Education, Culture and Sport Committee Minutes 24 January 2002

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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 24 January 2002 at 10.30 a.m.

PRESENT

Mr R Saxon
Mr T Jackson
Mr J W Oag
Mr W Mowat
Mrs B Jardine
Mrs A L Magee
Mr D Allan
Mr D R Green
Mr A Anderson
Mr A Rhind
Mr R W Durham
Mrs M E Paterson
Mr A Paterson
Mr A M M Beaton
Mr A M Millar
Mrs I Campbell
Mr P Corbett

Ms E MacDonald
Mr R Balfour
Mrs M C Davidson
Mr W J Smith
Mr J W A Thomson
Mrs M A MacLennan
Mr A J Dick
Mr J Gray
Mrs J N Home
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 A I MacDonald
Mr J S Rosie
Mr D C M Flear
Mr J H Green
Mr G M Smith
Mrs D J Steven
Mr W J Ross
Mrs R Finlayson
Lou Wilkerson
Mr E C MacKinnon
Mr D W Briggs
Mr D Philip
Mr S MacKenzie

Dr D Alston
Mr M M Downie
Mr G Coutts
Mr J C Cole
Mr R Lyon
Mr C L Goodman
Mr N A Donald
Mr D Fraser
Mr R Severn
Mr A Gordon
Mrs O J Macdonald
Mr B J Murphy

Officials in attendance:

Mr B Robertson, Director of Education, Culture and Sport
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 J G Findlay, Head of Curriculum and Quality Assurance, Education Service
Mr I Murray, Head of Community and Leisure, Cultural and Leisure Services
Mr D MacDonald, Head of Support for Learners, Education Service
Mr B Alexander, Head of Service (Children, Young People and Families
Mr R MacKenzie, Finance Manager, Education Service
Miss A Sharland, Area Education Manager, Caithness and Sutherland
Mr H Fraser, Area Education Manager, Ross and Cromarty
Mr L Young, Area Education Manager, Skye and Lochalsh
Mr N W Murray, Area Education Manager, Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey
Mr H Robertson, Area Education Manager, Lochaber
Mr M Gillespie, Head of Project Management and Capital Planning, Property & Architectural Services
Mr R Campbell, Project Manager, Property and Architectural Services
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

Rev A Glass opened the meeting with prayer.

1.	APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of Mrs C A Wilson and Mr J N Matheson.

2.	SUCCESSES The Committee NOTED the following and AGREED that congratulations be conveyed as appropriate to those concerned:- - Ian Murray and Donnie MacDonald had been appointed as Head of Community Services and Head of Education Services respectively in the new Education, Culture and Sport Service. - The Princess Royal was visiting Nairn Leisure Centre as part of a visit to the area. - Invergordon and Fortrose Academies had achieved Investor in People status. - Lochbroom and Averon Leisure Centres had been successfully revalidated for Investors in People status. - £1,021m had been awarded in 2002/03 and £1.149m in 2003/04 for the roll-out of the New Community School approach, the third highest award in Scotland - WWF had published a pack of case studies "Developing Informed Citizens" which included four from Highland: Golspie High, Raigmore Primary and 2 from Roybridge Primary. - the Council’s Higher Philosophy online course had been selected as an example of excellence and had won the European Netdays award. - Samuel Bird, former Culloden Academy pupil, had come top in Scotland for the SQA Higher Economics and joint top in SQA Higher Accountancy and Finance in the May, 2001 examination diet. - Lyreco "Design a Cover" Competition Winners were: Michael MacLeod, Ullapool High School Lewis MacKinnon, Balloch Primary School Ranald Cartwright, Halkirk Primary School Kerry Kennedy, Kilchuimen Academy Madaleine May, 2001, Wick High School Kirsty MacLennan, Kilchuimen Academy - A successful bid had been made to Sportscotland for £333,4000 towards the construction of a full-size floodlit all weather pitch at Tain Royal Academy for use by the community. - Richard MacPherson, Head Boy at Alness Academy had recently been awarded the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Award in recognition of his contribution to citizenship in his local community. - An award had been received of £57,000 per annum over the next two financial years to establish a Centre of Excellence in Obsdale Primary School, Alness, for pre-school language impaired children. - Ullapool High School and the MacPhail Centre had won the Educational Establishment category in the Annual "Loo of the Year" Awards.
	RESOURCES

3.	REVENUE BUDGET The Committee considered reports on revenue expenditure, copies of which had been circulated as follows:- (i) Education Revenue Expenditure 2001/02 - Monitoring There was circulated Report No ECS1/02 dated 4 January 2002 by the Director of Education, Culture and Sport on revenue expenditure on the Education Service for the period to 30 November 2001. The Director answered points raised on the position with regard to nursery education and water and energy budgets. He confirmed that the Director of Finance was preparing a report on the system of centralised billing for the utilities. The position was NOTED. (ii) Cultural and Leisure Services Revenue Expenditure 2001/02 – Monitoring There was circulated and NOTED Report No ECS2/02 dated 9 January 2002 by the Director of Education, Culture and Sport on revenue expenditure on Cultural and Leisure Services for the period to 30 November 2001.

