Agendas, reports and minutes

Minutes of Meeting of the Education, Children and Adult Services Committee held in the Council Chamber, Council Headquarters, Glenurquhart Road, Inverness on Thursday 27 August 2015 at 10.05 am.

Present:

Highland Council:

Dr D Alston, Mrs C Caddick, Mrs I Campbell (Vice Chair), Mr A Christie, Mrs M Davidson, Mr H Fraser, Mr S Fuller, Mr B Gormley, Mr K Gowans, Mrs D Mackay, Mr W Mackay, Mr G MacKenzie, Mrs B McAllister, Mr D Millar (Chair), Mrs M Paterson, Mrs F Robertson (Vice Chair), Ms G Ross, Mr G Ross, Ms J Slater.

NHS Highland:

Mrs M Duncan

Religious Representatives:

Dr A Fraser
Ms M McCulloch
Mr G Smith

Youth Convener:

Mr S Finlayson

Non-Members also present:

Mrs J Barclay, Dr I Cockburn, Ms J Douglas, Mr B Fernie , Mr R Laird , Mr B Lobban, Mrs I McCallum, Ms L Munro.

In attendance:

Mr B Alexander, Director of Care and Learning
Mrs B Cairns, Head of Additional Support Services, Care and Learning Service
Ms S Campbell, Head of Children’s Services, Care and Learning Service
Ms S MacLeod, Head of Health, Care and Learning Service
Ms F Palin, Head of Adult Services, Care and Learning Service
Mr B Porter, Head of Resources, Care and Learning Service
Mr R Campbell, Estate Strategy Manager, Care and Learning Service
Ms L Jones, ICT in Learning Manager, Care and Learning Service
Ms N Young, Area Care and Learning Manager – West
Ms M Campbell, Development Officer – Disability, Care and Learning Service
Mr C Aitken, Teacher of Computing Science, Wick High School
Mr E Foster, Finance Manager, Finance Service
Ms G Newman, Highland Children’s Forum (Third Sector)
Miss J Maclennan, Principal Administrator, Corporate Development Service
Miss M Murray, Committee Administrator, Corporate Development Service
Mrs R Daly, Committee Administrator, Corporate Development Service

Also in attendance:

Ms D Jones, Chief Operating Officer, NHS Highland
Ms J Macdonald, Director of Adult Social Care, NHS Highland
Ms C Steer, Head of Health Improvement, NHS Highland
Ms K Mackay, Infant Feeding Adviser, NHS Highland
Ms A Ross, Children’s Consultation Worker, Highland Children’s Forum
Ms C Bateson, Youth Convener Designate

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

Mr D Millar in the Chair

Business

1. Apologies for Absence
Leisgeulan

Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of Mr M Finlayson, Mr M Green, Mr M Rattray, Dr M Foxley and Dr H van Woerden.

2. Declarations of Interest
Foillseachaidhean Com-pàirt

The Committee NOTED the following declarations of interest:-

Item 5 – Mr S Fuller (financial)
Item 6 – Ms J Douglas (non-financial), Mr K Gowans (financial and non-financial), Mr S Fuller and Ms G Ross (both financial)
Item 7 – Mr S Fuller (financial)
Item 8 – Ms J Douglas (non-financial) and Mr K Gowans (financial and non-financial)
Item 9 – Ms J Douglas (non-financial) and Mr K Gowans (financial and non-financial)
Item 10 – Ms J Douglas, Mrs C Caddick (both non-financial) and Mr K Gowans (financial and non-financial)
Item 16 - Ms G Ross (non-financial)
Item 18 – Mr K Gowans (financial)
Item 19 – Mr S Fuller (financial)
Item 21 - Ms J Douglas (non-financial) and Mr K Gowans (financial and non-financial)

Dr D Alston declared a non-financial interest in those items relating to integrated health and social care services as a Board Member of NHS Highland but, in terms of the Specific Exclusion in Section 5.18(2)(i) of the Councillors’ Code of Conduct, remained to participate in discussion on those items.

Mr B Gormley declared a financial interest as his wife was employed by the Care and Learning Service and advised that, if there was any specific discussion in relation to the Family Team in Lochaber he would leave the room.

Ms G Ross declared a financial interest in those items which might raise discussion on Thurso High School, as her husband was a teacher at the school, and advised that if there was any specific discussion in relation to Thurso High School she would leave the room.

