Education, Culture and Sport Committee Minutes 13 September 2001

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THE HIGHLAND COUNCIL

EDUCATION, CULTURE AND SPORT COMMITTEE

Minutes of Meeting of the Education, Culture and Sport Committee held in the Council Chamber, Glenurquhart Road, Inverness on Thursday, 13th September, 2001 at 10.30 a.m.

PRESENT

Mr R Saxon
Mr J W Oag
Mrs B Jardine
Mr D Allan
Mr D R Green
Mr A Anderson
Mr A Rhind
Mr R W Durham
Mrs C A Wilson
Mrs M E Paterson
Mr A Paterson
Mr A M M Beaton
Mr A M Millar
Mr P Corbett
Mr R Balfour

Mrs M C Davidson
Mr W J Smith
Mr J W A Thomson
Mrs M A MacLennan
Mr A J Dick
Mrs J N Home
Mr J N Matheson
Mrs L MacDonald
Mrs S Slimon
Mr B M S Dunlop
Mr G M Bruce
Dr M E M Foxley
Mr N M Clark
Mr G MacFarlane
Rev A Glass

NON-MEMBERS ALSO PRESENT:

Mr J H Green
Mr G M Smith
Mr W J Ross
Lou Wilkerson
Mr E C MacKinnon
Mr D W Briggs
Mr S MacKenzie
Dr D Alston

Mr G Coutts
Mrs C M Cumming
Mr R Lyon
Mrs E MacRae
Mr R Severn
Mr A Gordon
Mr F D S Black
Mr C King

Officials in attendance:

Mr B Robertson, Director of Education
Mr A Jones, Director of Cultural and Leisure Services
Mr J Stevenson, Head of Resources and Support Services, Education Service
Mr S Anderson, Head of Tourism and Support Services, Cultural and Leisure Services
Mr I Murray, Head of Community and Leisure, Cultural and Leisure Services
Mr D MacDonald, Head of Support for Learners, Education Service
Mr S Brownlee, Head of Libraries and Archives, Cultural and Leisure Services

Mr B Hemming, Education Resource Co-ordinator, Education Service
Mr W F MacPherson, Community Education Manager, Education Service
Mr R MacKenzie, Finance Manager, Education Service
Mr K Allan, PPP Project Officer, Education Service
Mr M Gillespie, Head of Project Management & Capital Planning, Property & Architectural Services
Mr J MacKenzie, Project Manager, Property & Architectural Services
Mr R Campbell, Project Manager, Property & Architectural Services
Mr W Alexander, Head of Service (Children, Young People and Families)
Mr J Allison, Principal Administrator, Corporate Services
Mrs M Moffatt, Committee Administrator, Corporate Services

Mr A Anderson in the Chair

BUSINESS

An asterisk in the margin denotes a recommendation to the Council. All decisions with no marking in the margin are delegated to the Committee

PRELIMINARIES

Mr G MacFarlane opened the meeting with prayer.

At the commencement of the meeting the Director of Education reported on action taken in schools to help young people come to terms with the images conveyed by television and newspapers of the acts of terrorism carried out in the United States on 11th September, 2001.

The Chairman also indicated that Item 4(e) on the agenda relative to the School Security Programme had been withdrawn.

