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 Thursday 27 August 2015 at 10.05 am.

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. Recess Powers
    Cumhachdan Fosaidh

The Committee is asked to note that the Recess Powers granted by the Council at its meeting on 25 June 2015 have not been exercised in relation to the business of the Education, Children and Adult Services Committee.

4. Petition to reverse the decision to remove a Gaelic Medium teacher at Bun-sgoil Shlèite, Isle of Skye
    Athchuinge gus car a chur de cho-dhùnadh gus tidsear Foghlam tro Mheadhan na Gàidhlig a thoirt air
    falbh à Bun-Sgoil Shlèite, san Eilean Sgitheanach

There is circulated Report No ECAS/50/15 dated 17 August 2015 by the Director of Care and Learning which introduces an online petition regarding the application of the teacher/pupil ratio at Bun-sgoil Shlèite, Isle of Skye.

The Committee is invited to endorse the existing policy across Highland regarding teacher/pupil ratios.

5. Presentation: App Development at Wick High School
    Taisbeanadh: Leasachadh App ann an Àrd-Sgoil Inbhir Ùige

There is circulated Report No ECAS/51/15 by the Director of Care and Learning which supports a presentation by Mr Chris Aitken, Teacher, and pupils on app development at Wick High School, as previously requested by the Committee.

The Committee is invited to note the issues raised in the presentation and commend the work being undertaken at Wick High School.

6. Revenue Budget – Final Outturn 2014/15 and Monitoring 2015/16
    Buidseat Teachd-a-steach – Toradh Deireannach 2014/15 agus Sgrùdadh 2015/16

There is circulated Report No ECAS/52/15 dated 17 August 2015 by the Director of Care and Learning which provides an update in relation to the revenue budget for the Care and Learning Service, including the final outturn for the 2014/15 financial year and the monitoring position for the current year to 30 June 2015.

The Committee is invited to:-

i. agree the final outturn for the 2014/15 financial year;
ii. agree the forecast outturn based upon the year to 30 June 2015;
iii. note the status of the agreed budget savings and mitigating action being taken to address the forecast shortfall;
iv. note the update provided in relation to Free School Meals implementation for P1-3; and
v. note that a final report on Facilities Management will be considered by the Committee on 8 October 2015.

7. Capital Expenditure – Final Outturn 2014/15 and Monitoring 2015/16
    Caiteachas Calpa – Toradh Deireannach 2014/15 agus Sgrùdadh 2015/16

There is circulated separately Report No ECAS/53/15 dated 17 August 2015 by the Director of Care and Learning which provides an update on the Care and Learning capital programme and sets out the final outturn for the 2014/15 financial year and the monitoring position for the current year to 30 June 2015.

The Committee is invited to:-

i.    note the completion of the projects at Bun-Sgoil Ghàidhlig Loch Abar and Inverness Leisure and the awards given
      to the Lochaber High and Wick Community Campus projects as detailed in Paragraphs 1.1 to 1.4 of the report;
ii.   note that an end of project review report for the Bun-Sgoil Ghàidhlig Loch Abar project will be progressed 6
      months after occupancy and reported back to this Committee in due course as detailed in Paragraph 1.5 of the
      report;
iii.   note the final out-turn for the 2014/15 financial year as detailed in Section 2 and Appendix 1 of the report;
iv.   note the capital monitoring position to 30 June 2015 and the year-end forecast for 2015/16 as detailed in
      Paragraph 3.1 and Appendix 2 of the report;
v.   note that additional funding will be required to rebuild the boundary wall at Cromarty Primary, agree that
      £250,000 be transferred to the Lochaber High project from the Fort William Primary Schools budget heading, and
      note the anticipated increase in cost for the Wade Centre project, all as detailed in Paragraphs 3.2 to 3.5 of the
      report;
vi.  note the future enhanced arrangements for capital planning and monitoring as detailed in Paragraphs 3.6 and 3.7
      of the report;
vii.  note that an update on the summer holiday programme of works in schools will be issued in due course to all
      Members as detailed in Paragraph 4.1 of the report;
viii. note the progress to date with the free School Meals Programme as listed in Paragraph 4.2 of the report;
ix.   note the current status of major projects as listed in Appendix 3 of the report;
x.    note the New Major Projects as listed in Paragraph 4.4 of the report;
xi.   note the current position with the Easter Ross Schools as detailed in Paragraph 4.5 of the report;
xii.  note the progress to date with the Inverness Schools as detailed in Paragraph 4.6 of the report;
xiii. note the current position with the replacement of the Caladh Sona Community Care Home as detailed in
      Paragraph 4.7 of the report;
xiv. note the proposal to bring details of Future Investment Priorities to the next meeting of this Committee following
      consultation with Ward Members as detailed in Paragraph 4.8 of the report;
xv.  agree the proposed recommendations with regard to the immediate priorities as detailed in Paragraphs 4.9 to
      4.13 of the report; and
xvi. note the update provided in relation to school statutory consultations, including the intention to progress an
      officer review of currently mothballed schools, and development of a future programme of school statutory
      consultations, all as detailed in Section 5 of the report.

