Agendas, reports and minutes

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

Declaration of Interest: Ms G Ross declared a non-financial interest in this item on the grounds that her son attended one of the schools that would receive Scottish Government funding to improve educational outcomes 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/62/15 dated 17 August 2015 by the Director of Care and Learning which summarised recent evidence on the educational attainment gap in Scotland, the complexities and challenges of addressing it and an outline plan for a Highland response.

In discussion, Members raised the following:-

• the attainment gap between the most deprived and least deprived was concerning and it was recognised that it would take sustained commitment and time to address;
• there was a need to have a performance framework in place to gauge progress in the short, medium and long term;
• addressing attainment was a key part of the Council’s Anti-poverty strategy with education playing a pivotal role.  In some instances this might mean one-to-one attention, such as tutors, which would also help build confidence;
• every school needed to plan how they would intervene to help those pupils with low attainment to progress and lead successful lives and it was suggested that Secondary School Head Teachers report this to District Partnership meetings;
• to motivate pupils, and to set realistic expectations, it was important to identify early on strengths/interests that they could engage with.  Pupils were sometimes pressured into taking subjects which were unsuitable for them;
• it was disappointing that educational outcomes still depended on family income and background despite all the improvements to increase equality and opportunity from early years through to university education;
• if progress was to made it was essential to engage families and the wider community.  There were now more opportunities to do that with the establishment of Family Centres and Early Years education provision.  However, it was acknowledged that some families experienced considerable stress, such as housing and/or financial issues, which could make it more difficult for them to nurture/tutor their children;
• given the remote and rural nature of Highland and the criteria attached to the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation, it was queried how rural deprivation was defined;
• the level of Scottish Government funding allocated to Highland was requested and, where funding had been specifically targeted, it was important to involve the schools affected as to how the money could be best spent.  It was also vital that outcomes at a local level were reported.  If money was spread too thin there was in fact a danger that the attainment gap could broaden; 
• money itself would not address the issue: it was about changing attitudes, aspirations, beliefs about self-worth and ambitions of young people.  Examples were provided of schools where some parents were reluctant to send their children in the fear they would not realise their full potential and, until this perception was changed, the issue would remain;
• information was sought, and received, as to how the Closing the Gap development officer would relate to the Scottish Government Attainment Advisor;
• the statement in the Action Plan that “only the best will do” when appointing all staff in schools that had the greatest challenges in terms of closing the attainment gap was warmly welcomed;
• reference was made to a Youth Link Officer who had been employed on a pilot project using money from the Deprived Area Fund.  They had had considerable success in encouraging school refusers back to school; and
• improving the local environment and enhancing community spirit generally would help but, overall, there needed to be a holistic approach and cultural change to ensure the necessary infrastructure and support was in place.

The Committee NOTED:-

i. the research summaries and the deep-seated factors that underlay the attainment gap presented in this report; and
ii. 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 had been circulated Report No ECAS/63/15 dated 3 August 2015 by the Director of Care and Learning which explained 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 existed.

During discussion, reference was made to the poor state of repair of some of the buildings at the Black Isle Education Centre and, while the site itself could be used for outdoor activities, it was hoped discussions would continue at Ward level with a view to finding alternative suitable provision.  In so doing, it was important to consider all options, take cognisance of what had worked well in the past and to consider using some of the community-based social enterprises who were already providing this type of service.

The Committee NOTED the focus on SEBN within the ASN Review and AGREED the following recommendations:-

iii. the creation of an Intensive Support and Vocational Centre in the mid to support pupils aged 14+;
iv. the commencement of a Statutory Consultation to close Black Isle Education Centre as a school;
v. 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;
vi. ASN Managers to ensure a greater level of integration between all levels of SEBN provision in each Area and provide coordination of support; and
vii. 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

Declaration of Interest: Mr K Gowans declared a financial interest in this item on the basis that he was an employee of UHI 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/64/15 dated 17 August 2015 by the Director of Care and Learning which set out the initial progress achieved in implementing the Developing Scotland’s Young Workforce initiative.

During discussion, a range of issues were raised, including the following:-

• an update was sought of the activity the Skills Development Scotland Programme Board which it had been understood the Council was represented by Councillor Hendry;
• there was a need to give greater consideration to the recurring theme of poor life chances for individuals in poor socio-economic backgrounds.  There was a need to look at this holistically and link with the poverty agenda that the Council was keen to pursue to provide individuals with the best start in life;
• there might be a need for better links into the Quality Improvement Team and Community Planning, particularly at a local level; and
• a plea was made from an employers’ perspective.  It was recognised that no one agency could deliver on a Youth Employment Strategy and it was urged that the good progress made on a range of projects would not be lost and that employers were not overwhelmed by a plethora of approaches and initiatives.