1.	APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of Mr F Waters, Mrs I Campbell and Rev M Mackinnon.

2.	SUCCESSES The Committee NOTED the following and AGREED that congratulations be conveyed to those concerned: - The Highland Folk Museum had won a "Full Award" under the "Sandford Awards for Heritage Education", managed by the Heritage Education Trust. - Golspie High School had been invited to make a presentation to Jack McConnell, Minister for Education, at a national conference on "Building Community Values" to be held in Dundee on 26 November, 2001. This was due to the school’s long running and successful programme of community links. - Moray, Badenoch & Strathspey Enterprise had awarded a grant of £200,000 towards the Kingussie Leisure Centre - Anna MacRae of Golspie High School had won the Hume Brown Prize for the best extended essay on a Scottish topic in Higher History - Portree Primary School had won the Brave Heart Challenge which featured 12 primary schools from across Scotland. The challenge was part of the launch of the Schools Enterprise Programme and the theme was "An Enterprising Idea Showing Science in Action". Portree’s entry was Bubble Trouble, a multi-coloured bubble making machine. - Ann MacLeod, Strath Kanaird, Ullapool had obtained a joint first class honours degree in Scottish History and English Language at the University of Glasgow. The University Panel of External Judges had commented on the outstanding merit of her work, particularly in Scottish History. - For the first time since the inception of Highland Council, the entire fleet of mobile libraries with their drivers had been brought together for a meeting on 31st August 2001 and the new vehicles put on display at the Caledonian Thistle Football Club stadium in Inverness. The Service now had 5 vehicles with disabled access and all other vehicles would be brought up to standard in this respect over the next two years. - The first European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) certificates/logbooks had been presented to libraries staff by the Chairman on 6th September 2001. Thurso library was the first library to have all staff awarded ECDL certificates.

	RESOURCES

3.	REVENUE BUDGET The Committee considered reports on Revenue Expenditure, copies of which had been circulated, as follows:- (a) Education Revenue Budget 2000/01 – Final Out-turn There was circulated Report No ECS59/01 dated 3 September, 2001 by the Director of Education which detailed the final net expenditure position of the Service for the financial year 2000/01 and explained expenditure variances. There was some discussion of the current position regarding water and electricity charges during which the Director undertook to investigate a problem with the water flow at Banavie Primary School. Reference was also made to the effect of the recent reconfiguration of the budget on schools and to possible safety measures following the revisions in the winter gritting programme. The position was NOTED. (b) Cultural and Leisure Services Revenue Budget 2000/01 - Final Out-turn There was circulated and NOTED Report No ECS60/01 dated 28 August, 2001 by the Director of Cultural and Leisure Services which commented on the final revenue budget position for Cultural and Leisure Services in the year 1st April, 2000 to 31st March, 2001. It was AGREED that the congratulations of the Committee be conveyed to staff for bringing the budget in within 0.1% of the target figure. (c) Education Revenue Expenditure 2001/02 – Monitoring There was circulated and NOTED Report No ECS61/01 dated 3 September, 2001 by the Director of Education, together with statement by the Directors of Finance and Education on revenue expenditure for the period to 31st July, 2001. Arising from this item it was AGREED that the following matters be reviewed:- (i) the effects, particularly on small rural schools, of not filling vacancies for visiting teachers; (ii) the delivery of teacher training; and (iii) the impact on school routes of the changes to the winter road gritting programme in relation to safety issues and the opening times for schools. (d) Cultural and Leisure Services Revenue Expenditure 2001/02 – Monitoring There was circulated and NOTED Report No ECS62/01 dated 28 August, 2001 by the Director of Cultural and Leisure Services, together with statement by the Directors of Finance and Cultural and Leisure Services on revenue expenditure for the period to 31st July, 2001. (e) Additional Financial Resources for Schools There was circulated Report No ECS63/01 dated 3 September, 2001 by the Director of Education advising Members that additional financial resources of £556,000 had been issued to Highland schools by the Scottish Executive and a sum of £541,000 had been allocated to Highland Council through the School Buildings Improvement Fund. The Director proposed a mechanism for distributing the sum allocated to schools which would be used for the following priorities – to offset budget overspends, repairs and maintenance and books and equipment. He also suggested priorities for the use of the School Buildings Improvement Fund. In discussion the Director commented on concerns expressed by Members about the funding available in schools, in particular for staff development and the National Grid for Learning. Points were also raised on the input of Area Committees to discussion on the use of the School Buildings Improvement Fund, allocations to individual schools and the need to explain the actual impact on schools of the additional funding. The Committee AGREED: (i) the basis for distributing the additional financial resources to schools and the uses of the additional financial resources, subject to the allocations to Kilmonivaig and Roybridge Primary Schools being reviewed; (ii) the proposed uses of the additional funding allocated to Highland Council from the School Buildings Improvement Fund, namely that priority be given to Health and Safety issues and meeting previously authorised expenditure; (iii) a further report be submitted on a planned maintenance programme for the balance of the funding following consultation with Area Committees; and (iv) that information on the actual allocations to schools resulting from Scottish Executive announcements of additional funding be included in the proposed information briefing to be sent to teachers and parents on the funding of the McCrone settlement.