8. Rationalisation of Leisure Management
    Sgioblachadh Sheirbheisean Cur-seachad

There is circulated Report No ECAS/54/15 dated 18 August 2015 by the Chief Executive which proposes that the Council initiate a process leading to Inverness Leisure and High Life Highland restructuring to become a single organisation.  There are obvious overlaps between the activities of these two Arms Length Organisations and clear opportunities for rationalisation to protect and improve services and to achieve best value.

The Committee is invited to agree that:-

i.  the Chief Executive should write to the Chief Executives of Inverness Leisure and High Life Highland asking them
    to work together to appraise the options and produce a rationalisation plan resulting in a single organisation to
    deliver the functions of both existing organisations.  The plan is required by 30th September 2015; and
ii. a further report be brought back to Committee or Council for decision.  The report should present a full analysis of
    the opportunities and options for the way ahead.

9. Draft Care and Learning Service Plan 2015-2019
    Dreachd Phlana Seirbheis a’ Chùraim agus an Ionnsachaidh 2015-2019

There is circulated Report No ECAS/55/15 dated 18 August 2015 by the Director of Care and Learning which explains that the draft Service Plan 2015-2019 for the Care and Learning Service updates the enabling actions and key performance results which will contribute to the delivery of “Working together for the Highlands”.

The Committee is invited to:-

i. comment on the draft Service Plan 2015-2019;
ii. agree any amendments required; and
iii. approve the Plan to enable the Service to meet its objectives.

10. Community Learning and Development Plan
      Plana Ionnsachadh agus Leasachadh Coimhearsnachd

There is circulated Report No ECAS/56/15 dated 17 August 2015 by the Director of Care and Learning which introduces the proposed Highland Community Learning and Development Plan.

The Committee is invited to agree the Highland Community Learning and Development Plan, prior to submission to Education Scotland in September 2015.

11. Update on Children Affected by Parental Substance Misuse Group 
      Cunntas às Ùr mun Bhuidhinn airson Clann a tha fo Bhuaidh Ana-caitheamh Stuthan le Pàrantan

There is circulated Report No ECAS/57/15 dated 29 July 2015 by the Director of Care and Learning which informs Committee of the progress of work being led by the Children Affected by Substance Misuse Sub-Group.

The Committee is invited to note and comment on the progress of work with children affected by parental substance misuse.

12. Progress on Young Carers Strategy
      Adhartas air Ro-innleachd Luchd-cùraim Òga

There is circulated Report No ECAS/58/15 dated 3 August 2015 by the Director of Care and Learning which provides an update on progress on the Young Carers Improvement Plan and the Young Carers Strategy, which was presented to Committee in August 2014.  An Improvement Plan was created to track the work undertaken within the Strategy, and this has been reviewed and regularly monitored by the Young Carers Improvement Group.

The Committee is invited to note the progress made to date and the ongoing work in relation to the Young Carers Strategy.