3. Recess Powers
Cumhachdan Fosaidh

The Committee NOTED that the Recess Powers granted by the Council at its meeting on 25 June 2015 had 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 had been circulated Report No ECAS/50/15 dated 17 August 2015 by the Director of Care and Learning which introduced an online petition regarding the application of the teacher/pupil ratio at Bun-sgoil Shlèite, Isle of Skye.

The Committee AGREED 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

Declaration of Interest: Mr S Fuller declared a financial interest in this item on the grounds that he had an ICT business and was a software developer but, having applied the test outlined in Paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3 of the Councillors’ Code of Conduct, concluded that his interest did not preclude his involvement in the discussion.

There had been circulated Report No ECAS/51/15 by the Director of Care and Learning which supported a presentation by Mr Chris Aitken, Computing Science Teacher Wick High School, together with the following pupils: John Sutherland, Konrad Szewczyk, Ellora James, Megan Shearer and Leanne Cormack on app development, as previously requested by the Committee. 

Wick High School had won awards at the Apps for Good UK-wide initiative for the past three years.  The initiative’s aim was to celebrate the next generation of problem solvers and digital makers and to create tech ideas to change their world for good.  One of Wick High School previous years’ entries, Cattle Manager, was now in the process of being commercialised.  Each submission was innovated, developed and managed by the young people themselves both within and outwith curriculum time.  Pupils developed a range of skills: identifying opportunities and research within a competitive market, building a working prototype, design, business planning and computational thinking as well as team work and presentational skills.  It was particularly encouraging that 6 of the 9 teams from Wick High School over the last three years had been comprised exclusively of girls.

Details were provided by the pupils involved in all three of this year’s entries from Wick High School: One Click Politics, Pass it On and Envirocache.

During discussion, Members congratulated the teams on their success, applauded Mr Aitken for his dedication and enthusiasm and made the following supportive comments:-

• it was welcomed that rurality was no longer a handicap in this competitive field and it was particularly pleasing to see the huge increase (400%) in the numbers of young people opting to take Computing science courses.  The higher than average number of girls involved would also be significant in encouraging them to pursue careers within STEM subjects;
• the teams were applauded for succeeding to identify opportunities suitable for app solutions and it was confirmed that pupils carried out their own online research and used social media to evaluate and select projects to develop;
• blended learning/flexibility within the national curriculum was welcome, as were the links to commerce; 
• the exercise genuinely engaged children, fostered their learning and awareness and shaped their careers directions.  It was welcomed that it also promoted interpersonal skills and teamwork; and
• it was hoped that some perspective could be provided on potential changes to the curriculum and extension of computing into Primary Schools and early years. 

Mr Aitken concurred with the view that computer science should commence from nursery onwards in the early curriculum years and should be seen as an enabler to problem solving rather than a barrier for students.  The ability to use computer coding as a driver for resolving problems was also a helpful skill and pupils should be allowed the opportunity to be explore this area.  Last year Skills Development Scotland and HIE provided financial support to address how to introduce initiatives such as Apps for Good into the Primary curriculum.  This had been very successful with all Highland Primary Schools having been fully engaged.

Having commended the work being undertaken at Wick High School, the Committee NOTED the issues raised in the presentation.

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

Declarations of Interest:

Ms J Douglas and Mr K Gowans declared a non-financial interest in this item as Directors of High Life Highland but, having applied the test outlined in Paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3 of the Councillors’ Code of Conduct, concluded that their interest did not preclude their involvement in the discussion.

In addition, Mr K Gowans declared a financial interest on the basis that his wife was an employee of High Life Highland but, having applied the test outlined in Paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3 of the Councillors’ Code of Conduct, concluded that his interest did not preclude his involvement in the discussion.

Mr S Fuller, Mr K Gowans and Ms G Ross declared a financial interest on the grounds of having children who received free school meals but, having applied the test outlined in Paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3 of the Councillors’ Code of Conduct, concluded that their interest did not preclude their involvement in the discussion.

There had been circulated Report No ECAS/52/15 dated 17 August 2015 by the Director of Care and Learning which provided 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.