4. * *	CAPITAL EXPENDITURE The Committee dealt with reports on Capital Expenditure, copies of which had been circulated, as follows:- (a) Education Service Capital Programme 2001/02 – Monitoring There was circulated and NOTED Report No ECS64/01 dated 4 September, 2001 by the Director of Education, together with statement by the Directors of Finance and Education outlining the financial position on the Education Service Capital Programme as at 31st July, 2001. (b) Cultural and Leisure Services Capital Expenditure 2001/02 – Monitoring There was circulated and NOTED Report No ECS65/01 dated 28 August, 2001 by the Director of Cultural and Leisure Services, together with statement by the Directors of Finance and Cultural and Leisure Services outlining the financial position on the Cultural and Leisure Services Capital Programme as at 31st July, 2001. (c) Cultural and Leisure Services Capital Programme 2001/02 The Principal Administrator, on behalf of the Director of Corporate Services, reported that Mr R Severn, who was not a Member of the Education, Culture and Sport Committee, had, in accordance with Standing Order No 13.2, expressed an interest in and the wish to exercise a vote on this item. There was circulated Report No ECS66/01 dated 3 September, 2001 by the Director of Cultural and Leisure Services which dealt with the allocation of £24,000 available for new projects in 2001/02 and alerted Members to calls on the Capital Programme in future years. The current capital programme for 2000/01 to 2005/06 was appended to the report. It was pointed out that as the Budget Working Group was currently reviewing capital allocations the forward programme might be subject to revision. The Director also pointed out that approval of projects would have ongoing revenue consequences for the Council. Points raised in discussion included a request that consideration be given to Cultural and Leisure facilities in East Sutherland; the local Member’s appreciation of the support given to the Strathpeffer Spa Pavilion project; that Kingussie Leisure Centre should be named Badenoch Leisure Centre as it would provide facilities for the whole of Badenoch and Strathspey; comments on the importance of other facilities to their respective areas and the importance of clarifying the revenue implications of capital projects. The Committee NOTED:- (i) the current position with regard to the capital programme and the potential calls on it over the next few years; (ii) that the implications of potential revenue consequences of capital projects would be considered by the Portfolio Holders Group; and (iii) that a letter of support for the Strathpeffer Spa Pavilion project had been provided after consultation with the Portfolio Holders Group but with no firm commitment to ongoing funding; and AGREED that:- (i) Kingussie Leisure Centre (to be renamed the Badenoch Leisure Centre) be included in the capital programme at a cost of £283,000; (ii) a contribution of a further £24,000 be made over the financial years 2001/02 and 2002/03 to allow the Morar Playing Field project to proceed. (d) 21st Century School Improvement Programme Scope of Second Education Public Private Partnership The Principal Administrator, of behalf of the Director of Corporate Services, reported that the following non-Members of the Education, Culture and Sport Committee had, in accordance with Standing Order No 13.2, expressed an interest in and the wish to exercise a vote on this item:- Mr S MacKenzie Dr D Alston Mr G Coutts Mr A Gordon There was circulated Report No ECS67/01 dated 5 September, 2001 by the Director of Education on the potential scope for the second Education Public Private Partnership (PPP2). The Director referred to the backlog of £83m of works required to Education properties, including projects in the five-year capital programme, known projects which had not been included in the programme and known maintenance projects. He gave the background to and timetable for the preparation of an Outline Business Case for the second Education Public Private Partnership, the preliminary target date for opening the first new schools being August, 2005. The final scope of the project would depend on the ability of the Council to finance the unitary charge which had to be paid to the Consortium annually over a period of 25 years. The Scottish Executive had not yet indicated the levels of support which would be available from Central Government. However, details were given of the likely charge based on the support given in the first round of PPP projects, on the assumption that the capital costs for schools included in the project would be in the order of £100m. The Director set out the Scottish Executive criteria for projects and factors which would have to be taken into account by the Council. An appendix to the report outlined a number of schools in Highland which urgently required consideration. After hearing a presentation by the Director, points raised in discussion included the following:- - Members considered it essential that an Education Capital