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 Wednesday 1 March 2017 at 10.05 am.

Present:

Highland Council:

Mrs C Caddick, Mrs I Campbell (Vice Chair), Mr A Christie, Mrs M Davidson, Mr M Finlayson, Mr H Fraser, Mr S Fuller, Mr K Gowans, Mr A Graham, Mrs D Mackay, Mr W Mackay (video conferencing), Mr G MacKenzie, Mrs B McAllister, Mr D Millar (Chair), Mr H Morrison, Mrs M Paterson, Mrs F Robertson (Vice Chair), Mr G Ross, Ms J Slater, Ms K Stephen

Religious Representatives:

Mr A MacLean, Ms M McCulloch, Mr G Smith

Youth Convener:

Mr C Maclennan

Non-Members also present:

Mrs J Barclay, Mr G Farlow, Mr B Fernie, Mr C Fraser, Mr A Henderson, Mr D Mackay, Mrs I McCallum, Ms L Munro, Mr G Phillips, Mr J Stone

In attendance:

Mr B Alexander, Director of Care and Learning
Ms S Campbell, Head of Children’s Services, Care and Learning Service
Mr B Porter, Head of Resources, Care and Learning Service
Mr J Steven, Head of Education, Care and Learning Service
Mr R Campbell, Estate Strategy Manager, Care and Learning Service
Mr M Mitchell, Finance Manager, Finance Service
Ms G Newman, Highland Children’s Forum (Third Sector)
Ms S Blyth, Highland Parent Council Partnership
Miss J Maclennan, Principal Administrator, Corporate Development Service
Miss M Murray, Committee Administrator, Corporate Development Service

Also in attendance:

Councillor A Morrison, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and Volunteer Trainer/Local Coordinator, Lucky2BHere
Ms E Thomas, Consultation Lead, Highland Children’s Forum
Ms J Macdonald, Director of Adult Social Care, NHS Highland
Mr K Weidner, Church of Scotland Representative 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 B Gormley, Mr M Rattray, Ms M Newdick, Ms A Pascoe and Dr H van Woerden.

2. Declarations of Interest
Foillseachaidhean Com-pàirt

The Committee NOTED the following declarations of interest:-

Item 6 – Mr A Christie (non-financial)
Item 12 – Mr A Christie (non-financial)

3. Presentation: Lucky2BHere
Taisbeanadh: Lucky2BHere

Councillor Angus Morrison, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and Volunteer Trainer/Local Coordinator with the Lucky2BHere charity, led a presentation on the deployment of defibrillators and emergency life support training in schools and communities. 

It was explained that Lucky2BHere had been set up in 2009 by Ross Cowie from Portree, following his survival from a sudden cardiac arrest.  His life had been saved only by the quick response and skills of the crew on a passing ambulance.  The charity worked to help reduce response times, particularly in rural areas, and save more lives.

Councillor Morrison, who had himself suffered a heart attack in 2014, was well aware of the importance of timeous intervention and had campaigned to get more defibrillators in rural communities and schools, details of which he provided.

The Head of Education reported on a six stage plan to provide, in the next academic session, defibrillators to the 16 out of 29 secondary schools in Highland, during which he advised that the key issues would be the provision of relevant training and the involvement of the children in this initiative.  He reported on the proposal to establish a strategic group and for a joint approach to be progressed. In this regard, the proposal was to engage with head teachers, pupils, Parent Forums, the Youth Convener and communities to take this forward, and also to consider the involvement of primary schools. It was intended to report back to a future Committee on progress. 

During discussion, Members welcomed the presentation and suggested it should be a priority of the Committee in the next Council to ensure every school in Highland was provided with a defibrillator and the relevant training. In terms of funding, it was suggested that, given the number of schools in Highland, the focus should be on empowering communities and children to undertake fundraising. There might also be opportunities for Local Members to contribute funding through their ward discretionary budgets.

Thereafter, the following issues were also raised:-

• the potential for emergency life support training, including on the use of a defibrillator, to be included as a core element of the Driving Ambitions initiative was suggested;
• there was a need to continue to raise awareness in communities regarding the importance of having a defibrillator available in their locality;
• the opportunities to locate defibrillators in the more remote locations, for example in phone boxes and bothies, should be investigated; 
• in terms of any reservations communities might have, it was reassuring to note that to date any vandalism to the defibrillators had been negligible, that clear instructions were built in to the equipment and that training would be provided; and
• both Councillor Morrison and Mr Ross Cowie were commended on their work in respect of the Lucky2BHere charity.

