Agendas, reports and minutes

A meeting of the Education, Children and Adult Services Committee will take place in the Council Chamber, Council Headquarters, Glenurquhart Road, Inverness on Wednesday 21 May 2014 at 10.05 am.

Read all items for this meeting.

Webcast Notice: This meeting will be filmed and broadcast over the Internet on the Highland Council website and will be archived and available for viewing for 12 months thereafter.

You are invited to attend the meeting and a note of the business to be considered is attached.

Yours faithfully

Michelle Morris
Depute Chief Executive/
Director of Corporate Development

Business

1. Apologies for Absence
    Leisgeulan

2. Declarations of Interest
    Foillseachaidhean Com-pàirt

Members are asked to consider whether they have an interest to declare in relation to any item on the agenda for this meeting. Any Member making a declaration of interest should indicate whether it is a financial or non-financial interest and include some information on the nature of the interest. Advice may be sought from Officers prior to the meeting taking place.

3. The Draft Highland Local Policing Plan 2014-17
    Dreachd Phlana Obair-Phoileas Ionadail na Gàidhealtachd 2014-17

There is circulated Report No ECA-01-14 (110kb pdf) dated 5 May 2014 by the Highland Local Policing Commander presenting the proposed Highland Local Policing Plan 2014-17 for scrutiny and comment.

The Committee is invited to comment on the proposed Highland Local Policing Plan 2014-17 prior to its presentation to full Council on 26 June 2014.

4. Reshaping Care for Older People
    Ag Ath-chumadh Cùram do Dhaoine nas Sine

There is circulated Report No ECA-02-14 (82kb pdf) dated 12 May 2014 by the Director of Care and Learning which introduces the Audit Scotland Report, “Reshaping Care for Older People (2014)” and a presentation by NHS Highland on the draft Change and Improvement Plan.

The full Audit Scotland report is available at:-

http://www.audit-scotland.gov.uk/docs/central/2014/nr_140206_reshaping_care.pdf

The Committee is invited to consider and comment on the issues raised in the report and the Change and Improvement Plan, which will require to be considered and agreed by NHS Highland.

5. Membership of Sub-Committees
    Ballrachd Fho-chomataidhean

The Committee is invited to agree the following:-
•    Adult Services Development and Scrutiny Sub-Committee – Ms J Douglas to replace Mr E Hunter
•    Culture and Leisure Contracts Scrutiny Sub-Committee – Mrs M Paterson to replace Mr E Hunter
In addition, there is an SNP vacancy on the Local Negotiating Committee for Teaching Staff, a nomination for which will be provided at the Committee.

6. Revenue Budget 2014/15 – Care and Learning Service
    Buidseat Teachd-a-steach 2014/15 – Seirbheis a’ Chùraim agus an
    Ionnsachaidh

There is circulated Report No ECA-03-14 (96kb pdf) dated 8 May 2014 by the Director of Care and Learning which sets out the 2014/15 Care and Learning Service Revenue Budget and the projected year-end position.

The Committee is invited to note the current financial position.

7. Report on the Status of the Care and Learning Service Capital
    Programme and Estate Management Issues
    Aithisg mu Inbhe Prògram Calpa Seirbheis a’ Chùraim agus an
    Ionnsachaidh agus Ceistean mu Rianachd Seilbh

There is circulated separately Report No ECA-04-14 (654kb pdf) dated 13 May 2014 by the Director of Care and Learning which provides an update on progress with the Capital Programme and seeks approval for the following:-
•    several proposed new projects from approved allocations and other specific approvals;
•    to provide additional funding from within the existing approved Capital Programme to meet the movements in the index-linked affordability caps for the Wick Schools and new Inverness Royal Academy projects; and
•    the preferred site for the proposed 3 to 18 campus in Tain.
The reports also identifies a range of potential priorities for future capital investment in the school estate, the results of the recently completed school building condition surveys and a proposal to bring a report on a revised methodology for calculating primary schools capacities to a future meeting of the Committee.  There is also an update on progress with the Sustainable School Estate Review.