Plan be retained in view of the large number of projects which would still require to be funded from that source. They wished to be able to confirm to communities that other funding would still be available for other priorities outwith the PPP project. - It was suggested that the PPP project be kept as simple as possible, that clear options appraisals be carried out to illustrate why schools had been included or not in the project and clear information should be available on the phasing of the scheme. - There was a need to clarify the revenue consequences of proceeding with the project. Members should be aware that at this stage the proposal had not been accepted for funding and affordability was a major issue. They should be careful of not raising expectations. In relation to the remaining Capital Plan there were also serious decisions to be made by the Council as a whole on capital projects. - The need to ensure that sufficient staff were available to take forward the project was stressed and it was strongly recommended that a person or persons of sufficient status be appointed to deal with community co-ordination in light of the complexity of Public Private Partnerships. - It was confirmed that once the scheme had been agreed a breakdown would be undertaken showing the impact of the scheme on the backlog of works required to Education properties. - It was also confirmed that the Portfolio Holders and local Members concerned would be kept advised of progress. - It was suggested that consultations on possible amalgamations of schools should include the wider community as, given the proposed timescale for the provision of the schools, the majority of those currently at school would not be affected by the proposals. - Reference was made to the importance of being able to influence the specification for the schools, for example in ensuring that renewable energy sources were considered. - In considering the affordability of the project, it was suggested that, while the Scottish Executive should be pressed to provide level playingfield support, the Council should also consider possible sources of funding such as an increase in the Council Tax, a surcharge on holiday homes and the reintroduction of sporting rates. - It was suggested that, if amalgamations were agreed, the schools concerned should be given priority in the phasing of the project. - In relation to the list of schools put forward, the Committee considered the projects on an Area by Area basis. Officers answered questions relative to specific projects and points raised included the proposed interim arrangements to meet the rising school population in the Inshes area of Inverness; the inclusion in the Local Plan of a site for a new secondary school for West Rural Inverness; proposals drawn up by the local Councillors for Fort William and Skye and Lochalsh; the use of capital receipts from any properties sold; the siting of Cawdor Primary School; possible alternative proposals for consultation; the timescale for completion of the schools and priorities within the programme. The Committee AGREED: (i) that the projects in Appendix 2 to the report, with the addition of projects at Aviemore, Tain Royal Academy and Roybridge and subject to amendments given below, be further examined for possible inclusion within the Education Public Private Partnership Project; (ii) the Council proceed with statutory consultations where required, and it be remitted to Area Committees to consider options with regard to future education provision in relation to those establishments selected to form the basis of the consultation papers; (iii) the consultations on Teanassie and Tomnacross Primary Schools include consultation with parents and the wider community in Beauly; (iv) proposals for the Black Isle be as follows – the straight replacement of Culbokie Primary School, the possible amalgamation of Newhall/Cullicudden and the refurbishment or replacement of Cromarty Primary School; (v) that all projects currently within the five year Capital Plan remain in the Plan until such time as the Council had signed a PPP2 contract with a consortium; (vi) that consideration be given to the appointment of Community Co-Ordinator(s) to liaise with communities on all matters relating to the projects included in PPP2; (vii) to recommend to the Council that consideration be given to a significant Education Capital Plan being retained and a draft be prepared to run in parallel with the PPP scheme for the 10 year duration of the scheme; (viii) that the following projects be considered in relation to Section 94 consent and potential external funding - North PS, Wick, Culloden Academy, Inverness High School, Inverness Royal Academy, Invergarry PS, Lochcarron PS and the lists of projects in Lochaber and Skye and Lochalsh to be submitted by the Area Committees; and (ix) to recommend to the Council that other sources of revenue funding be considered to assist in meeting the unitary charge. The Committee adjourned for lunch during this item, at 1.10 p.m., and resumed at 2.00 p.m.