4.	CAPITAL EXPENDITURE The Committee dealt with reports on capital expenditure, copies of which had been circulated, as follows:- (i) Cultural and Leisure Services Capital Expenditure 2001/02 – Monitoring There was circulated Report No ECS3/02 dated 9 January 2002 by the Director of Education, Culture and Sport outlining the financial position on the Cultural and Leisure Services Capital Programme as at 30 November, 2001. Reference was made to the long-standing proposal to provide an all weather surface at Wick High School and the hope was expressed that this would not be lost sight of in the amalgamation of the Education and Cultural and Leisure Services. It was pointed out that there were many competing demands for all weather pitches and the proposed Challenge Fund would be used to attract funding from other sources for such projects. Officials had been asked to draw up a list of known projects for prioritisation by the Committee. The Committee APPROVED revised costs of £7,000 and £25,000 respectively for replacement filters at Golspie Swimming Pool and the games hall floor at Dingwall Leisure Centre and otherwise NOTED the position. (ii) Education Service Capital Programme 2001/02 – Monitoring There was circulated and NOTED Report No ECS4/02 dated 7 January 2002 by the Director of Education, Culture and Sport outlining the financial position on the Education Service Capital Programme as at 30 November 2001. The Committee also NOTED that the Chairman had asked the officials to take steps to ensure that the Alness Academy insurance claim was settled as soon as possible. (iii) Education Capital Programme 2002/2003 There was circulated Report No ECS5/02 dated 21 December 2001 by the Director of Education, Culture and Sport relative to the revised ten year Capital Plan approved by the Committee on 8 November 2001. The report brought to Members’ attention the requirements of the following projects Science Laboratory upgrades; Nursery Provision; The Education Challenge Fund; School Security; Tain Royal Academy/Mallaig All-weather Pitches; The Janitor’s House at Dingwall Primary School; The School Building Improvement Fund; Identification of Future Maintenance and Refurbishment Projects; Accommodation for an Intermediate Vocational Training Centre. In discussion points raised included the following:- - On the matter being raised, the Director undertook to look into the provision currently made for nursery education at Dunvegan. - Further consideration should be given to the proposal to provide a demountable unit at Drakies Primary School in consultation with other partner centres, parents and the relevant members and taking into account other developments in the area. - Some concern was expressed at the proposal to postpone the project to improve nursery provision at Uig pending the outcome of the Public Private Partnership bid. - It was confirmed that the recurring maintenance costs of all weather surfaces would be built into future budgets. - The provision of a security fence at Dalneigh should be included in the school security programme. - A report should be submitted on how school security systems were operating and a review carried out if the systems were not working properly. - Emphasis should be placed in future programmes on maintaining equity of provision. The Committee AGREED that:- (i) in terms of Standing Order No 4(e) of the Council’s Standing Orders Relating to Contracts negotiations be undertaken with ESA Mackintosh for the refurbishment of the science labs for the remainder of the programme of science upgrades and the works identified in Paragraph 2.4 of the report be progressed; (ii) the revised costs for nurseries as identified in Appendix 1 to the Report be approved, the financial impact noted and approval be given for the costs to be met from the pre-school GAE on the understanding that any shortfall was made up from the overall education capital programme; (iii) the provision of pre-school accommodation in the Drakies area, including the possible installation of a de-mountable unit at Drakies Primary School, be referred to the City of Inverness and Area Education Committee for consideration; (iv) the situation with respect to other nursery school projects be noted; (v) the protocols identified in Paragraph 4.1 of the Report with respect to bidding into the Education Challenge Fund be approved; (vi) the school security works for 2001 as identified in Appendix 2, with the addition of a security fence at Dalneigh Primary School, be approved and approval be given to progress the remaining works over the following two years within budgets available as identified in Paragraph 5.1; (vii) the maintenance and repair of school security systems be achieved as part of an integrated fire and security contract as identified in Paragraph 5.2 of the Report; (viii) the Council’s contribution to Tain Royal Academy all-weather pitch and the revised costs for Mallaig all-weather pitch be noted; (ix) approval be given to the demolition and re-building of the janitor’s house at Dingwall Primary School at a cost of £50,000; (x) the formula for New Deal for Schools be continued for the School Building Improvement Fund; (xi) a programme for major maintenance projects and school refurbishment be established as identified in Paragraph 9.1 of the report; and (xii) it be remitted to the Director of Education, Culture and Sport, in consultation with the Chairman, to sign a lease agreement for an Intermediate Vocational Training Centre following negotiation by Property and Architectural Services and on the understanding that the costs of the lease agreement could be contained within existing budgets.

