Education and Lifelong Learning Committee

Tuesday 4 September 2007 at 4.00 pm

Present:  Provost McCormick, Councillors Blair, Brooks, Clocherty, Dorrian, Grieve, Loughran, McCabe, Osborne, White, Ahlfeld (for Wilson), Rev D Hamilton, Mr B Anderson (for Father M McMahon), Church Representatives, Mr R Henderson, Parent Representative and Mr T Tracey, Teacher Representative.

Chair:  Councillor McCabe presided.

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

Apologies:  Councillor Wilson and Father McMahon.

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

526

HMIe Report on Lilybank School

526

There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Education and Social Care advising the Committee of the results of the HMIe external evaluation of Lilybank School.  The report advised that the external evaluation included within the indicators of quality, one indicator (Expectations and Promoting Achievement) which was judged to be “excellent” and 9 indicators which were judged to be very good, although it was noted that the building had been evaluated as “weak”.

Ms Eileen Stewart, Head Teacher of Lilybank School was present and spoke to this item.

Decided:

(1) that the Committee endorse the comments made in the HMIe external evaluation of Lilybank School;  and

(2) that the Committee’s appreciation be conveyed to the Head Teacher, staff and pupils of the school as well as staff within Education Services Headquarters for the work undertaken to achieve the evaluation.

527

HMIe Report on St Ninian’s Primary School

527

There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Education and Social Care advising the Committee of the results of the HMIe external evaluation of St Ninian’s Primary School.  The report advised that the external evaluation included within the indicators of quality, two indicators (Leadership and Climate & Relationships) which were judged to be “excellent”

Ms Mary Reilly, Head Teacher of St Ninian’s Primary School was present and spoke to this item.

Decided:

(1) that the Committee endorse the comments made in the HMIe external evaluation of St Ninian’s Primary School;  and

(2) that the Committee’s appreciation be conveyed to the Head Teacher, staff and pupils of the school as well as staff within Education Services Headquarters for the work undertaken to achieve the evaluation.

528

2006/07 Revenue Budget Out-turn and 2007/08 Revenue Budget - Period 3

528

There was submitted a report by the Head of Finance on the 2006/07 Revenue Budget out-turn and the 2007/08 Revenue Budget position as at Period 3 (30 June 2007) which was projected to be on budget.

Decided:

(1) that the out-turn for 2006/07 and the current position for 2007/08 which is projected to be on budget be noted;  and

(2) that the virement from the Electricity Budget to Central Energy Efficiency Fund Repayments as detailed in section 6.1 of the report be approved.

529

Capital Programme 2006/07 to 2007/08 - Progress

529

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.

Decided:

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

(2) that approval be given to the cost increases of £32,510 in the Inverkip Primary School extension project and £27,699 in the St Stephen’s High School re-roofing project as detailed in appendices 2 and 3 of the report respectively;

(3) that the Committee note the additional funding of £140,000 received from the Scottish Executive for Early Years establishments and that approval had been granted under the powers delegated to the Chief Executive to use this funding to meet unexpected expenditure in relation to the Rainbow Nursery site conditions;  and

(4) that approval be given to the issue of tender documents for the re-roofing works at St Francis Primary School at an approximate cost of £410,000 and that delegated authority be granted in the usual manner to accept the lowest acceptable tender received.

530

Update on the School Estate Management Plan

530

There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Education and Social Care (1) providing an update on the School Estate Management Plan comprising (a) the Prudential Schools Programme, (b) the PPP Schools Programme and (c) the Capital Programme, (2) highlighting areas for possible development and (3) seeking approval for these developments to progress.

Following discussion, Councillor McCabe moved:

(1) that the current PPP timescale be approved and the need to determine the scope of the bid at a special meeting of the Committee to be held on 11 October 2007 be noted;

(2) that approval be given to the relocation of the Mearns Centre to Highholm Primary School;

(3) that approval be given to the use of additional capital funds as detailed;

(4) that approval be given to consultation exercises for the following schools:

Clune Park Primary School

(a)(i) that the following proposal be issued for consultation and made available to all interested parties:

   the closure of Clune Park Primary School in April 2008 and its amalgamation with Newark Primary School;

(ii) that the consultation document be made available to all interested parties and that all parties be asked to make written submissions to the Education Consultation, Education Services, William Street, Greenock PA15 1HT by no later than Friday 9 November 2007 (educationconsultation.ho@inverclydeschools.org.uk);  and

(iii) that the Corporate Director Education and Social Care prepare a report on the results of the consultation process for consideration at a future meeting of the Committee.