The Committee is invited to:-

i.  note the status of the 2014/15 Capital Programme as detailed in Section 2
    of the report and the major projects listed in Appendix 1;
ii.  agree to the proposal to contribute £100,000 from the Adult Services
    budget to a housing development in Conon Bridge;
iii.  agree that an additional £550,000 is drawn from the 2014/15 Life Cycle
    Investment budget heading for stage 2 of the project to create a wireless
    environment in each Highland School;
iv. agree that the old stables building at Viewfield, Nairn, be declared surplus
    and disposed of in accordance with current Council policy;
v.  note the results of the condition surveys of school buildings as listed in
    Appendix 2 of the report;
vi. note that a report will be brought to a future meeting of the Committee
    outlining the implications for Highland Primary Schools once the Scottish
    Government has published guidance on determining Primary School
    capacities;
vii. approve the recommended approach as highlighted in Section 3.6 of the
    report with regard to identifying future capital investment priorities in the
    school estate;
viii. agree that the affordability cap for the Wick Community Campus be
    increased to £43.681M to reflect the movement in the Building Cost
    Information Service index per the Northern Territory Partnering Agreement
    for the delivery of the Schools for the Future programme;
ix. agree that the affordability cap for the replacement Inverness Royal
    Academy be increased to £35.299M to reflect the movement in the
    Building Cost Information Service index and also to fund abnormal costs
    relating to flood mitigation and mains gas supply which were not known at
    the time the original affordability cap was agreed;
x. note that the Wick Community Campus project handover date has been
   delayed by a further 3 months as a result of ongoing attempts to close the
   gap between the tendered costs and the affordability cap;
xi. agree that the sites at Craighill Primary School, the existing Tain Royal
    Academy campus and Kirksheaf Road, Tain be considered for the proposed
    3 to 18 campus in Tain and that there is engagement with the local
   community to inform the site selection process; and
xii. note progress to date with the various phases of the Sustainable School
    Estate Review that are currently underway.

8. Joint Children’s Services Inspection
    Co-Sgrùdadh Seirbheis na Cloinne

There is circulated Report No ECA-05-14 (642kb pdf) dated 2 May 2014 by the Director of Care and Learning which introduces the report of the joint inspection of Children’s Services in Highland, which took place in October/November 2013.

The Committee is invited to consider and comment on the report of the joint inspection of Children’s Services in Highland.

9. For Highland’s Children 4
    Do Chloinn na Gàidhealtachd 4

There is circulated Report No ECA-06-14 (183kb pdf) dated 9 May 2014 by the Director of Care and Learning which provides an update on progress made in developing the integrated Children’s Services Plan.

The Committee is invited to consider and comment on the report, including the proposed performance management framework.

10. A Statutory Consultation on the Future Education Provision to
      serve the Strontian Primary School Catchment Area
      Co-chomhairle Reachdail mu Sholar Foghlaim san Àm ri Teachd gus
      Sgìre Bun-sgoil Sròn an t-Sìthein a fhrithealadh

There is circulated Report No ECA-07-14 (820kb pdf) dated 12 May 2014 by the Director of Education, Culture and Sport which sets out a proposal for the future education provision to serve the existing Strontian Primary School catchment area.  Members are asked to consider the proposal and agree that a statutory consultation be progressed in accordance with the requirements of the Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010.

The Committee is invited to agree that a statutory consultation be carried out in relation to the following proposals in accordance with the updated requirements of the Schools Consultation (Scotland) Act 2010:-
•    Place a single classroom modular accommodation with office accommodation adjacent to the existing community/nursery wing of Ardnamurchan High School;
•    Convert the existing Pre-school/mother and toddler accommodation within Ardnamurchan High School into a Primary classroom and Pre-school accommodation; and
•    Create an appropriate safe and secure play area for the Primary-age and Pre-school pupils adjacent to this wing.