5.	ROLL-OUT OF NEW COMMUNITY SCHOOL APPROACH There was circulated Report No ECS6/02 dated 15 January 2002 by the Director of Education, Culture and Sport on the award of grant to support the roll-out of the New Community Schools approach across Highland. The Director referred to the pilot projects at Inverness and Alness and to the philosophy behind New Community Schools. He advised that Highland Council had received the third highest grant in Scotland and put forward proposals for the use of the grant and other funding streams which met with Scottish Executive criteria and were based on consultation and lessons learned in the pilot projects. He proposed that all schools in Highland be included in the core aspects of New Community Schools and, in addition, selected schools based on the application of two nationally accepted indicators of disadvantage would receive additional targeted support. Recognition would also be given to the disadvantage of rurality and remoteness. The support would be allocated in consultation with Area Children’s Services Forums. In discussion Members congratulated the Chairman and the Service on attracting this level of grant, for which thanks should be extended to the Scottish Executive, and referred to the real opportunities presented. It was helpful also that the Health Service was required to sign up to the proposals. There was some concern, however, that the funding should not be spread too thin. Reference was also made to the additional support which would require to be given, particularly to primary schools, and the need to bear in mind that some school catchment areas crossed Area Committee boundaries. The Director answered specific points on the funding available, how the proposals would interface with the Public Private Partnership proposals, sustainability, the terminology used, the commitment of other agencies, the raising of standards of attainment and the position of looked after children. With regard to the terminology, it was suggested that it should be made clear that the roll-out was based on the principle of enhanced, integrated and sustainable use of schools and other community resources, as appropriate to each community, to include village and other halls, sports and arts facilities, libraries and early years partner centres. The Committee NOTED with pleasure the allocation of funding for the roll-out of the New Community School approach 2002-04 and AGREED that :- (i) all schools and communities should benefit from the roll-out through core features of integrated provision; (ii) in selected schools and communities there should be additional support directed to enhance the roll-out of the New Community Schools Approach; (iii) plans based on the principles established in the Report be submitted to the Scottish Executive, and Area Committees, the Joint Committee on Children and Young People and the Education, Culture and Sport Committee be asked to approve details as they became available; (iv) a presentation be made to the next meeting of the Committee on New Community Schools, possibly at one of the existing New Community Schools; and (v) there be discussion with the Portfolio Holders on how to actively involve communities.

	POLICY

6.	EARLY YEARS EDUCATION: RE-INTEGRATION OF PRE-SCHOOL BUDGET – INTEGRATION OF EARLY YEARS SERVICES There was circulated joint Report No ECS7/02 dated 10 January 2002 by the Directors of Education, Culture and Sport and Social Work on recent Scottish Executive guidance with regard to pre-school funding and provision and the closer integration of childcare and pre-school education services. The report referred to the expansion of pre-school provision in recent years and the budget pressures which had arisen and indicated that from April 2002 all funding for early years services would be through overall GAE. Details were given of the Scottish Executive guidance, of the current network of provision and of factors to be taken into account in considering future provision of pre-school education and childcare services. The Director also commented on the position with regard to deferred entry to pre-school provision for certain children and progress in developing a quality assurance framework for school and partner providers of pre-school education. At the meeting the Director reported that the anticipated report on teaching in-put into pre-school education had now been received. In discussion, Mrs M C Davidson, Spokesperson for Children’s Services, referred to the need for early discussions on budgets with the chairmen of the childcare partnerships, in light of the removal of the ring-fencing for nursery provision and for consultation if budget problems arose during the year. She stressed the need to work with the childcare partnerships in reviewing provision. Reference was also made to a Ministerial visit to Kinlochleven on 11th March, 2002; to the important role of childcare partnerships not just as advisory bodies; to the importance of involving businesses, and of major employers, including the Council, addressing the question of childcare for their employees; and to concern over the provision made for pre-school Gaelic Education in rural areas and the lack of support from the relevant guiding body. The Committee AGREED that:- (i) the Council continue to provide 475 hours of funded pre-school provision within its own centres and require its partners to provide the same level of service; (ii) the current policy on deferred entry be continued, with current monitoring and review procedures being maintained; (iii) a review of staffing models in local authority nurseries be progressed in anticipation of further guidance being issued by the Executive in relation to teaching input; (iv) different models of childcare and early education provision be explored in order to address needs as identified at local community level and supported through appropriate service level agreements; (v) expenditure on childcare and pre-school education provision be managed within the overall GAE for childcare, Sure Start and pre-school education as allocated by the Scottish Executive through GAE funding for financial years 2002/03 and 2003/04; (vi) a review of all support to early years services be progressed within the framework of the Education, Culture and Sport and Social Work Services, with consultation as appropriate with the Director of Social Work; and (vii) further reports be submitted to Committee in due course for consideration as these policy matters were progressed, including a report on Gaelic pre-school developments.

