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 18 May 2016 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.

Please note that a briefing on Care Homes, open to all Members, will take place from 1.30 pm – 2.00 pm.  Jackie Hodges, Care Home Lead, NHS Highland, will be in attendance to discuss My Home Life and answer questions on care homes.  Background information will be circulated in advance.

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. Highland Play Strategy 2016-2020
    Ro-innleachd Cluiche na Gàidhealtachd 2016-2020

There is circulated Report No ECAS/30/16 dated 9 May 2016 by the Director of Care and Learning which outlines the content of the Highland Play Strategy 2016–2020, updates Members on the progress of the Play Improvement Group/Play Highland and introduces the winners of the 2016 Highland Council/Play Highland Community Play Award.

The Committee is invited to:-

i. approve the content of the Highland Play Strategy 2016-2020;
ii. note the progress of the Play Improvement Group/Play Highland;
iii. sign up to the Play Highland Newsletter; and
iv. commend the winners of the 2016 Highland Council/Play Highland Community Play Award.

4. Presentation: Calman Trust
    Taisbeanadh: Urras Calman

There will be a presentation by Isobel Grigor, Chief Executive of the Calman Trust, which was founded in the Highlands in 1998 to help young people and young adults at risk of homelessness.  The Calman Trust supports young people with a range of issues, offering housing support and accredited training, and providing employment opportunities through social enterprise.  The presentation will focus on the needs and experiences of vulnerable young adults across the area, including in the context of welfare reform.

5. Outstanding Achievements
    Coileanaidhean Air Leth

Members will be informed about outstanding achievements by people and groups, to be noted and commended by the Committee.

6. Revenue and Capital Budgets 2016/17
    Teachd-a-steach agus Buidseatan Calpa 2016/17

There is circulated Report No ECAS/31/16 dated 10 May 2016 by the Director of Care and Learning which provides an update on the Care and Learning Revenue Budget, Capital Programme and investment priorities for Inverness Schools.

The Committee is invited to:-

i. note the actions taken in relation to the new Project Management Governance Policy as outlined in Section 2 of the report;
ii. note the update in relation to funding for voluntary organisations, as set out at paragraph 3.3
iii. note the update provided in relation to vacancies (paragraph 3.5), as requested at the last Committee meeting;
iv. agree the new post of ICTiL Implementation Project Manager, as set out at paragraph 3.8;
v. note the status of the Major Capital Projects listed in Section 4 and Appendix 2;
vi. note the current position with regard to the Alness and Invergordon Schools as outlined in Section 5.1;
vii. agree the proposals with regard to the future maintenance of synthetic playing fields in Section 5.5.2;
viii. note the position regarding the Community and Leisure budget in paragraph 5.6.1;
ix. approve the recommended action in relation to the Grantown Grammar/Craig MacLean Centre, Refurbishment of Swimming Pool as detailed in paragraph 5.6.3;
x. agree that an additional £50,000 be brought forward for the remedial works at Inverness Leisure as set out in paragraph 5.6.4;
xi. note the current position on Acharacle Primary School Playing Field as set out in paragraph 5.7;
xii. approve the New Projects as detailed in paragraph 5.6.2 and Appendix 3;
xiii. note the actions taken following the issues at Edinburgh Schools as set out in Section 6.1;
xiv. approve the proposed changes in respect  of Primary School Capacity Modelling as set out in Section 6.2.1 to 6.2.4 and note the position with regard to Secondary Schools as set out in paragraph 6.2.5;
xv. note the current position with Inverness Schools as outlined in Section 7 and agree the recommendation set out in paragraph 7.10;
xvi. note the current position with the ongoing School Estate Review as outlined in Section 8; and
xvii. approve the recommended actions relating to Asset Management Issues detailed in Section 9.

7. Additional Support Needs Review Update
    Cunntas às Ùr mu Ath-sgrùdadh air Feumalachdan Taic a Bharrachd

There is circulated Report No ECAS/32/16 dated 25 April 2016 by the Director of Care and Learning which explains that a detailed process of consultation and review of Additional Support Needs (ASN) in Highland was completed during 2013/14 and reported to Committee in May 2014.  The review made 26 recommendations for improvements to structures and practices, with the aim of achieving better outcomes for children and young people, that were remitted to the ASN Improvement Group to implement and monitor.

The report provides the second annual update of the work following this review. For ease of reporting, recommendations relating to a single theme are grouped together.  It also takes account of the revised 2016/17 budget, set at the Special Council on 25 February.