13. Family Centres Update
      Cunntas às Ùr mu Ionadan Teaghlaich

There is circulated Report No ECAS/59/15 dated 17 August 2015 by the Director of Care and Learning which outlines the proposed model for family centre provision across Highland, to complement existing services and support families and to enhance childcare facilities where required.  It describes, in outline, plans for development in some locations.

The Committee is invited to note and comment on the progress to date in relation to the setting up of locally based family centre provision.

14. Progress Report on the Implementation of the Broad General Education 
      Aithisg Adhartais mu Bhuileachadh an Fhoghlaim Choitchinn Fharsaing

There is circulated Report No ECAS/60/15 dated 17 August 2015 by the Director of Care and Learning which provides an update on progress to date with the curriculum in Highland secondary schools.

The Committee is invited to note the progress being made in delivering the Broad General Education in Highland secondary schools.

15. 1+2 Languages Progress Report
      Aithisg Adhartais nan Cànanan 1+2

There is circulated Report No ECAS/61/15 dated 17 August 2015 by the Director of Care and Learning which informs Members of progress made with the 1+2 languages project and updates them as to future plans.

The Committee is invited to note and comment on the progress made during school session 2014/15 on the 1+2 languages project.

16. Closing the Educational Attainment Gap
      A’ Dùnadh a’ Bheàirn ann am Buileachadh Foghlaim

There is circulated Report No ECAS/62/15 dated 17 August 2015 by the Director of Care and Learning which summarises recent evidence on the educational attainment gap in Scotland, the complexities and challenges of addressing it and an outline plan for a Highland response.

The Committee is invited to:-

i.  note and comment on the research summaries and the deep-seated factors that underlie the attainment gap
    presented in this report; and
ii. comment on the actions proposed.

17. Provision for Children with Social, Emotional and Behavioural Needs in Ross-shire
      Solar airson Clann le Feumalachdan Sòisealta, Faireachail agus Giùlain ann an Siorrachd Rois

There is circulated Report No ECAS/63/15 dated 3 August 2015 by the Director of Care and Learning which explains that the Additional Support Needs (ASN) Review completed in May 2014 made several recommendations that were specific to pupils with social, emotional and behavioural needs (SEBN).  This included recommendations that: all Areas should have an SEBN support base with an outreach service; there should be a greater level of coordination of the range of SEBN supports and specialist services; this should be linked to a structured training programme; and an offsite Intensive Support and Vocational Centre should be established for the Mid Area, where currently no such provision exists.

The Committee is invited to note the focus on SEBN within the ASN Review and to agree the following recommendations:-

i.  the creation of an Intensive Support and Vocational Centre in the mid to support pupils aged 14+;
ii.  the commencement of a Statutory Consultation to close Black Isle Education Centre as a school;
iii. the re-design of provision at Black Isle Education Centre to create a more flexible service on a part-time basis to a
    wider number of pupils through on-site teaching and support and outreach to schools;
iv. ASN Managers to ensure a greater level of integration between all levels of SEBN provision in each Area and
    provide coordination of support; and
v. ensure closer working between Area ASN Managers and the SEBN professional lead, the Promoting Positive
    Relationships Coordinator.

18. Developing Scotland’s Young Workforce Update
      Cunntas às Ùr mu Leasachadh Sgioba-obrach Òg na h-Alba

There is circulated Report No ECAS/64/15 dated 17 August 2015 by the Director of Care and Learning which sets out the initial progress achieved in implementing the Developing Scotland’s Young Workforce initiative.

The Committee is invited to:-

i. note the progress being made on Developing Scotland’s Young Workforce; and
ii. agree to carry forward the underspend in 2014/15 over the next three years.

19. ICT in Learning Update
      Cunntas às Ùr mu ICT ann an Ionnsachadh

There is circulated Report No ECAS/65/15 dated 17 August 2015 by the Director of Care and Learning which provides information on the implementation of the ICT in Learning Strategic Action Plan.  The report also demonstrates how, collectively, the work is contributing to the delivery of the Council Priority: “We aim to provide our pupils with a technology-rich environment, to address their learner needs and curriculum goals and transform their learning experience.”