7.	HIGHLAND DEAF EDUCATION SERVICE There was circulated Report No ECS8/02 dated 9 January 2002 by the Director of Education, Culture and Sport which outlined the work of the Highland Deaf Education Service since its formation in 1995 and the ways in which it hoped to develop in the future. The report gave details of current caseload, staffing, provision made for children, recruitment and training issues, liaison with other agencies, provision of sign language and service developments. Sheila Lundberg, Co-ordinator of the Service, made a short presentation to the meeting highlighting the main issues. Points raised in discussion included the following:- - Before the budget was set for the next financial year consideration should be given to possible sources of additional funding for the Service to support children fully within their own communities and in particular to provide training. - Consideration should also be given to providing opportunities for children to learn signing within the school curriculum and to developing the use of video ‘phones. - It was confirmed that the Scottish Executive was aware of the additional burden being placed on authorities due to the increasing numbers of multiply handicapped children and the hope was expressed that they would make additional funding available. The Committee NOTED the current position and that future developments within the Highland Deaf Education Service would articulate with proposals for a Deaf Communication Service in Highland. It was AGREED that:- (i) officials consider possible funding streams which might be used improve the Deaf Education Service; (ii) a section be included in the Education, Culture and Sport Service Plan relative to the Highland Deaf Education Service; (iii) statistics be obtained for each Area on the numbers of deaf children; (iv) a report be submitted to the next meeting on proposals for action; and (v) a similar presentation be made to the Joint Committee on Children and Young People.

8.	INTENSIVE SUPPORT AND VOCATIONAL TRAINING There was circulated Joint Report No ECS9/02 dated 9 January 2002 by the Directors of Social Work and Education, Culture and Sport referring to the high support needs of a small number of children and young people with emotional and behavioural difficulties which created pressures within mainstream schools and on Social Work Services. Details were given of current support provided but it was suggested that there was a need for a dedicated new service for young people in S2-S4 and it was, therefore, proposed that a unit for around 18 young people be developed in the Inner Moray Firth area at an estimated cost of £300,000 per annum to meet accommodation and staffing costs. The funding could be achieved from within existing service budgets. It was proposed that the post of Manager (Intensive Support) be created with a remit of developing, then managing, the new facility, making links with other related initiatives. The Manager would have external management responsibility for other provision at Fodderty School and the Black Isle Education Centre. The Committee AGREED:- (i) to endorse the report; and (ii) to approve the appointment of a Manager (Intensive Support) to progress the proposals, which would be subject to further reports to the Education, Culture and Sport, Housing and Social Work and Resources Committees.

9. *	CONSULTATION ON ALTERATION TO DELINEATED AREAS FOR MILLER ACADEMY AND REAY PRIMARY SCHOOLS There was circulated Report No ECS10/02 dated 7 January 2002 by the Director of Education, Culture and Sport on the outcome of the consultation on alternative options for the education of pupils from the area once served by Lieurary Primary School, involving alterations to the delineated areas of Miller Academy and Reay Primary Schools. Details were given of the original consultation carried out and of responses received. On the agreement of the Area Committee a revised consultation paper had been issued taking on board the points made, to which no written responses had been received. The Committee AGREED to recommend that:- (i) the delineated area of Miller Academy Primary School be extended to include the north-east section of the former Lieurary area which would include the communities at Stemster, Lythmore, Oust and those east of the junction with this road and the Westfield/Thurso Road; (ii) the delineated area of Reay Primary School be extended to incorporate the previous area delineated by Lieurary Primary School but excluding the north-east section as described for Miller Academy and shown on the map attached to the consultation paper; and (iii) transport continue to be provided for pupils (and their siblings) from Achnavast currently attending Reay Primary School for their primary education.

