick (M) be noted;  and

(2) that the site of the former janitor’s house be included in the asset management strategy being prepared by the Corporate Director Regeneration and Resources.

216

King’s Oak Primary School - Request from Councillor McCabe

216

There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Regeneration and Resources on a request received from Councillor McCabe that the Committee review its decision to associate King’s Oak Primary School with Port Glasgow High School in light of a recent survey of parents’ views carried out by the School Board.

Decided:  that a report be submitted to the next meeting of the Committee on the options for secondary school associations for King’s Oak Primary School and the implications of these various options, to allow the new Council to consider these as part of the overall review of the School Estate Strategy.

217

Modular Classroom Accommodation at Gourock High School - Use of Powers Delegated to the Chief Executive

217

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 (1) to approve the provision of a new modular classroom unit at Gourock High School in place of refurbishment of the existing building, (2) to accept the lowest tender received for the modular classroom accommodation, that by Wernick Buildings Ltd in the sum of £266,635.00 and (3) to approve the addition to the project of accommodation for disabled pupils to be funded from the Education Accessibility Budget.

Noted

218

Update - Consultation on PPP Project

218

There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Education and Social Care informing the Committee of the process of consultation with stakeholders with regard to the development of the PPP aspect of the School Estate Management Plan.

Decided:  that the Committee endorse the PPP consultation arrangements as detailed in the report.