11. Sustainable School Estate Review – Initial Proposals for a
      Statutory Consultation arising from the Skye and Lochalsh
      Review
      Ath-bhreithneachadh air Seilbh Sgoile Seasmhach – Molaidhean
      Tùsail airson Co-chomhairle Reachdail ag èirigh bho Ath-
      bhreithneachadh an Eilein Sgitheanaich agus Loch Aillse

There is circulated Report No ECA-08-14 (2769kb pdf) dated 13 May 2014 by the Director of Education, Culture and Sport which sets out the recommendations contained within the option appraisal exercise carried out into future pre-school and primary school provision in north Skye.

The Committee is invited to agree that a statutory consultation be carried out in relation to the following proposals in accordance with the updated requirements of the Schools Consultation (Scotland) Act 2010:-
•    Discontinue education provision at the existing Dunvegan, Struan, Knockbreck and Edinbane Primary Schools;
•    Establish a new amalgamated community Primary School for North West Skye, on a new site in the village of Dunvegan; and
•    Combine the existing school catchments of Dunvegan, Struan, Knockbreck and Edinbane Schools to serve the new amalgamated Primary School.

12. Performance Report – Children’s Services
      Aithisg Dèanadais – Seirbheisean Chloinne

There is circulated Report No ECA-09-14 (118kb pdf) dated 12 May 2014 by the Director of Care and Learning which provides an update on the performance framework for Children’s Services.

The Committee is invited to consider and comment on the performance information.

13. Additional Support Needs Review
      Ath-bhreithneachadh air Feumalachdan Taice a Bharrachd

There is circulated Report No ECA-10-14 (82kb pdf) dated 9 May 2014 by the Director of Care and Learning which explains that a review of Additional Support Needs (ASN) in Highland has been undertaken over the past year.  Given the timing of the review, it was able to take cognisance of the wider structural changes within Highland Council as well as providing a framework in which to sit previously agreed systemic changes that were ongoing.  The report provides a summary of the work of the review and recommendations regarding proposed changes in structures and strategic developments that will improve outcomes for children and young people with additional support needs.

The Committee is invited to:-

i. note the detailed work undertaken within the ASN Review; and
ii. consider and agree the recommendations from the ASN Review.

14. 16+ Transitions Plan
      Plana Eadar-ghluasadan 16+

There is circulated Report No ECA-11-14 (130kb pdf) dated 6 May 2014 by the Chief Executive which provides an update on the plan to better manage the transitions of young people into services for adults.

The Committee is invited to:-

i. consider and comment on the issues raised in the report; and
ii. nominate a Lead Member for Transitions.

15. Family Firm
      Family Firm

There is circulated Report No ECA-12-14 (136kb pdf) dated 12 May 2014 by the Director of Care and Learning which provides an update on the work progressing as part of the Corporate Parenting responsibilities of the Council for Looked After Children through the Family Firm scheme.

The Committee is invited to note the progress being made regarding Family Firm placements.

16. Facilities Management – Evaluation Report
      Rianachd Ghoireasan – Aithisg Mheasaidh

There is circulated Report No ECA-13-14 (1137kb pdf) dated 13 May 2014 by the Director of Education, Culture and Sport which sets out an evaluation of the Facilities Management model that has been operational in Highland since August 2011.  The report also outlines proposals for implementing the remaining phases, which will include sparsely populated areas which historically have had little or no janitorial provision.

The Committee is invited to:-

i. note the recommendations contained within the APSE Facilities Management
   evaluation report as detailed in Appendix 4 of the report and agree that
   these be taken forward;
ii. agree that APSE be appointed to facilitate the detailed analysis required to
   inform an updated business case and support the Service to take this
   forward; and
iii. agree that, upon completion of the business case, consideration be given to
    providing additional funding to achieve full implementation of the Facilities
    Management model in remote rural areas where there are insufficient
    resources to ensure universal implementation.