The Committee is invited to note and comment on the progress to date in relation to the implementation of the recommendations from the ASN Review and, in particular, to:-

i. note the work concluded in the West Area with respect to the review of An Cala and agree the proposals set out in the report;
ii. agree the recommendations for the refocusing of the Resource Allocation Model to ensure support for those pupils with greatest need and to refocus more of the support from ASN Teachers to capacity building and professional development; and
iii. agree the recommendations for service redesign in the South Area around SEBN support.

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

There is circulated Report No ECAS/33/16 dated 9 May 2106 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.

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

There is circulated Report No ECAS/34/16 dated 5 May 2016 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 informed by the Highland Health and Social Care Committee and discussion with the Child Health Commissioner.

The Committee is invited to consider and comment on the issues raised in the report, the comments to be incorporated into a report to NHS Highland as part of the revised governance arrangements.

10. Update on the Implementation of the Refreshed Universal Pathway for Health Visiting
      Cunntas às Ùr mu Bhuileachadh Slighe Choitcheann Ùraichte airson Tadhail Slàinte

There is circulated Report No ECAS/35/16 dated 9 May 2016 by the Director of Care and Learning which explains that the revised Universal Pathway for Health Visiting was published in October 2015.  Since then, Health Boards have being working with the Scottish Government to compile their plans for implementation.  The report provides an update on the current progress within Highland Council, as Health Visitors begin to deliver the enhanced home visiting programme.

The Committee is invited to consider and comment on the implementation of the enhanced health visiting pathway.

11. High Life Highland Performance Report
      Aithisg Choileanaidh High Life na Gàidhealtachd

There is circulated Report No ECAS/36/16 dated 20 April 2016 by the Chief Executive, High Life Highland, which presents information on the performance of High Life Highland during the operating period April 2015 to March 2016; provides general updates since the last report in November 2015 and; provides information on the Active Schools programme and the volunteering Leadership Programme for young people.

The Committee is invited to:-

i. note that High Life Highland has met or exceeded the outcomes expected in the Service Delivery Contract with the Council for the period April 2015 to March 2016;
ii. note and comment on the general updates since the last report in November 2015; and
iii. note and comment on the work delivered by High Life Highland through the Active Schools programme and the volunteering leadership programme for young people.

12. Black Isle Education Centre - Proposal to Proceed to Statutory Consultation on Closure
      Ionad Foghlaim an Eilein Duibh – Moladh Dol air Adhart gu Co-chomhairle Reachdail a thaobh
      Dùnadh

There is circulated Report No ECAS/37/16 dated 9 May 2016 by the Director of Care and Learning which seeks agreement to proceed to a statutory consultation, under the Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010, on a proposal to discontinue the provision of education at the Black Isle Education Centre.

The appendices to the report are circulated separately as Booklet A.

The Committee is invited to consider the report and the proposal contained in Booklet A and agree to proceed to statutory consultation, per the requirements of the Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010, on a proposal to discontinue the provision of education at the Black Isle Education Centre.

13. Kinbrace Primary School - Proposal to Proceed to Statutory Consultation for Formal Closure
      Bun-Sgoil Cheann a’ Bhràiste – Moladh Dol air Adhart gu Co-chomhairle Reachdail airson Dùnadh
      Oifigeil

There is circulated Report No ECAS/38/16 dated 9 May 2016 by the Director of Care and Learning which explains that Kinbrace Primary School is currently mothballed and has been since the end of session 2012/13.  The report seeks agreement to proceed to a statutory consultation, under the Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010, for formal closure of the school.

The appendices to the report are circulated separately as Booklet B.

The Committee is invited to consider the report and the proposal contained in Booklet B and agree to proceed to statutory consultation, per the requirements of the Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010, regarding the proposal for formal closure of Kinbrace Primary School and the re-assignment of its catchment area between Helmsdale and Melvich Primary Schools.

14. Management of Schools
      Rianachd Sgoiltean

i. Introduction
   Ro-ràdh

There is circulated Report No ECAS/39/16 by the Director of Care and Learning which explains that the following reports update Members on aspects of the management of schools programme and seek approval for developments in relation to the organisation of schools and the curriculum and early years services.

The Committee is invited to note the introductory report.

ii. Structure of Schools and Curriculum
    Structair Sgoiltean agus Curraicealaim

There is circulated Report No ECAS/40/16 dated 10 May 2016 by the Director of Care and Learning which provides an update on the progress being made around workstreams 1 and 2: the delivery of the curriculum; and the organisation of schools and management structures.