The Committee:-

i. NOTED the progress being made on Developing Scotland’s Young Workforce; and
ii. AGREED 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

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/65/15 dated 17 August 2015 by the Director of Care and Learning which provided information on the implementation of the ICT in Learning Strategic Action Plan.  The report also demonstrated how, collectively, the work was 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.”

During discussion, it was clarified that a roll-out of electronic devices in schools would take place following successful procurement by means of a two year programme.  However, work was currently underway to utilise £1.2m Category F money before the end of the year to implement some of the new model with existing technology if its associated constraints could be overcome.

The Committee NOTED:-

i. how the work was 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 had been circulated Report No ECAS/66/15 dated 17 August 2015 by the Director of Care and Learning which provided information regarding the matters currently being discussed at District Partnerships.

During discussion, Members commented that progress with District Partnerships had been slow but that there had been a recent increase in public engagement.  The purpose and relevance had not been well understood by communities and had not been clarified by the name.  With the involvement of the third sector Members were optimistic that District Partnerships would play a significant future community role.

The Committee NOTED the issues raised in the report.

21. Business Continuity Plan
Plana Leantainneachd Gnothachais

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/67/15 dated 17 August 2015 by the Director of Care and Learning which introduced the Care and Learning Business Continuity Plan.  The Plan identified key business activities delivered by the Service.  It had been prepared according to a methodology agreed by the Executive Leadership Team which identified key activities which must be maintained against a range of timeframes.  Once the Service’s Business Continuity Plan was formally adopted, it became 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 would follow, as would testing and periodic (annual review).

The Committee APPROVED the Care and Learning Service Business Continuity Plan.

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

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

The Committee NOTED the Care and Learning Service Workforce Plan 2015-2019.

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

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

The Committee:-

i. APPROVED the content of the new Policy; and
ii. NOTED that an annual report and action plan would be submitted to a future Committee.

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

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

The Committee NOTED the performance information.

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

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

During discussion, Members gave consideration to the following:-

• there were concerns that a range of issues were being reported frequently and no progress was being made to address poor links between services and system failures.  This appeared to be given greater attention than steps to improve outcomes for children;
• there were particular concerns for the school vaccination programme and uncertainties regarding availability of school nursing teams.  It was also requested that pa\rental consent forms should stipulate that the oral and nasal spray vaccination contained pork extract since this could be of concern to some sectors of the community.  Conventional injections eliminated these concerns.  The Director confirmed that this would be taken up with NHS Highland;
• it was accepted that there were issues for reporting regarding Allied Health Professionals meeting the 18 week referral to treatment time target.  However, the report did not clarify the quantum of individuals waiting these lengths of time.  Noting that there was significant under expenditure on Allied Health Professionals, it was not clear if there were issues associated with staff vacancies.  Clearer information on the impact on individuals waiting for this service and the associated outcomes was sought;
• there were concerns for timelines for health assessments for Looked After Children as this had been graded red for a long time.  It was recognised that there were capacity issues with Health Visitors and School Nursing Teams and it was hoped that a risk-based approach to prioritisation could be adopted to help deliver improvements;
• specific explanation was provided on the time taken to incorporate the range of views within the Looked After Children’s health assessments and how the individual views were integrated; and
• clarification was offered that the target for the annual child P1 Body Mass Index measurement was 95%.

The Committee:-

i. NOTED the issues raised in the report;
ii. NOTED that the format of the report remained under review;
iii. AGREED that a detailed exception report in relation to Allied Health Professionals be presented to a future meeting of the Committee; and
iv. AGREED that discussions take place with NHS Highland regarding the possibility of the consent form provided to parents in relation to vaccines being updated to highlight that some vaccines contained pork extract.

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

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

In addition to the report, Ms K Mackay, Infant Feeding Adviser, explained that breastfeeding had been included in the 3 to 18 curriculum in Highland and introduced a short film, produced by NHS Highland in conjunction with Eden Court, to raise awareness of breastfeeding in secondary schools.  Work had also started on a film for primary schools.

During discussion, Members considered the following issues:-

• a partnership approach was essential to tackle complex barriers and culture change to improve breastfeeding uptake. Information was sought on the work of partner organisations;
• further Infant Support and Peer Support workers would be helpful;
• more should be done to speed up the roll-out of the breastfeeding educational programme in schools;
• the NHS Highland commitment to achieving the 36% uptake target within the existing budget framework was emphasised;
• in relation to the options outlined in the report, Members favoured Option 3, but with the addition of the words ‘up to’ in relation to the investment of £200k given that additional Infant Support workers could incur further management and infrastructure costs;
• in relation to sourcing the additional investment, a report to the Community Planning Partnership in September 2015 was proposed. Members were supportive of NHS funds contributing to this, given the importance of breastfeeding to health and the preventative agenda; and
• men should be encouraged to discuss their personal experiences of breastfeeding and the benefits it brought them.