During discussion questions were posed and consideration was given to the following issues:-

• whether new initiatives might be at risk of slipping and the impact on service users;
• potential budget impacts in the event of higher uptake of school meals;
• secondary education activities not expected to achieve savings – removal of over-entitlement teaching posts and introduction of standard timetabling based on 33 periods – which raised queries on:

- alternative initiatives to replace the shortfalls in savings
- the Administration’s commitment to the 33 period week as the optimum staffing and timetabling model and for a timetable for the roll out to all secondary schools to be provided to Members
- whether Scottish Government financial support would be available to ameliorate additional costs associated with retaining teachers over entitlement

• DSM deficit carry forward limits were exceeded often because of over staffing caused by falling school rolls and it was questioned if the authority, as employer, would provide a budget top-up;
• what improvements were required to address the lower than expected uptake of eligible 2 year olds in the family teams; and
• notice was given of a Seminar with other Local Authorities in Aberdeen during October to address teacher numbers and difficulties in recruitment.

Responding to a specific request, the Director of Care and Learning undertook to provide information to Committee Members on the number of teacher vacancies and the programme for the roll-out of the 33 period timetable to secondary schools.

The Committee:-

i. AGREED the final outturn for the 2014/15 financial year;
ii. AGREED the forecast outturn based upon the year to 30 June 2015;
iii. NOTED the status of the agreed budget savings and mitigating action being taken to address the forecast shortfall;
iv. NOTED the update provided in relation to Free School Meals implementation for P1-3;
v. NOTED that a final report on Facilities Management would be considered by the Committee on 8 October 2015; and
vi. AGREED that information on the number of teacher vacancies and the programme for the roll-out of the 33 period timetable to secondary schools be provided to Committee Members.

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

Declaration of Interest: Mr S Fuller declared a financial interest in this item on the grounds of having a child who received free school meals but, having applied the test outlined in Paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3 of the Councillors’ Code of Conduct, concluded that his interest did not preclude his involvement in the discussion.

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

During discussion, Members welcomed progress and drew attention to a range of developments, including:-

• a prestigious international prize awarded to the Wick Community Campus;
• the inclusion of Dornoch Sports Centre in the New Major Projects list;
• the new modular accommodation at St Clements School.  However, this highlighted the need for the rest of the school to be refurbished;
• the study in relation to Merkinch Primary School  
• the Client Relationship Award for Lochaber High School and the work of the Management Team. 

However, clarification was sought for timetables in relation to:-

• Grantown Grammar School/Craig MacLean Centre swimming pool - a timetable would be submitted to the Ward Business meeting on 4 September;
• works at Ullapool Primary School in relation to the condition of the modular Nursery building and the building used off site for PE etc; and
• future investment priorities and the programme of consultations for inclusion of Charleston Academy and Merkinch Primary in the Capital Programme.  Ward Members’ input was sought in time to report to the October Committee meeting.

The following issues were also raised:-

• the joint funding arrangement for Acharacle Primary school playing field should adopt a realistic approach given that budget planning was now well out of date;
• the report to the next Committee meeting should address why costs for the reinstatement of Cromarty Primary School boundary wall would fall on the Council.  Outwith the Committee, an update was sought on the situation regarding New Zealand Flat Worm in the contaminated soil on the site; 
• the Chair was asked how he intended to address the delay in the Scottish Government announcement for the next phase of SSF funding, particularly in relation to Alness Secondary School replacement; and 
• clarification was sought on when decisions would be made on the future programme of consultations to meet the savings target of £850k for 2017/18 to 2018/19.

The Committee:-

i. NOTED 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. NOTED that an end of project review report for the Bun-Sgoil Ghàidhlig Loch Abar project would be progressed 6 months after occupancy and reported back to the Committee in due course as detailed in Paragraph 1.5 of the report;
iii. NOTED the final out-turn for the 2014/15 financial year as detailed in Section 2 and Appendix 1 of the report;
iv. NOTED 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. NOTED that additional funding would be required to rebuild the boundary wall at Cromarty Primary, AGREED that £250,000 be transferred to the Lochaber High project from the Fort William Primary Schools budget heading and NOTED the anticipated increase in cost for the Wade Centre project, all as detailed in Paragraphs 3.2 to 3.5 of the report;
vi. NOTED the future enhanced arrangements for capital planning and monitoring as detailed in Paragraphs 3.6 and 3.7 of the report;
vii. NOTED that an update on the summer holiday programme of works in schools would be issued in due course to all Members as detailed in Paragraph 4.1 of the report;
viii. NOTED the progress to date with the free school meals programme as listed in Paragraph 4.2 of the report;
ix. NOTED the current status of major projects as listed in Appendix 3 of the report;
x. NOTED the new major projects as listed in Paragraph 4.4 of the report;
xi. NOTED the current position with the Easter Ross Schools as detailed in Paragraph 4.5 of the report;
xii. NOTED the progress to date with the Inverness Schools as detailed in Paragraph 4.6 of the report;
xiii. NOTED the current position with the replacement of the Caladh Sona Community Care Home as detailed in Paragraph 4.7 of the report;
xiv. NOTED the proposal to bring details of future investment priorities to the next meeting of the Committee following consultation with Ward Members as detailed in Paragraph 4.8 of the report;
xv. AGREED the proposed recommendations with regard to the immediate priorities as detailed in Paragraphs 4.9 to 4.13 of the report; and
xvi. NOTED 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