St Gabriel’s and Sacred Heart Primary Schools

(b) that a report be submitted to the meeting of the Committee on 30 October 2007 on consultation proposals based on the following options for St Gabriel’s and Sacred Heart Primary Schools:

(i) do nothing and leave both schools as they are;

(ii) refurbish Sacred Heart Primary School to accommodate both schools;

(iii) refurbish and extend the current St Gabriel’s Primary School building to accommodate both schools;

(iv) refurbish the vacated former Earnhill Primary School building, available in 2011, for both schools;  and

(v) provide a new school on the current Earnhill site for St Gabriel’s Primary School and Sacred Heart Primary School;

Highlanders Academy, Overton and Lady Alice Primary Schools

(c) that a report be submitted to the meeting of the Committee on 30 October 2007 on consultation proposals based on the following options for Highlanders Academy, Overton and Lady Alice Primary Schools:

(i) leave all three schools as they are;

(ii) build a new school for Highlanders Academy and Overton Primary School on the Hector McNeil Baths site and refurbish Lady Alice Primary School on its current site;

(iii) build a new school on the Overton site for Overton Primary School and Highlanders Academy and refurbish Lady Alice Primary School on its current site;

(iv) build a new school for Highlanders Academy, Overton Primary School and Lady Alice Primary School on the Rankin Park site;  and

(v) build a new school for Highlanders Academy, Overton Primary School and Lady Alice Primary School including improved sports facilities on the Rankin Park site;

St Mary’s and Ardgowan Primary Schools

(d) that a report be submitted to the meeting of the Committee on 30 October 2007 on consultation proposals based on the following options for St Mary’s and Ardgowan Primary Schools:

(i) refurbish both schools on the current sites;

(ii) build a new joint campus school for both Ardgowan Primary School and St Mary’s Primary School on the current site of Greenock Academy when it becomes available in 2011;

(iii) build a new joint campus school for Ardgowan Primary School, St Mary’s Primary School and a nursery to replace Kelly Street on the current site of Greenock Academy when it becomes available in 2011;

(iv) refurbish St Mary’s Primary School on its current site and build a new Ardgowan Primary School on the Greenock Academy site;  and

(v) refurbish Ardgowan Primary School on its current site and build a new St Mary’s Primary School on the Greenock Academy site;

(5) that approval be given to a separate consultation exercise in relation to the provision of special education and that a report on proposals thereon be submitted to the meeting of the Committee on 30 October 2007;  and

(6) that the one-off costs of £375,000 be submitted to the Policy and Resources Committee for consideration.

As an amendment to 4(c) (Highlanders Academy, Overton and Lady Alice Primary Schools) Councillor Blair moved that options (iv) and (v) be deleted from the consultation proposals.

On a vote, 5 Members voted for the amendment and 6 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 the current PPP timescale be approved and the need to determine the scope of the bid at a special meeting of the Committee to be held on 11 October 2007 be noted;

(2) that approval be given to the relocation of the Mearns Centre to Highholm Primary School;

(3) that approval be given to the use of additional capital funds as detailed;

(4) that approval be given to consultation exercises for the following schools:

Clune Park Primary School

(a)(i) that the following proposal be issued for consultation and made available to all interested parties:

   the closure of Clune Park Primary School in April 2008 and its amalgamation with Newark Primary School;

(ii) that the consultation document be made available to all interested parties and that all parties be asked to make written submissions to the Education Consultation, Education Services, William Street, Greenock PA15 1HT by no later than Friday 9 November 2007 (educationconsultation.ho@inverclydeschools.org.uk);  and

(iii) that the Corporate Director Education and Social Care prepare a report on the results of the consultation process for consideration at a future meeting of the Committee.

St Gabriel’s and Sacred Heart Primary Schools

(b) that a report be submitted to the meeting of the Committee on 30 October 2007 on consultation proposals based on the following options for St Gabriel’s and Sacred Heart Primary Schools:

(i) do nothing and leave both schools as they are;

(ii) refurbish Sacred Heart Primary School to accommodate both schools;

(iii) refurbish and extend the current St Gabriel’s Primary School building to accommodate both schools;

(iv) refurbish the vacated former Earnhill Primary School building, available in 2011, for both schools;  and

(v) provide a new school on the current Earnhill site for St Gabriel’s Primary School and Sacred Heart Primary School;

C

Highlanders Academy, Overton and Lady Alice Primary Schools

(c) that a report be submitted to the meeting of the Committee on 30 October 2007 on consultation proposals based on the following options for Highlanders Academy, Overton and Lady Alice Primary Schools:

C

(i) leave all three schools as they are;

(ii) build a new school for Highlanders Academy and Overton Primary School on the Hector McNeil Baths site and refurbish Lady Alice Primary School on its current site;