10.	SCHOOL PERFORMANCE 1998-2001 There was circulated Report No ECS11/02 dated 8 January 2002 by the Director of Education, Culture and Sport which provided information on the performance of Highland schools in 5-14 national tests, SQA examinations and on pupil absence rates, in accordance with the guidance from the Scottish Executive. The Director pointed out that on the whole Highland schools had met or exceeded their targets in virtually all measures of performance and had maintained the differential between Highland and national performance. After hearing the Director, and after some discussion, the Committee AGREED that: (i) the information be sent to school boards and public libraries throughout Highland and placed on the Education website; (ii) schools be congratulated on their performance; and (iii) a report be submitted to the next meeting giving statistics for vocational courses.

11.	GAELIC SPECIFIC GRANT - AWARD FOR 2002/03 There was circulated Report No ECS12/02 dated 4 January 2002 by the Director of Education, Culture and Sport advising that the Scottish Executive Education Department offer of Specific Grant for Gaelic Education to Highland in the financial year 2002/03 was £643,000 compared with £610,000 in 2001/02, an increase of 5.4%. The award, together with the 20% increase in the previous year, represented a considerable improvement on previous funding levels. Nationally the grant was planned to remain static for 2003/04. The Scottish Executive had advised the Council that they should plan for the assimilation of costs of local projects into their mainstream budget after a maximum of 5 years. This could present the Council with difficulties as the majority of the grant, around £0.5m, was devoted to local projects. An Appendix showed the broad outline of the Council's bid for grant. Adjustments would be made to bring expenditure into line with available funding. In discussion, it was suggested that, at a proposed meeting with the appropriate government Minister, the Minister should be asked to comment on the position with regard to Gaelic pre-school provision and issues previously raised, including the lack of primary teaching materials, the problem of teacher supply, the need for a Minister for Gaelic and the location of Gaelic within the Scottish Executive. The Committee AGREED (i) to accept the grant offer; and (ii) to request urgent discussion with the Scottish Executive Education Department on how the assimilation of costs would be expected to be managed and on the other items raised.

12.	LES RENCONTRES - CAPITAL OF CULTURE BID There was circulated Report No ECS13/02 by the Director of Education, Culture and Sport referring to the appointment of Highland Council in October to the Committee of Les Rencontres, the network for considering cultural action initiated by local and regional authorities in Europe. The Council's membership was particularly relevant in relation to its pivotal role in bidding for the European Capital of Culture for 2008. Formal meetings of the Committee would be held in Bruges on 22 and 23 March and Salamanca on 22 and 23 November 2002. Councillor Andrew Anderson was the nominated elected representative. The Committee AGREED:- (i) that the Council renew their membership subscription for 2002 in the sum of 450 Euros (£275); and (ii) to approve the attendance of the Chairman at the two formal Committee meetings in Bruges and Salamanca.

	MINUTES

13.	MINUTES OF MEETINGS The Committee NOTED and where necessary APPROVED the minutes of the following meetings:- (i) Meeting of the Gaelic Working Group held on 31 October 2001; (ii) Meeting of the Joint Consultation Group (Teaching Staff) held on 4 December 2001; (iii) Meeting of the Education, Culture and Sport Committee Appointments Panel held on 21 December 2001; and (iv) Meeting of the Education Transport Appeals Committee held on 10 January 2002, subject to the deletion of the second paragraph under Item 2(h), the local Member having indicated that he had not been consulted on this appeal and that he was dissatisfied with the way in which the case had been presented. Arising from the Minutes, there was some discussion of the policy in relation to the provision of school transport and of the appeals procedures. Some members were concerned about the current policy and the lack of involvement of local Members in setting up new transport contracts. It was suggested, however, that Members should bear in mind the financial consequences involved in any major change of policy in relation to distances or placing requests. The Committee AGREED that a review be carried out of transport policy and the transport appeals procedures.

	STAFFING

14.	EXCLUSION OF THE PUBLIC The Committee RESOLVED that under Section 50A(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 the public be excluded from the meeting for discussion of Item 15 below on the grounds that it involved the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 1 of Part 1 of Schedule 7A of the Act.