5.	EMERGENCY INFORMATION SERVICE FOR SCHOOLS With the consent of the meeting this item was taken during the course of the immediately preceding item. There was circulated Report No ECS80/01 dated 30 August, 2001 by the Director of Education which proposed the introduction of a new emergency information service which would give every school teacher and family access to the status of individual schools in relation to inclement weather openings. After receiving a demonstration of the equipment and after hearing a representative of THUS, the company providing the system, on the experience with a pilot project in Aberdeenshire, the Committee AGREED (i) to support the implementation of the new Emergency Information Service for Schools from October, 2001; and (ii) that an evaluation of the first winter's operation be submitted by July, 2002.

6.	McCRONE SETTLEMENT – FINANCIAL DETAILS There was circulated Report No ECS69/01 dated 4 September, 2001 by the Director of Education which identified the shortfall in the funding of the McCrone settlement and proposed asking the Scottish Executive for an additional allocation to meet the full cost of the settlement in the Highlands. An Appendix outlined the details of the settlement for Highland and neighbouring Councils. In the distribution it was clear that two major issues affecting only a limited number of Councils had been overlooked i.e. teachers in very small schools and the Gaelic GAE Assessment. The impact of the shortfall would be severe for the Council in financial and educational terms. The Director reported that the Convener had already discussed the issue with the Minister for Education and had raised the matter with the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities. It was suggested that Members of the Scottish Parliament should also be informed. The Committee:- (i) AGREED that a request be made to the Scottish Executive for additional funding to allow the full implementation of the McCrone settlement in the Council’s area; (ii) NOTED that the Director of Education would prepare an information briefing for Highland teachers and parents on this matter; and (iii) AGREED that the briefing be forwarded to the Members of the Scottish Parliament for the areas concerned.

7.	CULTURAL AND LEISURE SERVICES – GRANT APPLICATIONS There was circulated Report No ECS70/01 dated 4 September, 2001 by the Director of Cultural and Leisure Services which summarised the current position with regard to the Cultural and Leisure Services Grants Budget and provided details of pan Highland and Gaelic grant applications which had received initial consideration by the Portfolio Holders Group. In reply to a question, the Director of Cultural and Leisure Services indicated that he would arrange for Members to have access to service level agreements with organisations receiving grant assistance on request. On the recommendation of the Portfolio Holders Group, the Committee AGREED that the following grants be made:

	Organisation Pan Highland Grants Highland and Islands Community Broadcasting Federation Gael Force Ten Gaelic Grants Feis Rois Feisean Nan Gaidheal Comann an Luchd Ionnachaidh (CLI) An Comunn Gaidhealach	Grant £1000 £1000 £29,200 £32,500 £5,489 £8,140

8.	HIGHLAND LIBRARIES – AM BAILE (GAELIC VILLAGE) PROJECT – CONTRACT WORK PACKAGES There was circulated Report No ECS71/01 dated 21 August, 2001 by the Director of Cultural and Leisure Services putting forward proposals for the tendering of three specific work packages within the Am Baile project to comply with the Council’s Contract and Financial Standing Orders. The work package to digitise local studies archive and other consortium materials, valued at £192,000, would be subject to European Commission Procurement Directives. The work package to design and host the Am Baile website, valued at £123,000, would be tendered for in accordance with the Council’s Standing Orders relating to Contracts. The content management system work package (software to manage the digital records created) was valued at £35,000 and, following discussion with the Council’s Purchasing Officer, it was suggested that the work be done as an extension of the Council’s contract with TALIS, the supplier of the existing library management system, to achieve best value. The Committee APPROVED an exemption from Standing Orders to allow the content management system contract to be placed with an existing supplier, TALIS Limited.

