EDUCATION SERVICES COMMITTEE

 

TUESDAY 1 APRIL 1997 - 3.00 pm

 

Present:-  Councillors Morrison (D), Clocherty, Jackson, Roach, Nimmo, Robertson (Y), Mulholland, Welch, Hunter and Campbell, Mr G Hart and Mr I F Milne, Church Representatives, Councillor Robertson (Y), Convener, in the Chair.

 

In attendance:-  The Chief Executive, the Depute Chief Executive, the Assistant Chief Executive (Social and Community Development), the Director of Central Services, the Director of Education Services, the Director of Finance, Miss L Brabender (for the Director of Legal Services) and the Director of Property and Technical Services.

 

Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of  Provost Allan and Councillor Robertson (A).

 

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

 

366.00

EFFICIENT MANAGEMENT OF RESOURCES:  ENHANCING PROVISION IN SCHOOLS

366

 

SUBMITTED:  Report dated 20 March 1997 by the Director of Education Services referring to the on-going review of all Council property to ensure best possible use of existing resources and value for money in future years by reducing the rising cost and maintenance of under utilised buildings within Inverclyde and advising of the

results of the consultative process on the proposals in respect of schools accommodation agreed by the Committee at its meeting on 16 January 1997 (para 66).  The report also summarised for consideration by the Committee, various options in respect of each of the proposals arising from the consultation exercise together with the financial implications thereof.

Councillor Sir Simpson Stevenson was present and, with consent as Ward Member, spoke in relation to the proposals relating to Larkfield and Springfield Primary Schools.

Following discussion, Councillor Robertson (Y) moved:-

(a)  That there be no secondary school closures and that surplus accommodation be developed for alternative uses in line with the on-going review of all Council property;

(b)  That the following options as set out in the report be agreed:-

(i)  Retain Clune Park Primary School at an estimated total capital cost of £685,000 (£575,000 for major repair works, £70,000 for necessary fire upgrading works and £40,000 for demolition of part of the building to reduce capacity and allow occupancy by the school and local pre-five provision);

(ii)  Retain Springfield Primary School at an estimated total capital cost of £560,000 (£460,000 for major maintenance works and £100,000 for possible adaptation works) and that the matter be referred to the Corporate Resources Committee to consider alternative uses for the accommodation within the school which is surplus to educational requirements;

(iii)  Agree in principle that Kings Glen Primary School be relocated within the St Kenneth's Primary School building by extension of the existing Blairmore Centre at an estimated cost of £420,000 which would allow both schools to operate independently with certain shared facilities; that consultation with staff and parents of both schools take place on the detailed plans for the operation of both schools; that while April 1998 is proposed for completion of the extension works, this may be delayed until August 1999 due to the extent of consultation required; and that King's Glen Primary School building be declared surplus to educational requirements on vacation of the building;

(iv)  That the Director of Education Services carry out a further review of non-denominational primary provision in the Moorfoot and Gourock Primary School areas when the details of the housing developments at Levan Farm and Gourock Waterfront are known;

(c)  That when schools close/amalgamate, the staffing enhancement of schools agreed for year one be continued to year two without diminution;

(d)  That the proposed use of any education revenue savings realised after a period of three years be referred to the Policy and Strategy Committee for consideration; and

(e)  That the appropriate capital expenditure be the subject of a further report by the Director of Education Services.

As an amendment, Councillor Campbell moved:-

(a)  That a full and open review of all schools within Inverclyde be carried out as a matter of urgency; and

(b)  That no alternative use of any school surplus accommodation be made unless a report is submitted to the Education Services Committee for approval.

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

DECIDED:

(a)  That there be no secondary school closures and that surplus accommodation be developed for alternative uses in line with the on-going review of all Council property;

(b)  That the following options as set out in the report be agreed:-

(i)  Retain Clune Park Primary School at an estimated total capital cost of £685,000 (£575,000 for major repair works, £70,000 for necessary fire upgrading works and £40,000 for demolition of part of the building to reduce capacity and allow occupancy by the school and local pre-five provision);

(ii)  Retain Springfield Primary School at an estimated total capital cost of £560,000 (£460,000 for major maintenance works and £100,000 for possible adaptation works) and that the matter be referred to the Corporate Resources Committee to consider alternative uses for the accommodation within the school which is surplus to educational requirements;

(iii)  Agree in principle that Kings Glen Primary School be relocated within the St Kenneth's Primary School building by extension of the existing Blairmore Centre at an estimated cost of £420,000 which would allow both schools to operate independently with certain shared facilities; that consultation with staff and parents of both schools take place on the detailed plans for the operation of both schools; that while April 1998 is proposed for completion of the extension works, this may be delayed until August 1998 due to the extent of consultation required; and that King's Glen Primary School building be declared surplus to educational requirements on vacation of the building;

(iv)  That the Director of Education Services carry out a further review of non-denominational primary provision in the Moorfoot and Gourock Primary School areas when the details of the housing developments at Levan Farm and Gourock Waterfront are known;

(c)  That when schools close/amalgamate, the staffing enhancement of schools agreed for year one be continued to year two without diminution;(d)  That the proposed use of any education revenue savings realised after a period of three years be referred to the Policy and Strategy Committee for consideration; and

(e)  That the appropriate capital expenditure be the subject of a further report by the Director of Education Services.