(iii) build a new school on the Overton site for Overton Primary School and Highlanders Academy and refurbish Lady Alice Primary School on its current site;

(iv) build a new school for Highlanders Academy, Overton Primary School and Lady Alice Primary School on the Rankin Park site;  and

(v) build a new school for Highlanders Academy, Overton Primary School and Lady Alice Primary School including improved sports facilities on the Rankin Park site;

St Mary’s and Ardgowan Primary Schools

(d) that a report be submitted to the meeting of the Committee on 30 October 2007 on consultation proposals based on the following options for St Mary’s and Ardgowan Primary Schools:

(i) refurbish both schools on the current sites;

(ii) build a new joint campus school for both Ardgowan Primary School and St Mary’s Primary School on the current site of Greenock Academy when it becomes available in 2011;

(iii) build a new joint campus school for Ardgowan Primary School, St Mary’s Primary School and a nursery to replace Kelly Street on the current site of Greenock Academy when it becomes available in 2011;

(iv) refurbish St Mary’s Primary School on its current site and build a new Ardgowan Primary School on the Greenock Academy site;  and

(v) refurbish Ardgowan Primary School on its current site and build a new St Mary’s Primary School on the Greenock Academy site;

(5) that approval be given to a separate consultation exercise in relation to the provision of special education and that a report on proposals be submitted to the meeting of the Committee on 30 October 2007;  and

(6) that the one-off costs of £375,000 be submitted to the Policy and Resources Committee for consideration.

531

Education Service - Performance Report May to June 2007

531

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

Decided:

(1) that the contents of the report be approved;  and

(2) that a report be submitted to the next meeting of the Committee providing information on how the Education Service supports young people living in poverty.

532

Education Services - Service  Plan 2007/08

532

There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Education and Social Care appending the Education Service Plan for 2007/08 following approval of the Plan’s key priorities at the meeting of the Committee on 29 May 2007.

Decided:

(1) that it be noted that Education Services will continue to support and challenge schools as work progresses towards implementation of the Service Plan priorities and improvement of the service offered to children and young people in Inverclyde;  and

(2) that it be noted that progress reports on implementation of the Service Plan will be submitted to the Committee on a regular basis.

533

Schools of Ambition Project:  Port Glasgow and St Stephen’s High Schools

533

There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Education and Social Care advising of progress made in the Schools of Ambition Project.

Decided:  that the Committee note the contents of the report and that further progress reports will be submitted to the Committee.

534

School Clothing Grants - Motion by Councillor Brooks

534

There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Regeneration and Resources on a motion submitted by Councillor Brooks under Standing Order 22 relative to school clothing grants as follows:

“The SNP Group calls on Council Leader Stephen McCabe to have an immediate review of school clothing grants.  We appreciate that while parents of children who will be attending the two new schools will see an increase in grants the vast majority of qualifying parents will still be left with only £30 for the year.  This motion calls for the grant to be restored to its previous level of £40.”

Decided:  that as part of the report on anti-poverty strategies agreed earlier in the agenda, proposals be submitted to the next meeting reviewing the school clothing grant system, including the level of grant provided.

535

Elected Member Representation on the Community Learning and Development Strategy Group

535

There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Education and Social Care making recommendations for representation on the Community Learning and Development Strategy Group.

Decided:  that Councillors McCabe, Loughran and Brooks be appointed to the Community Learning and Development Strategy Group.

536

Replacement of Windows at Inverkip Primary School - Negotiated Tender

536

There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Education and Social Care requesting the Committee to homologate the action taken by Officers in accordance with Section 26.3 of the Financial Regulations to accept a tender negotiated with Thermashield Ltd in the sum of £133,813.64 for replacement of metal windows at Inverkip Primary School.

Decided:  that the action taken be homologated.

537

Use of Powers Delegated to the Chief Executive

537

There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Regeneration and Resources advising of the use of the powers delegated to the Chief Executive since the last ordinary meeting of the Committee to approve (1) the addition to the Capital Programme of alteration works to Ardgowan Primary School, (2) the addition to the Capital Programme of the Port Glasgow High School Calorifier project; and (3) additional expenditure relative to the Rainbow Nursery project.

Noted

538

School Estate Management Plan

538

There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Education and Social Care providing information on the School Estate Management Plan which had recently been submitted to the Scottish Executive.

Decided:  that the Committee approve the submission of the School Estate Management Plan to the Scottish Executive.

539

Future Provision of Early Years Services in Gourock

539

There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Education and Social Care proposing (1) that informal consultation take place on the future provision of Early Years Services in the Trumpethill area of Gourock in September/October 2007 and (2) that informal consultation take place on the future provision of Early Years Services in the wider area of Gourock.