Declarations of Interest:

Ms J Douglas and Mr K Gowans declared a non-financial interest in this item as Directors of High Life Highland but, having applied the test outlined in Paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3 of the Councillors’ Code of Conduct, concluded that their interest did not preclude their involvement in the discussion.

In addition, Mr K Gowans declared a financial interest on the basis that his wife was an employee of High Life Highland but, having applied the test outlined in Paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3 of the Councillors’ Code of Conduct, concluded that his interest did not preclude his involvement in the discussion.

There had been circulated Report No ECAS/54/15 dated 18 August 2015 by the Chief Executive which proposed that the Council initiate a process leading to Inverness Leisure and High Life Highland restructuring to become a single organisation.  There were 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.

During discussion, Members emphasised that the proposed rationalisation plan should be in respect of management and governance and there should be no reduction in services.

The Chairman concurred and explained that it might be possible to enhance some services.  Based on preliminary discussions, the Chief Executives of both organisations were confident that they could agree an effective new arrangement.  In relation to whether the proposed report would be presented to Committee or Council, it was a matter of time restraints.  If possible, it would be presented to the Special Meeting of the Committee on 8 October 2015, failing which it would be the first meeting of the Council or Committee thereafter.

Thereafter, the Committee AGREED that:-

i. the Chief Executive 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 was required by 30th September 2015; and
ii. a further report be brought back to the Committee or Council for decision.  The report would 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

Declarations of Interest:

Ms J Douglas and Mr K Gowans declared a non-financial interest in this item as Directors of High Life Highland but, having applied the test outlined in Paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3 of the Councillors’ Code of Conduct, concluded that their interest did not preclude their involvement in the discussion.

In addition, Mr K Gowans declared a financial interest on the basis that his wife was an employee of High Life Highland but, having applied the test outlined in Paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3 of the Councillors’ Code of Conduct, concluded that his interest did not preclude his involvement in the discussion.

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

During discussion, Members emphasised the importance of transitions to children with additional support needs, Looked After Children and young carers and, on a request being made, the Chairman confirmed that consideration would be given to the appointment of a Transitions Champion.

In addition, whilst commending the Service Plan, concern was expressed that it did not show the transition to adult services and it was suggested that proposals be presented to a future meeting on how it could be joined up with NHS Highland’s Adult Services Plan.  The Chairman acknowledged Members’ comments and explained that a detailed report on transitions would be presented to the Committee on 8 October 2015.

Thereafter, the Committee:-

i. APPROVED the Plan to enable the Service to meet its objectives; and
ii. AGREED that consideration be given to the appointment of a Transitions Champion.

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

Declarations of Interest:

Ms J Douglas and Mr K Gowans declared a non-financial interest in this item as Directors of High Life Highland but, having applied the test outlined in Paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3 of the Councillors’ Code of Conduct, concluded that their interest did not preclude their involvement in the discussion.

In addition, Mr K Gowans declared a financial interest on the basis that he was an employee of UHI and his wife was an employee of High Life Highland but, having applied the test outlined in Paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3 of the Councillors’ Code of Conduct, concluded that his interests did not preclude his involvement in the discussion.

Mrs C Caddick declared a non-financial interest as a member of the Board of Directors of Inverness College but, having applied the test outlined in Paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3 of the Councillors’ Code of Conduct, concluded that her interest did not preclude her involvement in the discussion.

There had been circulated Report No ECAS/56/15 dated 17 August 2015 by the Director of Care and Learning which introduced the proposed Highland Community Learning and Development (CLD) Plan.