15.	EDUCATION, CULTURE AND SPORT SERVICE – PROPOSED SERVICE STRUCTURES There was circulated to Members only Report No ECS14/02 dated 4 January 2002 by the Director of Education, Culture and Sport on proposed management structures below the level of Head of Service for the new Education, Culture and Sport Service which would be fully effective from 1 April 2002. The Committee AGREED:- (i) to approve the service management structures outlined in Appendix 1 of the Report; (ii) that a review be carried out of current Area responsibilities and functions in relation to Cultural and Leisure Services and Community Education; and (iii) that proposals be prepared for future meetings on facilities management, the library service, office administrative functions and curriculum support. The Committee adjourned for lunch at 1.30 p.m. and resumed at 2.00 p.m. At the commencement of the afternoon session, the Chairman, together with representatives of the Company, presented the prizes to the winners of the Lyreco Art competition for schools, congratulating them on the quality of their work.

	POLICY (continued)

16. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *	PUBLIC PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP – STATUTORY CONSULTATIONS Mr S MacKenzie and Mr G Coutts, who were not members of the 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 ECS15/02 dated 18 December 2001 by the Director of Education, Culture and Sport on the outcome of the consultations carried out with regard to proposals under consideration for inclusion in the second Education Public Private Partnership. The Director referred to the background to the consultations and to the priority matrix for projects included in the Council’s Outline Business Case for the potential second Education Public Private partnership which had been agreed by the Council on 4 December 2001. In order to meet the Scottish Executive deadline, an Outline Business Case had been submitted on 14 December 2001 but, depending on the outcomes of the statutory consultations, it would be possible to amend the Outline Business Case to take account of Members’ decisions. It was stressed that the proposals contained in the consultative papers were subject to the bid for the second Public Private Partnership being successful. Separate booklets were also circulated which contained in respect of each proposal:- (i) summary of the outcome of the consultation process and recommendation with regard to future action; (ii) the consultative paper, which gave details of accommodation and capacities in each of the establishments, present and projected rolls of schools, current use of facilities, condition of buildings and the possible consequences of the options put forward in terms of staffing, transport, community use of premises, property costs and other financial implications; (iii) records of consultation meetings held; and (iv) all written submissions received. At the meeting, in relation to each proposal, the Director of Education, Culture and Sport and Area Education Manager gave a summary of the outcome of the consultations and the Area Education Portfolio Holder and Local Member were given the opportunity of putting their views. The Committee dealt with the proposals, which in each case were put forward as alternatives to the status quo, as follows:- (i) Proposal to Separate the Primary and Secondary Departments in Farr High School and Establish a New Primary School in Bettyhill. It was proposed that educational provision in the current Farr High School delineated area be reviewed and that the primary and secondary departments in Farr High School be separated and a new primary school be established in Bettyhill on a new site, allowing the current secondary school accommodation to be developed and upgraded. The outcome of the consultation was that there appeared to be general support for the proposal. The Committee AGREED to recommend that the primary and secondary departments in Farr High School be separated and a new primary school be established in Bettyhill on a new site yet to be identified. (ii) Proposals in Relation to Maryburgh Primary School The Committee were asked to consider the proposals to - (a) replace Maryburgh Primary School with a new building on the existing site; or (b) amalgamate Maryburgh Primary School and Conon Primary School on the existing Conon Primary School site; or (c) amalgamate Maryburgh Primary School and Conon Primary School on a new site yet to be identified. Responses to the consultation confirmed support for the proposal to replace Maryburgh Primary School with a new building on the existing site. The Committee AGREED to recommend that a new Maryburgh Primary School be built on the existing school site. (iii) Newmore Primary School The Committee was invited to consider the proposal to replace Newmore Primary School with a new building on a new site yet to be identified. Responses to the consultation confirmed support for the proposal. The Committee AGREED to recommend that Newmore Primary School be replaced with a new building on a new site yet to be identified. (iv) Culbokie Primary School The Committee was invited to consider the proposal to replace Culbokie Primary School with a new building on an identified new site or on a new site yet to be identified. Responses to the consultation confirmed support for the proposal. The Committee AGREED to recommend that Culbokie Primary School be replaced with a new building on a new site. (v) Cullicudden/Newhall Primary Schools The Committee was asked to consider the proposal to amalgamate Cullicudden and Newhall Primary Schools and transfer all the pupils to a new school on a new site yet to be identified. Responses