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

Decided:

(1) that agreement be given to the issue of the consultation document appended to the report relative to the future provision of Early Years Services in the Trumpethill area of Gourock;  and

(2) that it be remitted to the Corporate Director Education and Social Care to submit to a future meeting of the Committee a consultative document in respect of Early Years Services in the wider area of Gourock.

540

Consultation on the Possible Re-introduction of Local Attendance Councils

540

There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Education and Social Care seeking approval to consult with schools, parents and carers, through Parent Councils, on the possible re-introduction of Local Attendance Councils.

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

Decided:  that approval be given to the consultation exercise with schools, parents and carers on the possible re-introduction of Local Attendance Councils on the basis set out in the report.

(Councillor Osborne left the meeting at this juncture).

541

Raising Attainment in Inverclyde Schools

541

There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Education and Social Care providing (1) statistics on attainment of pupils between 5 and 14 and in SQA examinations within Inverclyde schools and (2) information on the key strategies being employed to maintain a high level of attainment.

Decided:

(1) that the Committee approve the contents of the report and the key priorities for raising attainment;

(2) that these be incorporated in the Service Plan and in the work of schools;  and

(3) that this be the subject of a presentation to the October meeting of the Committee.

542

Managing Challenging Behaviour

542

There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Education and Social Care on the range of strategies used to manage challenging behaviour within Inverclyde schools.

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

Decided:

(1) that the Committee note (a) the range of behaviour related strategies in which Education Services is involved, including the scope to develop thematic programmes, (b) the pattern of exclusion figures relative to comparator authorities and (c) the pattern of half day openings lost in the last 10 school sessions;  and

(2) that regular reports on progress made in managing challenging behaviour be submitted to the Committee.

543

Education and Social Care Services:  Psychological Service Structure Proposals

543

There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Education and Social Care recommending amendments to the establishment of Education and Social Care Services by changing the status of the main grade Psychologist post from temporary to permanent and establishing one new permanent post of Depute Principal Psychologist.

Decided:

(1) that the 0.5 FTE Psychologist post previously funded by the Changing Children’s Services Fund and now financed by Grant Aided Expenditure be changed to a permanent post within the Psychological Service;  and

(2) that a Depute Principal Psychologist post be created at grade 1 (£48,069) subject to job sizing in line with the  McCrone Salary Agreement SNCT/30 and SNCT/33.

544

Expansion of Teachers in Early Years Services

544

There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Education and Social Care advising that Inverclyde Council had received an allocation of £148,500 from grant funding provided by the Scottish Executive to all local authorities in Scotland to enable each authority to employ additional teachers in Early Years Services.

Decided:  that approval be given to the appointment, through competitive interview, of five teachers who have completed their probationary year to work within the Early Years establishments detailed in the report for a period of one year commencing August 2007.

545

Pre-School Education - Advisory Floor 2007-2008

545

There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Education and Social Care requesting approval to increase payments to partner providers for pre-school education in line with the increase announced by the Scottish Executive.

Decided:  that approval be given to an increase in the payment to partner providers from a level of £1,275 to £1,550 per full school education place.

546

Appointment of Teachers to Senior Promoted Posts in Schools

546

There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Education and Social Care seeking approval for revised arrangements for the appointment of Head Teachers and Depute Head Teachers.

Decided:  that approval be given to the revised procedures for the appointment of Head Teachers and Depute Head Teachers as appended to the report and that it be remitted to the Corporate Director Education and Social Care to inform the Scottish Executive accordingly.

547

Inverclyde - Malawi Schools Partnership

547

There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Education and Social Care providing information on the initiative to establish links between schools in Inverclyde and schools in Chiradzulu District, Malawi.  The report advised that although the Council was not being asked to support the initiative financially, it was hoped that Members would be able to offer their support in other tangible ways.

Noted

548

Use of Suppliers for Unique Services to Education

548

There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Education and Social Care seeking approval to procure the services of various companies who provide unique programmes for use by Education Services.

Decided:

(1) that approval be given for the use of the suppliers detailed in Appendix 1 during financial year 2007/08;  and

(2) that it be noted that a report seeking permission to use unique suppliers will be submitted to the Committee on an annual basis.

549

Use of Nexus as a Supplier of the Education Service E-mail Interface and Management System

549

There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Education and Social Care seeking approval to procure the services of Nexus which has set up a unique programme for the management of the Education Service e-mail system.

Decided:  that approval be given to procure from Nexus, a unique programme for the management of the Education Service e-mail system at an estimated cost of £29,400.