During discussion, the following issues were raised:-

• confirmation was sought that the CLD inspection regime would take into account the targeting of resources to the communities with the greatest need;
• in relation to District Partnership and Associated School Group geographical areas, it was suggested that a coterminous boundary be created;
• the importance of partnership working and a bottom-up approach were emphasised;
• the provision of additional resources to support District Partnerships was welcomed and it was highlighted that this was not just about capacity but the provision of skills and expertise to take forward an increasingly important role;
• clarification was sought regarding UHI/college representation on District Partnerships; and
• Sutherland was currently covered by four District Partnerships and it was requested that the boundaries be amended so that all of Sutherland was covered by one Partnership.

Thereafter, the Committee AGREED 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 had been circulated Report No ECAS/57/15 dated 29 July 2015 by the Director of Care and Learning which informed the Committee of the progress of work being led by the Children Affected by Substance Misuse Sub-Group.

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

During discussion, Members welcomed the report and raised the following issues:-

• with regard to the information provided to teachers about young carers, Members questioned whether how well it was documented varied from school to school;
• the Scottish Government was considering rolling out a young carers ID card and Members discussed the pros and cons of such a scheme.  However, it was highlighted that the suggestion had arisen from carers themselves at the Young Carers Conference and it was suggested that Highland put itself forward to pilot the scheme if it came to fruition;
• it was critical that young carers received all the support they needed and the increased numbers coming forward as a result of awareness-raising was welcomed;
• it was difficult for young carers to make progress in the face of interrupted learning and social disadvantage and it was important that schools recognised and responded to the issues of balancing caring responsibilities with the right to an education;
• mental health was a key issue for young carers;
• despite real investment by services, there were a number of barriers to identifying young carers;
• the work of the Young Carers Improvement Group was commended;
• some young carers did not want people to know due to the stigma associated with caring for someone with mental health issues, for example, or the fact that they couldn’t partake in activities with their friends because they had caring responsibilities; and
• in some instances, people had had a caring role from a young age and thought it was the norm.  It was therefore important to distribute information and raise awareness, through sensitive and appropriate channels.

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

During discussion, the following issues were raised:-

• Family Centres were an exciting initiative and Members were encouraged to invite officers to Ward Business Meetings to find out more about them;
• many people did not have extended family and needed the additional support Family Centres provided;
• the possible development of a shared resource at Dingwall Fire Station was welcomed;
• the South Area also included Nairn and Badenoch and Strathspey and information was sought on how it was proposed to develop family centre provision outwith Inverness;
• clarification was requested in relation to the proposals to build on Family Centre provision in the Merkinch area of Inverness;
• with regard to the proposed extension of the Dalneigh Family Resource Centre, Members questioned whether it was large enough to accommodate the Inverness West Family Team.  However, the inclusion of the Charleston and Muirtown communities was welcomed and it was suggested that the Bught and Springfield areas, where there was also a lot of deprivation, be included;
• in relation to the lack of suitable accommodation in some areas, it was suggested that Local Members, who had local knowledge and might be able to facilitate the provision of premises, be consulted;
• there were a number of voluntary organisations, some of which had premises, providing services for vulnerable people in Hilton and a Working Group had been established by the District Partnership to look at bringing them together.  Reference was also made to former plans to build a gym at the mall in Hilton and it was suggested that there was sufficient space for a Family Centre; and
• Sutherland was vast and it was suggested that the District Partnership was the best place to explore local solutions to Family Centre Provision.  In relation to the level of need, it was emphasised that children in Sutherland had the same needs as those in other parts of Highland, albeit the numbers were lower.

Thereafter, the Committee:-

i. NOTED the progress to date in relation to the setting up of locally based family centre provision;
ii. AGREED, in relation to the South Area, that future reports contain information on how it was proposed to address family centre provision outwith Inverness; and
iii. AGREED that Local Members be consulted on potential options for family centre provision.