The Chair having thanked Councillor Morrison for attending the meeting, the Committee NOTED the presentation.

4. Outstanding Achievements
Coileanaidhean Air Leth

There had been tabled a list of outstanding achievements by people and groups.

The Committee NOTED the outstanding achievements and AGREED that the Director write to all those involved in recognition of their success.

5. Revenue Budget
Buidseat Teachd-a-steach

There had been circulated Report No ECAS/13/17 dated 20 February 2017 by the Director of Care and Learning which provided an update on the Care and Learning revenue budget position to the end of January 2017.

Prior to debate, the Chairman pointed out that the overspend had reduced and it was hoped that a year-end balanced budget would be achieved.  However, he acknowledged that this was largely due to the management of vacancies.

During discussion, the following issues were raised:-

• whilst a balanced budget was to be commended, concern was expressed that this was at the expense of services not being delivered to vulnerable children.  Vacancy management in Family Teams and Specialist Additional Services for Children had already had severe implications on families and this looked set to continue.  There was demand for these services and the needs of families and young people were not therefore being met and it was important to gauge this impact; and 
• the review of Gaelic School transport arrangements was welcomed.  It was suggested that additional savings could be generated if access to Gaelic was made at a local level through the use of technology and remote learning, thus reducing the need to travel long distances whilst, at the same time, encouraging greater uptake of the language.  This would be further enhanced by the rollout of the new Chrome books to schools and it was important that full advantage was made of these devices to deliver certain subjects.  In response, the Chairman referred to the on-going collaborative work with Comhairle nan Eilean Siar around e-Sgoil.  In addition, the use of technology to deliver Gaelic classes merited investigation but the importance of language immersion in the early years needed to be borne in mind. 

The Committee:-

i. NOTED the forecast outturn for the 2016/17 financial year; and
ii. AGREED the Red/Amber/Green (RAG) status of budget savings.

6. Care and Learning Capital Programme – Monitoring Report
Prògram Calpa a’ Chùraim agus an Ionnsachaidh – Aithisg Sgrùdaidh

Declaration of Interest:

Mr A Christie declared a non-financial interest in this item as a Director of the Highland Small Communities Housing Trust 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/14/17 dated 24 February 2017 by the Director of Care and Learning which outlined the position of the Care and Learning capital programme as at the end of January 2017 along with the current status of the major projects that were underway.  The report also set out a review of Care and Learning capital programme priorities for consideration, along with some specific proposals that were recommended for approval.

Prior to debate, the Chairman acknowledged the difficult position that the Care and Learning Service was now in if it was to deliver the school estate.  Following consultation with Members, officers had prioritised the Care and Learning projects and the Committee was being asked to agree recommendations for the next Council to consider.  In particular, given the problems in Inverness, briefings had taken place and the City of Inverness Area had considered their priorities and he thanked Members and officers for their attendance at these briefings.  