9.	REVIEW OF CURRICULUM POLICIES There was circulated Report No ECS72/01 dated 28 August, 2001 by the Director of Education which proposed a review of school curriculum policies in order to encourage more flexibility in the classroom and free teachers from the high degree of prescription in school courses. A letter received from the Scottish Executive which gave guidance on flexibility within the curriculum was appended to the report. It was hoped to move towards a new curriculum framework by session 2002/03. The proposals would help the Council to meet the Education Service improvement target of "improving the curricular framework to meet the needs of all learners and expand lifelong learning opportunities in Highland communities". As a first step the views of Headteachers and parents would be sought at the forthcoming Area Education Forums. In addition the views of pupils would be sought through the Youth Voice and the advice of teacher unions through the Joint Consultation Group. The Committee AGREED:- (i) that school curriculum policies be reviewed; (ii) that a working group representative of the various stakeholders, headteachers, parents, pupils and employees, be established to prepare new curriculum guidance, with a report being submitted to a meeting of the Committee by Spring 2002 with recommendations for future policies.

10.	CHILD ADMISSIONS TO SWIMMING POOLS - PROPOSED REVISED NATIONAL POLICY There was circulated Report No ECS73/01 dated 10 August, 2001 by the Director of Cultural and Leisure Services on the consultation draft of a revised National Policy on Child Admissions to Swimming Pools issued by the Institute of Sport and Recreational Management (ISRM). An admissions policy laid down the rules of admission and supervision levels for children using swimming pools. While the original ISRM policy was not compulsory it had been used as a national safety standard in the courts following fatal accidents. The Policy was complemented by Risk Management Regulations which required pool operators to undertake detailed risk assessments to determine the most appropriate child admissions policy for each facility. Officers had been asked to examine the appropriateness of adopting a single, standard admissions policy across all Council swimming pools. The report had been written in conjunction with the Chief Executive of CCL Limited. Comments on the draft policy had been invited by the Institute of Sport and Recreational Management by 24th August, 2001. As this deadline fell between meetings of the Committee the Director, in consultation with the Vice-Chairman, had submitted comments as detailed in the report. Points raised in discussion included the following:- - It was confirmed that consideration could be given to the possible use of volunteers qualified as lifeguards for specific sessions, subject to risk assessments being carried out of the session. - There was a need for the Council to consider a policy for dealing with requests that the Council take over independent swimming pools. - It was confirmed that there was within the policy provision for specially programmed sessions where the adult to child ratio might be relaxed. - It was confirmed that all pool operators had had the opportunity to comment on the draft policy. - Some concern was expressed that the policy would not facilitate the use of pools but introduce more restrictions which it was felt would not alter the number of drownings which were already statistically very low. The Committee AGREED:- (i) to homologate the decision of the Director, in consultation with the Vice-Chairman, to submit the Council’s response to the Institute of Sport and Recreational Management’s (ISRM) draft Admissions Policy in order to meet the consultation deadline; (ii) to adopt the guidelines as the Highland Council policy when published (unless significant changes were made in the writing of the final document) and require Swimming Pool Managers to submit their admissions policies to the first available meeting of the Area Committee after the publication of the final ISRM document, highlighting any need to utilise the flexibility contained within the policy; (iii) that risk assessments adherence in relation to the ISRM policy be made a requirement of financial assistance to the independent swimming pools supported by the Council; and (iv) a report be submitted to a future meeting on a pan-Highland policy to deal with requests for the Council to take over independent pools.

11.	IMPROVING EDUCATIONAL OUTCOMES FOR LOOKED AFTER CHILDREN There was circulated Joint Report No ECS74/01 dated 16 August, 2001 by the Directors of Education and Social Work which sought approval for an action plan and policy to ensure that the educational needs of looked after children were met effectively. A draft Joint Policy Statement was also circulated. The report referred to a joint report published by HM Inspectors of Schools and the Social Work Services Inspectorate in March, 2001 and an appendix summarised the action being taken within Highland with regard to each of the recommendations of the inspection report. The Minister for Education had asked all local authorities for a report by 30th September, 2001 on the progress being made on the issues highlighted. The most significant action was the publication of an integrated policy covering Education and Social Work. After some discussion, during which reference was made to the need to improve skills in order to match young unemployed to jobs, the Committee AGREED to endorse the summary of action in Appendix 1 to the report and APPROVED the integrated policy to meet the educational needs of looked after children.