The Committee is invited to note:-

i. how the work is contributing to the delivery of the Council Priority: “We aim to provide our pupils with a technology
   -rich environment, to address their learner needs and curriculum goals and transform their learning experience.”;
ii. the ongoing work to implement the ICT in Learning Strategic Action Plan; and
iii. the offer of a Member workshop on ICT in Learning.

20. District Partnerships
      Com-pàirteachasan Sgìreil

There is circulated Report No ECAS/66/15 dated 17 August 2015 by the Director of Care and Learning which provides information regarding the matters currently being discussed at District Partnerships.

The Committee is invited to note and comment on the issues raised in the report.

21. Business Continuity Plan
      Plana Leantainneachd Gnothachais

There is circulated Report No ECAS/67/15 dated 17 August 2015 by the Director of Care and Learning which introduces the Care and Learning Business Continuity Plan.  The Plan identifies key business activities delivered by the Service.  It has been prepared according to a methodology agreed by the Executive Leadership Team which identifies key activities which must be maintained against a range of timeframes.  Once the Service’s Business Continuity Plan is formally adopted, it becomes an integral part of the Council’s overall General Business Continuity Plan.  Any identified training for staff in the activation of the Service’s plan will follow, as will testing and periodic (annual review).

The Committee is invited to approve the Care and Learning Service Business Continuity Plan.

22. Care and Learning Service Workforce Plan 2015-2019
      Plana-gnìomh Dealbhadh Sgioba-obrach

There is circulated Report No ECAS/68/15 dated 18 August 2015 by the Director of Care and Learning which sets out a summary of the Care and Learning Service Workforce Plan for 2015-2019.

The Committee is invited to note the Care and Learning Service Workforce Plan 2015-2019.

23. Service Health and Safety Policy
      Poileasaidh Slàinte is Sàbhailteachd na Seirbheis

There is circulated Report No ECAS/69/15 dated 12 August 2015 by the Director of Care and Learning which seeks agreement to the new Health and Safety Policy for the Care and Learning Service.

The Committee is invited to:-

i. approve the content of the new Policy; and
ii. note that an annual report and action plan will be submitted to a future Committee.

24. Performance Report – Children’s Services
      Aithisg Coileanaidh – Seirbheisean Chloinne

There is circulated Report No ECAS/70/15 dated 18 August 2015 by the Director of Care and Learning which provides an update on the performance framework for Children’s Services.

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

25. Assurance Report – Children’s Services
      Aithisg Barantais – Seirbheisean Chloinne

There is circulated Report No ECAS/71/15 dated 17 August 2015 by the Director of Care and Learning, the purpose of which is to provide assurance to NHS Highland in relation to services commissioned and delivered through Highland Council.  The content of each assurance report is agreed in advance with the Child Health Commissioner.

The Committee is invited to:-

i. consider and comment on the issues raised in the report; and
ii. note that the format of the report remains under review.

26. Breastfeeding in Highland
      Beathachadh air a’ Chìch sa Ghàidhealtachd

There is circulated Report No ECAS/72/15 dated 14 August 2015 by the Director of Public Health, NHS Highland which updates Members on current breastfeeding rates in Highland; summarises actions being taken to increase the rate; and presents options for investment that would increase the probability of meeting the current target by 2022 and help more mums breastfeed.

The Committee is invited to consider the three options presented in light of this and other priorities and provide guidance on the approach that the Committee believes should be pursued.

27. Use of Residential Placements Including Out of Authority Placements
      Cleachdadh Shuidheachaidhean Còmhnaidheach a’ Gabhail A-steach Shuidheachaidhean Taobh A-
      muigh an Ùghdarrais

There is circulated Report No ECAS/73/15 dated 17 August 2015 by the Director of Care and Learning which provides an update on the progress of the projects within the programme to find alternatives to out of authority placements for Highland children and address the number of children in residential care.  The report provides current data on the budget, placement numbers and the needs and circumstances that necessitate Out of Area Placements.