During discussion, the following issues were raised:-

• the development of the community project at Strontian to build a new facility was welcomed and was an example of a community coming together with a common aim of delivering education and health and well-being.  This demonstrated sustainability in a fragile and remote community;
• the design work for an extension to Ben Wyvis Primary School was also welcomed, given the high rate of expansion in the local area;
• clarification was sought, and received, as to why the Inverness Justice Centre was included in the Capital Programme and was not being funded from the Inverness City Region Deal fund;
• whilst the prioritisation of Fortrose Academy was welcomed, further information was sought in relation to the feasibility study and the proposed further assessment of the most immediate issues.  Furthermore, detail was also sought as to the degree of capital investment required and to its scheduling in the Life Cycle Investment Programme. There were serious deficiencies in the fabric of certain parts of the building and a request was made and these needed to be addressed as a matter of urgency.  In this regard, it was important that all relevant parties where kept informed of timescales;
• the reactive approach to addressing the pressure on Inverness schools was applauded.  Problems had arisen in the past with forecasting methodology and this had resulted in a number of school rolls being capped.  The new approach, taking into account various criteria, provided a better indication of where pressure points were likely to arise;
• the catchment areas of Inverness schools in its entirety needed to be looked at. In so doing, cognisance also had to be taken that rolls in schools could fluctuate over time and a flexible approach was therefore required;
• the proposal that a new Gaelic Medium school would be provided in Years 5-8 was questioned, bearing in mind the over demand which already existed. A holistic approach was requested as pupils, unable to attend the Gaelic Medium School, would attend other Primary schools in Inverness, many of which were already under pressure.  In response, the various steps which would need to be taken before a new Gaelic Medium School could be built, including statutory accelerate projects such as this;
• clarification was sought, and received, as to what additional accommodation was proposed at Charleston and Culloden Academies.  Also, in relation to the project to provide consultation and identification of a site, were highlighted.  However, should additional monies be provided by the Scottish Government, it might be possible to 
• nursery and additional classroom accommodation at Milton of Leys Primary, it was argued that, given future roll projections, this would be insufficient.  It was important building took place as soon as possible, using the foundations already in place for the additional classroom;
• disappointment was expressed at the delay in starting the Dornoch Sports Centre.  There was a considerable history to this project but it was now at a stage that it could start and an assurance was sought that it would commence early in the next financial year; 
• an update was sought as to progress in relation to the nursery at Tongue Primary School;
• Members were remind that issues relating to specific schools should be raised with officers directly, leaving the Committee to deal with more Strategic matters;
• with the priority being to provide roofs over heads, consideration should be given to modular accommodation.  This had worked well elsewhere and had the added advantages that they could be installed quickly and were easily moved.  However, some Members expressed concern that, whilst this offered a solution in the short term, it was not acceptable in the long term;
• the length of time to physically provide a school could span many years and it was important that cognisance was taken of this and steps were made to start the process;
• the consolidated list of future priorities detailed all the projects needing to be addressed but there was insufficient resources available;
• the provision of facilities in community schools helped to bridge the attainment gap and gave children from deprived areas access to the curriculum that would be beneficial to them.  Bridging the attainment gap had been identified as a priority of the Scottish Government and calls were therefore made for a formal approach to them seeking an increase in the Council’s capital allowance monies to enable new schools in Inverness to be delivered;
• the potential funding gap between the projects listed in the programme was £37m for school in Inverness and £157m for the remaining projects;
• an explanation was sought from the Scottish Government as to how the £800m for capital projects, allocated to Scotland from Westminster, had been used; 
• it was suggested that the position that the Capital Programme was now in was as a result of bad planning by the Council over the previous 5-10 years and that the Scottish Government were, in fact, part of the solution;
• schools in different parts on Inverness had different issues, some being capacity while others were condition.  However, the Care and Learning Capital Programme provided a comprehensive list of what was required;
• the expansion of nursery hours would impact of primary school buildings.  Recognising that Local Members would need to know how this was developing locally, the Chairman gave an assurance that Members would be kept briefed;
• assurances were sought that the Council had sufficient capacity to carry out the considerable work programmed for the next 5-10 years given the need to plan, develop and monitor projects.  In association with this, projects being developed by the Hub, such as Inverness Royal Academy and the Wick Joint Campus, also involved considerable amounts of officer time; 
• the Council had achieved what the Scottish Government had asked, namely, enhancing the local economy and embarking on the Inverness City Region Deal.  However, this in turn had attracted more people to Inverness creating additional pressure on Primary Schools;
• additional contributions from developers for schools should be sought; and
• the Capital Programme was ambitious but there had not been a better time to invest.  However, it would also have revenue implications for the Council.

The Committee:-

i. NOTED progress with the Strontian community project and AGREED that funding terms be formalised with Strontian Community School Building Limited, the detail of which was delegated to the Head of Resources, and reported back to the Committee as detailed in paragraph 2.4 of the report;
ii. AGREED the proposed 2017/18 Programme as listed in Appendix 3 of the report;
iii. AGREED the revised list of capital priorities for the Care and Learning Service as set out in Appendices 4 to 7 and consolidated in Appendix 8 of the report;
iv. AGREED the actions in relation to the projects at Fortrose Academy, Inverness Primary Schools, Merkinch Primary School and Smithton Primary School as detailed in paragraph 3.6 of the report; 
v. AGREED that design work should commence on an extension to Ben Wyvis Primary School, to be funded from the Roll Pressures budget allocation as detailed in paragraph 3.7 of the report; and
vi. NOTED that the Leader would write to request additional funding from the Scottish Government to meet the demands of the capital programme.

7. Statutory Consultation – Relocation of Dunvegan Primary School
Co-chomhairle Reachdail Bun-Sgoil Dhùn Bheagain

There had been circulated Report No ECAS/15/17 dated 20 February 2017 by the Director of Care and Learning which, following conclusion of the statutory consultation process, set out a recommendation to relocate Dunvegan Primary School to a new site at Lonmore.  The Consultation Report and associated appendices had been circulated separately as Booklet A.