12.	PARTNERSHIP WORKING IN HEALTH EDUCATION There was circulated Report No ECS75/01 dated 31 August, 2001 by the Director of Education referring to partnership projects which the Education Service and Highland Health Board proposed to initiate in order to progress the Health Promoting Schools agenda. The projects focussed on cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and smoking cessation. From session 2001/02 all primary 7 pupils in Highland schools would be trained by dedicated professionals in CPR techniques. In all Highland secondary schools, pupils of 14 and 15 years who were regular smokers would be offered counselling and trained peer support to stop smoking. After discussion, during which it was requested that the proposed initiatives work with existing projects and reference was made to possible links between smoking and drugs and alcohol initiatives, the Committee AGREED:- (i) to commend the partnership approach of the Education Service and Highland Health Board to meeting the health needs of Highland children; (ii) to commend staff in Highland schools for their work in educating young people about health; (iii) to endorse the actions being taken to provide young people with CPR skills and to reduce the incidence of smoking by young people in Highlands; (iv) that an annual report be submitted on progress of CPR and smoking cessation initiatives in Highland schools; and (v) information on the outcome of a national youth lifestyle survey be submitted to the Portfolio Holders Group.

13.	REVIEW OF ADULT BASIC EDUCATION There was circulated Report No ECS76/01 dated 27 August, 2001 by the Director of Education which outlined current Adult Basic Education provision in Highland, listed the recommendations of the Scottish Executive regarding Adult Literacies, and made recommendations for the development of Adult Literacies in Highland, including detailed recommendations for the staffing of the service. The Scottish Executive had allocated a total of £586,277 over the next three years for the improvement of adult literacy in Highland. This funding would be administered by the Community Learning Strategy Group and it was proposed to make a bid to this Group for the majority of extra costs involved in implementing the review. An additional £15,000 - £20,000 had also been identified from within the present Adult Education Budget which could be transferred to Adult Basic Education. In discussion, it was requested that strong links be made with the Through and After Care section of Children’s Services and that voluntary organisations be involved. It was confirmed that further information was available in the full report by the Adult Literacy 2000 Team which had been placed in the Members’ Library and reference was made to the need to look at ways of increasing the funding available to deal with the problems identified by the Team. The Committee AGREED:- (i) the extended range of provision for Adult Basic Education; (ii) that Highland Council be the quality standard driver and monitor for literacy and numeracy provision in the area; (iii) the creation of an Adult Literacies team with a new staffing structure, headed by a Strategy Officer with full-time clerical support; (iv) increased hours for each of the Area Co-ordinators, with local clerical support; (v) the extended remit for the Area Community Education Officers; (vi) to remit to the Community Learning Strategy Working Group the responsibility for developing the action plan detailed in Circular ELLD1/01; and (vii) the financial commitment to meet these recommendations, subject to Community Learning Strategy Partnership approval.

	CONSULTATIVE ISSUES

14.	NATIONAL LOTTERY CONSULTATION DOCUMENT There was circulated Report No ECS77/01 dated 28 August, 2001 by the Director of Cultural and Leisure Services on a proposed response to the Community Fund (previously known as the National Lotteries Charities Board) on its future strategic priorities. Views were sought on the proposed funding priorities and processes, key grant making policies and the range of grant programmes. An additional consultation leaflet set out the Community Fund's specific priorities for Scotland. It was pointed out that funding from the National Lottery for the Community Fund was projected to decrease dramatically over the next few years and to deal with its much-reduced resources the Fund intended to target particular geographic areas and specific groups of people. The main elements of the Council’s proposed draft response were outlined. Other Services had been asked to comment and a final response would be agreed with the Chairman and submitted by the deadline date. After discussion, during which reference was made to the need for more consultation and it was suggested that longer term funding should be provided for projects, the Committee AGREED that a final response be submitted following consultation with the Chairman, along the lines indicated in the report, but subject to the removal of Paragraph 5.10 and the strengthening of Paragraph 5.3 in relation to the need for consultation about local priorities.

	FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS

15.	HIGHLAND FESTIVAL There was circulated Report No ECS78/01 dated 20 August, 2001 by the Director of Cultural and Leisure Services which reviewed the operation of the Highland Festival and suggested a future shape for the Festival which was jointly proposed by the Highland Arts Partnership and the Highland Festival Board. In discussion various points of concern were raised including the relationship with other local festivals in the Highlands, the funding arrangements, the location of events in the year 2002, the timing and spread of events. It was also suggested that certain events might be promoted in conjunction with other organisations such as the Scottish Amateur Music Association and consideration should be given to the type of event likely to be attractive to a Highland audience. At the conclusion of a full discussion the Committee AGREED to defer consideration of the joint Highland Arts Partnership and Highland Festival Board proposals for the future direction of the Highland Festival for a more detailed report bearing in mind the points raised at the meeting and taking into consideration the make-up and funding of other major festivals in the Highlands.

16.	HIGHLAND FOOTBALL ACADEMY There was circulated Report No ECS79/01 dated 21 August, 2001 by the Director of Cultural and Leisure Services referring to the intention of the Scottish Executive, local authorities, the Scottish Institute of Sport, the Football Trust, the Scottish Professional Footballers Association and Sportscotland to promote a network of six football academies throughout Scotland. Details were given of discussions held with officials from Ross County Football Club and Inverness Caledonian Thistle Football Club to explore potential ways in which a Football Academy could be created in Highland. In order to lodge the application by the closing date of 1st September, 2001, the Portfolio Holders Group had agreed the Council progress an application jointly with Ross County Football Club through the mechanism of a Highland Football Academy Trust and that Inverness Caledonian Thistle Football Club would have the opportunity to join the Trust at a later stage if they so wished. Details were given of the facilities that would be provided through the Football Academy, the provisional costs and potential sources of funding. The Director of Cultural and Leisure Services indicated that the application submitted by the Highland Football Academy Trust had been accepted in principle and gave details of further consideration which now required to be given to the venues, including negotiation with Charleston Academy concerning the best use of the proposed new all weather pitch, and the phasing of the upgrading of facilities. Some Members expressed disappointment at the stance taken by Inverness Caledonian Thistle Football Club and indicated that they did not consider the alternative suggested by the Club for the location of the indoor arena as a viable alternative. In reply to a question the Director of Cultural and Leisure Services confirmed that the revenue costs to the Council of promoting the Football Academy would not be significant. He also commented on the advantages of the new type of all weather pitch proposed and the package of upgraded facilities at various locations. The Committee AGREED:- (i) to homologate the decision taken by the Director of Cultural and Leisure Services in consultation with the Portfolio Holders Group to progress the application for the creation of a Highland Football Academy through the mechanism of a Highland Football Academy Trust, in partnership with Ross County Football Club initially but with Inverness Caledonian Thistle Football Club having the opportunity to join the Trust at any stage; and (ii) in principle, that the Trust be granted a long-term lease of the land on which the developments were proposed on the basis that the facilities would be available to the community when not in use by the Football Academy.

17.	EUROPEAN CAPITAL OF CULTURE There was circulated Report No ECS81/01 dated 27 August, 2001 by the Director of Cultural and Leisure Services referring to the decision of the Council to join a partnership to bid for the European Capital of Culture for 2008. The Director pointed out that an opportunity existed to establish contacts with one of the two current capitals of culture, Rotterdam, via the attendance at a conference on Social Cohesion and Cultural Diversity to be in Rotterdam on 18th – 20th October. The Committee AGREED that the Chairman and Director of Cultural and Leisure Services attend the event.

	MINUTES
18.	MINUTES OF MEETINGS The Committee NOTED and where necessary APPROVED Minutes of the following Meetings:- (i) Minutes of Meetings of the Education Transport Appeals Committee held on 2nd August and 29th August, 2001; (ii) Minutes of a Meeting of the Duncraig Castle Working Group held on 22nd August, 2001; and (iii) Minutes of Meetings of the Education Appeals Committee (Staffing) held on 28th August, 2001. Arising from this item, on the matter being raised by the Vice-Chairman, the Committee AGREED that the grievance procedures in relation to teaching staff be reviewed through the Joint Consultation Group (Teaching Staff). The meeting ended at 4.20 p.m.