The Committee is invited to note:-

i.  and comment on the progress of projects to identify alternatives to out of authority placements for the young
    people of Highland;
ii. that the programme continues to identify and facilitate returns to Highland for young people and the Council
    benefits from the reduced costs arising from this; and
iii. the wider programme of work to address the need for residential care and the type of residential care which will
    be needed in future.

28. Kinship Care
      Cùram Càirdeis

There is circulated Report No ECAS/74/15 dated 17 August 2015 by the Director of Care and Learning which provides an update on progress being made in relation to Looked After Children in kinship care placements and includes the Improvement Plan.

The Committee is invited to note and comment on the updated information in relation to kinship care placements in Highland.

29. Outcome of the Consultation on Self Directed Support
      Cunntas às Ùr air Co-chomhairle Taic Fèin-stiùirichte

There is circulated Report No ECAS/75/15 dated 17 August 2015 by the Director of Care and Learning which outlines the process and the outcomes of the consultation with families regarding options under consideration in relation to Self-Directed Support, and some provisional views on future direction.  The Highland-wide consultation with parents/carers, children and young people was commissioned from Highland Children’s Forum regarding the options to free up resource for implementation of Self Directed Support by re-shaping services.  Further time is required to work through proposals, which will be reported at a future date.

The Committee is invited to:-

i. note the outcome of the consultation and that a more substantive report on proposals will be brought to the
   November meeting of the Committee; and
ii. agree that a workshop be held in advance of the November Committee to enable Members to have more detailed
   discussions about proposals with relevant officers.

30. Internal Audit Reports – Childcare Income, Community Payback Orders and Mental Health
      Officers (PP 296-326)
      Aithisgean In-Sgrùdaidh – Teachd-a-steach Cùraim-chloinne, Òrdughan Pàighidh Air Ais
      Coimhearsnachd agus Oifigearan Slàinte Inntinn

There is circulated Report No ECAS/76/15 dated 17 August 2015 by the Director of Care and Learning which provides an overview and update in relation to internal audit reports recently considered by the Audit and Scrutiny Committee.

The Committee is invited to note the update provided in relation to internal audit reports and the agreed management action plans.

31. Complaints Review Committee Outcome
      Toradh Comataidh Ath-sgrùdaidh nan Gearanan

There is circulated Report No ECAS/77/15 dated 17 August 2015 by the Depute Chief Executive and the Director of Care and Learning which sets out the findings and recommendations following a Complaints Review Committee held on 29 June 2015.  The report also provides an overview of the complaints process and highlights the requirement for decisions of the Complaints Review Committee to be reported to the Education, Children and Adult Services Committee.

The Committee is invited to note:-

i. that the Complaints Review Committee met to consider the case, and the findings; and
ii. the recommendation made by the Complaints Review Committee.

32. Membership of Sub-Committees, Working Groups and Outside Bodies
      Ballrachd air Fo-Chomataidhean, Buidhnean-obrach agus Buidhnean air an Taobh A-muigh

There will be tabled proposed membership changes in respect of appointments to Sub-Committees, Working Groups and Outside Bodies.

33. Minutes
      Geàrr-chunntas

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

i. Highland Alcohol and Drugs Partnership Strategy Group – 19 February 2015;
ii. Child Protection Committee – 17 March 2015; and
iii. Local Negotiating Committee for Teachers – 19 June 2015.

34. 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 should 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 6 and 9 of Part 1 of Schedule 7A of the Act.

35. Proposed PPP Budget Savings
      Sàbhalaidhean Buidseit PPP a Thathar a’ Moladh

There is circulated to Members only Report No ECAS/78/15 dated 18 August 2015 by the Director of Care and Learning which provides an update on progress in relation to the delivery of agreed budget savings from the Council’s two PPP contracts and seeks agreement in principle to the proposals being explored to allow officers to progress negotiations.

The Committee is invited to agree the recommendations.