to the consultation had showed a mixed view, with support being shown both for the proposal to amalgamate Cullicudden and Newhall Primary Schools and support for the status quo. An analysis of responses received was given in the covering report. The Committee AGREED to recommend that Cullicudden and Newhall Primary Schools be amalgamated in a new school on a new site. (vi) Cromarty Primary School The Committee was asked to consider the proposal to replace Cromarty Primary School with a new building on a new site yet to be identified. Views expressed at the consultation meeting had indicated support both for replacement of Cromarty Primary School with a new school on a new site and refurbishment and extension as necessary of the existing buildings. The majority of written comments had expressed support for re-development on the existing site with refurbishment and extension as necessary. The Committee AGREED to recommend that the status quo be maintained with possible future consideration being given to refurbishment and upgrading of the school on its existing site as and when funding could be identified in the Education, Culture and Sport Committee’s Capital Programme. (vii) St Clement’s School, Dingwall The Committee was asked to consider the proposal to replace St Clement’s School with a new Special Educational Needs Unit on the Dingwall Academy site. Responses to the consultation had confirmed support for the retention of St Clement’s School. Mrs M E Paterson, the local Member, spoke in support of the parents who, having considered all aspects of the proposal, wished to retain the status quo. Following a full discussion, during which various Members spoke in support of the parents’ views, while others referred to the opportunities offered by the proposal to replace the school, the Chairman, seconded by the Vice-Chairman, moved that St Clement’s School be replaced with a Special Educational Needs Unit on the Dingwall Academy site and that the name of the new Special Educational Needs Unit, if agreed, be known as St Clement’s School. Mrs M E Paterson, seconded by Mrs J N Home, moved as an amendment that the status quo be maintained. In a roll call vote the outcome was as follows:- For the Amendment For the Motion Mrs M E Paterson Mr A Anderson Mrs I Campbell Mr N M Clark Mr P Corbett Mr R Saxon Mr R Balfour Mrs B Jardine Mr W J Smith Mrs A L Magee Mr J W A Thomson Mr D Allan Mr A J Dick Mr R W Durham Mr J Gray Mr A M M Beaton Mrs J N Home Mr A M Millar Mrs L MacDonald Mrs M C Davidson Mrs S Slimon Mr G M Bruce Mr B M S Dunlop Mr G MacFarlane Dr M E M Foxley The Amendment having been carried by 14 votes to 13 the Committee therefore AGREED to recommend that the status quo be maintained in relation to St Clement’s School. (viii) Uig/Kilmuir Primary Schools The Committee were asked to consider the proposals to build a new school to replace Uig Primary School within the township of Uig (on a site yet to be identified) and transfer pupils to the new school or to build a new school to replace both Uig and Kilmuir Primary Schools within the township of Uig (on a site yet to be identified) and transfer pupils to the new school. Responses to the consultation confirmed unanimous support for a new school for Uig by the Uig community while the majority of respondees from the Kilmuir community were against the closure of Kilmuir Primary School and the transfer of Kilmuir pupils to a new school in Uig. An analysis of the responses was given. The Committee AGREED to recommend that a new school be built to replace Uig Primary School on a site yet to be identified within the township of Uig. (ix) (Plockton Primary School The Committee were asked to consider the proposal to build a new school to replace Plockton Primary School on a site within the Plockton area (should a suitable site be identified) and transfer pupils to the new school. Responses to the consultation showed a majority in support of a new school for Plockton. The Committee AGREED to recommend that Plockton Primary School be replaced with a new school in the Plockton area (should a suitable site be identified). (x) New Inshes Primary School The Committee were asked to consider the proposal that a new school be built on a site within the Inshes area incorporating a facility for up to 15 pupils with special educational needs. The outcome of the consultation was that parents, members of the Drakies School Safety Team, and members of Culcabock and Drakies Community Council had expressed strong support for the proposal. The Committee AGREED to recommend that a primary school incorporating a facility for pupils with special educational needs be built in the Inshes area of Inverness. (xi) Teanassie/Tomnacross Primary Schools The Committee were asked to consider the proposal to amalgamate Teanassie and Tomnacross Primary Schools and build a new school on a new site as a Public Private Partnership project. The outcome of the consultation was that of the community councils consulted only one had expressed support for the proposal. Seven families who lived outwith and 30 families who lived within the delineated area of Teanassie Primary School had indicated that they were opposed to the proposed amalgamation. 