The Committee AGREED:-

i. to support Option 3 – the proposed level of trajectory shown in Figure 3 of the report, supported by investment of up to £220,000 in Infant Support Workers to ensure that every mother could have support; and
ii. that the issue of funding be explored by the Community Planning Partnership.

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

There had been circulated Report No ECAS/73/15 dated 17 August 2015 by the Director of Care and Learning which provided 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 provided current data on the budget, placement numbers and the needs and circumstances that necessitated Out of Area Placements.

During discussion, Members considered the following issues:-

• a more substantive report would be presented to the Committee in November 2015, at which time the issues would be debated in full. This would include consideration of respite residential care;
• the importance of consulting local Members prior to any changes being made to remote and rural care solutions was emphasised;
• small budgets for miscellaneous activities and trips was vital; and
• Members attendance at the workshop and meeting in November was urged.

The Committee:-

i. NOTED the progress of projects to identify alternatives to out of authority placements for the young people of Highland;
ii. NOTED that the programme continued to identify and facilitate returns to Highland for young people and the Council benefited from the reduced costs arising from this;
iii. NOTED the wider programme of work to address the need for residential care and the type of residential care which would be needed in future;
iv. AGREED that the next report to Committee include a Ward by Ward analysis of how many properties had been identified for evaluation as potential supported accommodation; and
v. AGREED that discussions take place between the Leader of the Council, the Chair and Vice-Chairs of the Committee and the Head of Children’s Services on how to reduce the number of children being placed in residential care.

28. Kinship Care
Cùram Càirdeis

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

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

During HCF’s presentation it was highlighted that, in response to the question as to what/who helped young people to have a good life, some responses were low cost and easy to achieve and yet had a positive impact.  However, in relation to one of the proposals, the down-sizing of residential provision, caution was urged as SDS might not always prove appropriate and there would be a need to fall back onto such support.  Furthermore, the loss of such resources in rural areas would cause concern but these were issues to be explored in more detail at the Member workshop.

The Committee:-

i. NOTED the outcome of the consultation and that a more substantive report on proposals would be brought to the November meeting of the Committee; and
ii. AGREED 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
Aithisgean In-Sgrùdaidh – Teachd-a-steach Cùraim-chloinne, Òrdughan Pàighidh Air Ais Coimhearsnachd agus Oifigearan Slàinte Inntinn

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

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

The Committee NOTED:-

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

The Committee AGREED the following:-

Adult Services Development and Scrutiny Sub-Committee

Chair and Vice Chair of ECAS - Mr D Millar, Mrs I Campbell
Independent (3) - Mrs M Davidson, Mrs M Paterson, Mr G Ross - Substitute Mr W Mackay
SNP (3) - Mr B Gormley, Mr K Gowans, Ms G Ross - Substitute Mrs J Slater
Lib Dem (2) - Mrs C Caddick, Mr A Christie - Substitute Mr A Graham
Labour (1) - Mrs B McAllister – Substitute Mrs D Mackay

Criminal Justice Sub-Committee

Chair and Vice Chair of ECAS - Mr D Millar, Mrs I Campbell
Independent (3) - Mr M Green, Mrs M Paterson, Mr G Ross - Substitute Mrs F Robertson
SNP (3) - Mr S Fuller, Ms G Ross, Ms J Slater – Substitute Mr K Gowans
Lib Dem (2) - Dr D Alston, Mr A Christie – Substitute Mr A Graham
Labour (1) - Mrs D Mackay - Substitute Mr N MacDonald

Culture and Leisure Contracts Scrutiny Sub-Committee

Chair and Vice Chair of ECAS - Mr D Millar, Mrs F Robertson
Independent (3) - Mr M Green, Mrs M Paterson, Mr G Ross - Substitute Mr W Mackay
SNP (3) - Mr B Gormley, Ms G Ross, Ms J Slater – Substitute Mr S Fuller
Lib Dem (2) - Dr D Alston, Mr A Christie - Substitute Mr A Graham
Labour (1) - Mrs B McAllister - Substitute Mrs D Mackay

Appointment to SEEMiS Board

Mr D Millar.

33. Minutes
Geàrr-chunntas

The Committee NOTED the following Minutes of Meetings:-

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

Having explored the advantages and disadvantages of the proposals, the Committee AGREED the recommendations.

The meeting concluded at 4.15 pm.