*Having considered the proposal set out in the Consultation Report and associated appendices, the Committee AGREED TO RECOMMEND to the Council the relocation of Dunvegan Primary School to a new site at Lonmore.

8. Statutory Consultation – Closure of the Black Isle Education Centre
Co-chomhairle Reachdail Ionad-Foghlaim an Eilein Duibh

There had been circulated Report No ECAS/16/17 dated 20 February 2017 by the Director of Care and Learning which, following conclusion of the statutory consultation process, set out a recommendation to discontinue the provision of education at the Black Isle Education Centre and replace the service offered at the Centre with new part-time provision for pupils, based at the former Killen Primary School building.  The Consultation Report and associated appendices had been circulated separately as Booklet B.

*Having considered the proposal set out in the Consultation Report and associated appendices, and the further representation received, the Committee AGREED TO RECOMMEND to the Council that education provision at the Black Isle Education Centre be discontinued and replaced with a service providing specialist support to pupils, based at the former Killen Primary School.  

9. Management of Schools Update
Fios às Ùr mu Rianachd Sgoiltean

There had been circulated Report No ECAS/17/17 dated 24 February 2017 by the Director of Care and Learning which set out amended proposals for implementation of the Management of Schools programme and a further update on progress.  The report also:-

• gave further detail relating to the proposals for the two Associated School Groups (ASGs) of Farr and Mallaig, which had first been submitted to the Committee on 26 January 2017, and detailed the further consultation that had taken place to arrive at the amended proposals presented;
• set out the agreement reached with the trade unions in relation to the new post of  Principal Teacher Primary (Cluster/3-18 Grouping);
• provided updates on the Business Support and Early Years workstreams, with particular emphasis on the arrangements for 3-18 ASGs and 3-18 campus arrangements to be implemented in August 2017; and
• included proposals for the Phase 2 (August 2018) Consultation and Implementation Plan.

During discussion, the following issues were raised:-

• in relation to Farr ASG, many in the communities of Melvich and Tongue remained opposed to the proposals.  However, Local Members and the majority of stakeholders were supportive of the recommendations and it was necessary to move forward.  Whilst the concerns in relation to Melvich and Tongue were understandable, given that the current arrangements were working successfully, the proposals were about future-proofing.  Schools in the area were currently heavily reliant on individuals and there were difficulties in attracting and retaining teaching staff.  It was hoped that the new posts within the proposed structure would address that.  There were concerns regarding the loss of three Acting Head Teachers at the end of the current school session and the importance of careful management and engagement during the transition phase was emphasised. In that regard, it was necessary to find a new approach to the previously unsuccessful transition group.  In addition, the offer of webinars was welcomed;
• with regard to Mallaig ASG, there were differing views but it was considered that the issues were not unresolvable.  Local Members welcomed the commitment to allow time for further consultation, examine the IT requirements, visit the communities affected and provide more management capacity within the staffing structure.  In addition, it was suggested that consideration be given to a school bag drop, which would encourage parents who would not contribute in a public forum to respond to the consultation;
• reference was made to the successful cluster arrangement at Inver and Knockbreck Primary Schools and Local Members, officials and/or the Head Teacher could share how it worked and what the benefits were;
• there were lessons to be learnt from the process to date and Members emphasised the importance of proper consultation on future phases;
• the provision of timelines for Phase 2 was a positive approach;
• it was confirmed that schools would retain their individual budgets, parent councils and identities in terms of uniforms, badges etc; and
• the status quo could only be retained for so long and it was necessary to take a strategic view.  The proposals were the right way to go in terms of the sustainability of rural schools and the provision of more teaching.

The Director then gave a verbal update on the ICT in Learning programme, during which it was explained that the rollout of 20,000 Chromebooks to students in Highland schools involved further significant investment in upgrading ICT network capacity.  The Council had already invested in providing whole school wifi coverage and upgrading the internet links of 61% of primary schools and 79% of secondary schools, with the remaining schools due to be upgraded by July 2017.  In addition, the Council was upgrading the wireless and ICT network capacity in each school, which included more powerful wireless access points and ICT network equipment as well as adding new wireless access points in some areas.  Negotiations were currently taking place with ICT partners to finalise the scope, timescales and price of the upgrade, with the aim of awarding a contract in April 2017.