39 families who lived within the delineated area of Tomnacross Primary School had expressed support for the proposed amalgamation. The Committee AGREED to recommend that the status quo be maintained and the proposal to amalgamate Teanassie and Tomnacross Primary Schools and transfer all the pupils to a new school on a new site be rejected. (xii) Gaelic Medium School, Inverness The Committee were invited to consider the proposal to build a primary school for pupils being educated through the medium of Gaelic either on a site yet to be identified but within the City of Inverness and Area boundary or within refurbished accommodation on the campus formerly occupied by Drummond School. The outcome of the consultation was that, Comann nam Parant (Inbhir Nis) and individual parents had expressed strong support for the proposal to build a school on a separate site. The Committee AGREED to recommend that a primary school for pupils being educated through the medium of Gaelic be built on a separate site within the City of Inverness and Area boundary, providing appropriate revenue funding was forthcoming from the Scottish Executive. (xiii) Drummond School/Inverness SEN Review The Committee were asked to consider the proposals in relation to the replacement of Drummond School and provision of facilities for special educational needs pupils of primary and secondary school age within the new school proposed for the Inshes area of Inverness and the extended and refurbished Millburn Academy respectively. The outcome of the consultation was that four community councils had expressed support for the proposal; and four families had intimated support for the proposals but eight families had expressed support for the status quo. Parents were of the view that the proposed Centre of Excellence should accommodate more children than specified and be located on the existing Drummond School site. The Highland Children's Forum and the Highlands and Islands Autism Society had indicated support for the proposals. The Committee AGREED to recommend that: (1) Drummond School be replaced with a newly built multi-service Centre of Excellence to accommodate a minimum of 80 pupils with severe and profound special educational needs on the present Drummond School site; and (2) a facility for pupils of primary school age with special educational needs be incorporated in the new school proposed for the Inshes area of Inverness ; (3) a facility for pupils of secondary school age with special educational needs be incorporated in the proposed extended and refurbished Millburn Academy. (xiv) Deshar Primary School The Committee were invited to consider the proposal to build a new school on a site at Boat of Garten, the location of which was indicated in a map appended to the consultative paper. The outcome of the consultation process was that all consulted had expressed strong support for the proposal. The Committee AGREED to recommend that Deshar Primary School be replaced with a new building on an identified site in Boat of Garten. (xv) Aviemore Primary School The Committee were invited to consider the proposal to replace Aviemore Primary School with a new building on a new site yet to be identified. The outcome of the consultation was that parents had expressed strong support for the proposal. The Committee AGREED to recommend that Aviemore Primary School be replaced with a new building on a new site yet to be identified, subject to finance becoming available. (xvi) Lochaline Primary School The Committee were invited to consider the proposal to provide a new Primary School for Lochaline on a site identified on a map appended to the consultative paper. The outcome of the consultation was that, apart from an issue relating to the relocation of the children's play area, there was general support for the site for a new school. The local Member, Dr M E M Foxley, strongly urged that consideration be given to incorporating a woodchip fuel system in the proposed new school. The Committee AGREED to recommend that a new primary school for Lochaline be built on the site identified within the consultative paper. (xvii) Nursery/Primary Gaelic Medium Provision, Fort William The Committee were invited to consider the options of the status quo which involved maintaining Gaelic medium nursery and primary stages provision at Fort William RC Primary School, or transferring from Fort William RC Primary School the nursery and primary stages Gaelic medium provision to redeveloped accommodation on the old Fort William Secondary School site or transferring the nursery and primary stages Gaelic medium provision to a new or refurbished Caol Primary School. The outcome of the consultation was that parental preference was for long term provision for nursery and primary Gaelic medium education to be made through a separate Gaelic medium school in Fort William. There was little or no support for Gaelic medium provision to be made on the Caol Primary School site and the option of provision being made on the old secondary school site would only be acceptable to parents if it was possible to establish a Gaelic medium school separate from the primary school. After some discussion, during which reference was made to unacceptable delays in obtaining reports requested from the Property and Architectural Service, the Committee AGREED to recommend that long term nursery and primary stages Gaelic medium provision in the Fort William area be made on a redeveloped old Fort William Secondary School site provided that, following further investigation, the site was deemed suitable for such provision. If the site was not deemed suitable Gaelic medium provision would continue at Fort William RC Primary School and the long-term provision of a separate Gaelic medium school would be considered in relation to the Committee’s Capital Plan and an approach made to the Scottish Executive for specific capital funding. It was confirmed that once the outcome of the Council’s bid for funding for the second Public Private Partnership was known, further consideration would be given to the projects within the Council’s Outline Business Case in light of the decisions taken on the above proposals. The meeting ended at 4.05 p.m.