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

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

During discussion, the following issues were raised:-

• the report was very broad and the Director’s intention to present a more detailed report to a future meeting was welcomed;
• it was necessary to be aware of the impact of Curriculum for Excellence (CofE) throughout Highland and how much transformational change had been achieved;
• pastoral learning had improved significantly but it was necessary to address the curriculum
•  schools currently worked on the curriculum on an individual basis and it was necessary to give signposts such as had been offered for other aspects of CofE;
• the curriculum engaged pupils and determined how they moved on to the senior phase;
• interdisciplinary learning was one of the strengths and initial successes of CofE.  However, there was anecdotal evidence that the core curriculum timetable was impacting on the ability of interdisciplinary learning to take place and it was necessary to understand the extent of the problem;
• concern was expressed that there was still no quality method of tracking and monitoring pupils’ progress and it was requested that this be addressed as soon as possible
•  information was sought on whether there had been any feedback from parents regarding the reduction in the number of subjects pupils were able to study in the senior phase;
• reference was made to the difficulties experienced by teachers during the transition to National 5 qualifications and the phased transition to the new Highers was welcomed;
• Higher National Certificate should be included in the list of qualifications in the report; and
• Highland schools scored consistently well in terms of attainment in comparison with other areas and it was important not to lose sight of that.

Thereafter, the Committee:-

i. NOTED the progress being made in delivering the Broad General Education in Highland secondary schools; and
ii. AGREED that a more detailed report, taking into account the points raised during discussion, be presented to a future meeting of the Committee.

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

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

Members commended the work that had been undertaken on the 1+2 Languages project and emphasised the benefits of learning languages from an early age, including increased mental agility, communicative skills and the ability to understand other points of view.  Considerable discussion took place, during which the following issues were raised:-

• clarity was required as to whether the aim of the project was to encourage youngsters to have conversational knowledge of some languages that would help them socially or to develop business leaders and people who could engage in other languages at a business level;
• information was sought on the languages pupils had indicated they would like to study, as referred to in paragraph 2.3 of the report;
• training individual teachers in primary schools was a flaw in the Modern Languages in Primary Schools initiative as teachers inevitably moved on leaving no provision in the school.  It was suggested that enhancing modern language provision in secondary schools and allowing them to run the scheme in their Associated School Groups would create a coherent and sustainable programme.  However, it was questioned whether there were enough language specialists in Scotland to boost provision to the level needed;
• confirmation was sought that resources were of a high quality and reliably available for when schools came on board;
• some users found GLOW difficult to engage with and it was necessary to closely examine its role in the project;
• German was perceived by some experts as being a dead language;
• it was not possible to permeate the whole curriculum without specialist help;
• concern was expressed regarding the proposal that training take place on in-service days and Saturdays mornings and that the programme as it stood would test the commitment of teachers even further;
• it was suggested that a Members’ Seminar be arranged to examine the issues surrounding language provision in Highland schools in more detail.  The Chairman confirmed that this would be arranged;
• it was important not to lose sight of the fact that the 1+2 languages project had been instigated by the Scottish Government;
• it was important that graduates also had linguistic skills so they had the tools to compete with their contemporaries in Europe;
• modern languages had not received the attention they deserved in recent years and developing the 1+2 policy had faced many challenges;
• the Council needed to be ambitious for its young people and ensure they were prepared for the work place;
• more languages should be offered and, unless good on-line courses were made available, small schools with only one language teacher would fail to deliver what was required;
• the project was a huge investment for future generations;
• languages did not need to be taught to exam level to be beneficial;
• whilst endorsing the need for specialists, there were teachers who happened to be multilingual and would require minimal training to teach languages at primary school level;
• young people were deterred from learning languages by the limited options on offer and it was necessary to do more to encourage them at an early age;
• the Gaelic Medium model should be aspired to.  In this regard, it was encouraging that the number of secondary school pupils learning Gaelic was increasing;
• reference was made to a presentation on bilingualism by Professor Antonella Sorace, previously made to the Gaelic Committee, and it was suggested that the webcast be sourced and included in the proposed Members’ Seminar; 
• languages would never be taught to the level required for business purposes unless more time was devoted to them in the classroom and immersion techniques were employed; and
• it was highlighted that Stromness Academy and Kirkwall Grammar School were now teaching Japanese as a direct result of their links with renewable energy.

Thereafter, the Committee:-

i. NOTED the progress made during school session 2014/15 on the 1+2 languages project;
ii. AGREED that a Members’ Seminar on language provision in Highland schools be arranged and that it include the webcast of the presentation “Bilingualism Matters” by Professor Antonella Sorace, previously made to the Gaelic Committee; and
iii. AGREED that information on the languages pupils had indicated they would like to study be circulated to Members of the Committee.