17. Community Use of School Facilities
      Coimhearsnachdan a’ Cleachdadh Ghoireasan Sgoile

There is circulated Report No ECA-14-14 (17kb pdf) dated 13 May 2014 by the Director of Care and Learning which sets out the current position in relation to community facilities in schools and recommends that further work is due to ensure consistency in their availability to communities.

The Committee is invited to agree that:-

i. the sports facilities survey be updated and submitted to Members at Ward
   Meetings; and
ii. officers develop proposals for the management of access to community
   facilities as set out in paragraph 3.3 of the report.

18. Early Years Collaborative in Highland - Update
      Co-obrachadh nan Tràth-bhliadhnachan sa Ghàidhealtachd – Fios
      às Ùr

There is circulated Report No ECA-15-14 (60kb pdf) dated 9 May 2014 by the Director of Care and Learning which provides an update on the work progressing as part of the Early Years Collaborative.

The Committee is invited to consider and comment on the report.

19. Implementation of 600 Hours Early Learning and Childcare –
      Update on Progress
      Buileachadh 600 Uair a Thìde de Thràth-ionnsachadh agus Cùram-
      chloinne – Fios às Ùr mu Adhartas

There is circulated Report No ECA-16-14 (101kb pdf) dated 12 May 2014 by the Director of Care and Learning which is part of the regular reporting on progress with the implementation plan for the expansion of Early Learning and Childcare and seeks homologation of the funding settlement for partner providers.

The Committee is invited to:-

i.  note the progress to date with the implementation plan for the delivery of
    600 hours early learning and childcare; and
ii.  agree to homologate the decision of the Director of Care and Learning to
    increase commissioning rates for Partner Centre providers.

20. Early Literacy and Before Words Initiative
      Litearras Tràth agus Iomairt Before Words

There is circulated Report No ECA-17-14 (179kb pdf) dated 28 April 2014 by the Director of Care and Learning which outlines some of the current research guiding the evidence based practice within early years in Highland with a particular focus on the Before Words programme that has significantly enhanced the support provided in the very early stages of a child’s development.

The Committee is invited to note and comment on the:-
•    focused work within universal early years services to enhance language and pre-literacy skills in young children;
•    enhancement of this work by the introduction of the Before Words programme;
•    steps being taken to identify, at an early stage, those families where additional support may be required to develop positive relationships between parents and their children and/or to develop key language and emergent literacy skills in children; and
•    importance of the focus on language and relationship development as key determinants of wellbeing and later success in education achievement and attainment.

21. Family Nurse Partnership Programme Update
      Fios às Ùr mu Phrògram Com-pàirteachas nan Nursaichean
      Teaghlaich

There is circulated Report No ECA-18-14 (32kb pdf) dated 8 May 2014 by the Director of Care and Learning which provides an update on the Family Nurse Partnership in Highland and proposes the mainstreaming of the programme.

The Committee is invited to agree that the Family Nurse Partnership programme should be mainstreamed in Highland, involving 50% funding from early years preventative spend from 2015/16.

22. Minutes
      Geàrr-chunntas

The following Minutes are circulated for noting or approval as appropriate:-

i. Highland Strategic Commissioning Group of 10 March 2014 (34kb pdf);
ii. Criminal Justice Sub-Committee of 11 March 2014 (14kb pdf);
iii. Adult Services Development and Scrutiny Sub-Committee of 23 April 2014
   (41kb pdf);
   and
iv. Culture and Leisure Contracts Scrutiny Sub-Committee of 1 May 2014 (21kb
    pdf).

23. Exclusion of Public
      Às-dùnadh a’ Phobaill

The Committee is invited to resolve that, under Section 50A(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, the public be excluded from the meeting during discussion of the following item on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraphs 1 of Part 1 of Schedule 7A of the Act.

24. Internal Audit Report: System Weaknesses
      Aithisg In-sgrùdaidh: Laigsean Siostaim

There is circulated to Members only Report No ECA/19/14 dated 8 May 2014 by the Director of Care and Learning.

The Committee is invited to note the recommendations in the report.