The Committee is invited to note the progress on these workstreams and agree:-

i. the work being taken forward on developing the online provision in 2016/17; and
ii. the programme of work and timeline set out for the organisation of schools and management structures across Associated School Groups.

iii. Further developments in Early Learning and Childcare
     Leasachaidhean a bharrachd ann an Tràth-Ionnsachadh agus Cùram-Chloinne

There is circulated Report No ECAS/41/16 dated 9 May 2016 by the Director of Care and Learning which out outlines the progress to date in taking forward the strategic plan for the further expansion of flexible delivery of Early Learning and Childcare from August 2016.

The Committee is invited to continue to support the flexible approach in determining the model of delivery adopted by each school setting and:-

i. agree the negotiated approach to the allocation of management time depending on the level of flexibility being implemented from August 2016;
ii. approve the change to the staffing structure of school nursery settings of removing posts of Out of School Care Assistant and Auxiliary from the provision for 3 and 4 year olds but retaining them for the childcare for school age children; and
iii. support the further refinement of the staffing structure to create a clear structure to support future expansion and career development opportunities.

15. National Improvement Framework for Education
      Frèam Leasachaidh Nàiseanta airson Foghlam

There is circulated Report No ECAS/42/16 dated 10 May 2016 by the Director of Care and Learning which introduces the National Improvement Framework.  The report sets out the initial work that has begun in Highland to deliver the priorities set out within the Framework and provides an update on the Scottish Attainment Challenge within Highland and ongoing links with other northern authorities.

The Committee is invited to note the key priorities set out in the report and comment on and scrutinise the progress that is being made.

16. Review of School Transport Policy
      Ath-sgrùdadh air Poileasaidh Còmhdhail Sgoile

There is circulated Report No ECAS/43/16 dated 6 May 2016 by the Director of Care and Learning which describes proposed changes to the Council’s school transport policy and recommends adoption of an updated policy document.

The Committee is invited to:-

i. approve the school transport policy document appended to the report;
ii. approve the changes to charges for privilege places;
iii. note the intention to introduce defined travel entitlement areas for Gaelic Medium and denominational education, with a further report to come back to this Committee; and
iv. note the work done with Millburn Academy on a code of conduct.

17. Transitions Update
      Cunntas às Ùr mu Eadar-ghluasadan

There is circulated Report No ECAS/44/16 dated 9 May 2016 by the Director of Care and Learning which provides an update on the management of transitions and developments involving NHS Highland and Council.

The Committee is invited to note the contents of the report and support the scoping of options regarding a joint health and care transitions team.

18. Employee Survey Action Plan
      Plana-gnìomh Suirbhidh Luchd-obrach

There is circulated Report No ECAS/45/16 dated 9 May 2016 by the Director of Care and Learning which outlines the proposed improvement actions for the Care and Learning Service in response to the views expressed by staff within the Service in the seventh Highland Council Employee Survey 2015.

The Committee is invited to support the Service Improvement Action Plan for the Care and Learning Service and the process of monitoring progress.

19. Internal Audit Reports
      Aithisgean In-Sgrùdaidh

There is circulated Report No ECAS/46/16 dated 9 May 2016 by the Director of Care and Learning which provides an overview and update in relation to three internal audit reports which have been considered by the Audit and Scrutiny Committee:-

• Information Security in Schools
• Family Teams – Management of Staffing Establishment
• Off Site Excursions (follow up)

The Committee is invited to consider the report and note progress in relation to the agreed management action arising from the internal audit reports.

20. Complaints Review Committee Outcomes
      Toraidhean Comataidh Ath-sgrùdaidh nan Gearanan

i. There is circulated joint Report No ECAS/47/16 dated 6 May 2016 by the Depute Chief Executive and the Director of Care and Learning which sets out the findings and recommendations following Complaints Review Committees held on 17 March 2016.  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 that:-

i. the Complaints Review Committee met to consider the case, and the findings; and
ii. no recommendations were made by the Complaints Review Committee

ii. There is circulated joint Report No ECAS/48/16 dated 6 May 2016 by the Depute Chief Executive and the Director of Care and Learning which sets out the findings and recommendations following Complaints Review Committees held on 17 March 2016.  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 recommendations made by the Complaints Review Committee

21. Minutes
      Geàrr-chunntas

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

i. FHC4 Leadership Group – 20 April 2016 (for noting); and
ii. Adult Services Development and Scrutiny Sub-Committee – 22 April 2016 (for approval)