Site surveys would be undertaken, prior to the upgrade, to confirm what work was necessary in each school.  The surveys and upgrades would be undertaken by the Council’s ICT partners, with full involvement and consultation with Head Teachers and school staff, and would commence first in the schools at the start of the timeline in the report.  Three quarters of Council sites had already been upgraded to the Scottish Wide Area Network (SWAN).  A small number would go beyond April but were expected to be completed in good time for the rollout.  The focus had been on the schools at the start of the timeline and a significant number of the schools in the Millburn, Dingwall and Portree ASGs, details of which could be provided, had SWAN links that needed to be upgraded before 1 August 2017.  While the recent focus had been on school wifi and ICT network refresh, the Council would be ensuring equally close management of Capita/BT to deliver these outstanding SWAN upgrades aswell.

In addition, it was clarified that, whilst it had initially been hoped that Phase 2 of the category F schools would follow Phase 1 at an earlier stage, that had not proved possible due to the network and SWAN issues.  In relation to the timeline for the deployment of Chromebooks, it was confirmed that it was as set out in the report.  Following the delivery of the devices, schools would work with them for a number of weeks so that they were familiar with them before the managed estate was reduced.

Members welcomed the update and the phased approach to the deployment of Chromebooks and the reduction of the managed estate.  It was stated that many parents were unconvinced about the use of technology and information was sought, and provided, on what plans were in place to bring them on board.

Thereafter, the Committee APPROVED:-

i. the proposal for Farr Associated School Group as set out in Appendix 1 of the report;
ii. that a proposal for Mallaig Associated School Group be presented to the Committee on 21 June 2017; and
iii. the progress to date and the Phase 2 Consultation and Implementation Plan. 

10. Children's Services – Performance Report
Seirbheisean Chloinne – Aithisg Choileanaidh

There had been circulated Report No ECAS/18/17 dated 20 February 2017 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.

11. Children's Services - Assurance Report
Seirbheisean Chloinne – Aithisg Bharantais

There had been circulated Report No ECAS/19/17 dated 17 February 2017 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 informed by the Highland Health and Social Care Committee and discussion with the Child Health Commissioner.

During discussion, an update having been sought on the School Nurse Review, it was confirmed that a provisional report by the national NHS group overseeing the review could be made available to Members.

Thereafter, the Committee:-

i. NOTED the issues raised in the report and that Members’ comments would be incorporated into a report to NHS Highland as part of the revised governance arrangements; and
ii. AGREED that the provisional report on the School Nurse Review be circulated to Members of the Committee.

12. Moving On – Life After School: A Report on the Views of Young People with Additional Support Needs on their Experiences of Moving on from School 
A’ Gluasad Air Adhart – Beatha Às Dèidh na Sgoile: Aithisg air Beachdan Dhaoine Òga le Feumalachdan Taice a Bharrachd mun Cuid Eòlais Fhèin air a Bhith a’ Gluasad Air Adhart Bhon Sgoil

Declaration of Interest:

Mr A Christie declared a non-financial interest in this item as a member of the Management Committee of Highland Children’s Forum 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/20/17 dated 20 February 2017 by the Director of Care and Learning which introduced a presentation by the Highland Children’s Forum on their most recent consultation on the views of young people with additional support needs on their experiences of moving on from school.

Ms E Thomas, Consultation Lead, gave a verbal presentation during which it was explained that the consultation had taken place between February and June 2016 and had involved 63 young people from throughout Highland.  A number of the keys findings were highlighted.  In particular, it was explained that, whilst some young people had had a positive experience of transitions, there were two groups that stood out that had had negative experiences, namely, young carers and people with mental health issues.  The main difference between an individual having had a positive or negative experience was the professional.  The importance of being person-centred, having a rapport with the young person and giving them time was emphasised.  Professionals who were flexible and creative in their approach, examples of which were provided, stood out.  The overall message was about listening and engaging and, if professionals did that, young people would be seen and their potential harnessed.  Three young people then shared their own personal experiences of transitions.

During discussion, the following issues were raised:-

• Members welcomed the presentation and thanked the young people for their emotive testimonies;
• the Youth Convener emphasised that every voice mattered, no matter what age or lifestyle, and offered to provide his contact details if there was any way he could assist;
• Highland Disability Sport offered a number of activities in the evening and at weekends and the benefits, both socially and educationally, were emphasised;
• Members reiterated the importance of listening to young people and encouraged the Council to do as much as possible to have close engagement with them.  In that regard, reference was made to TYKES (The Young Karers East Sutherland), who had been given a standing item on the former District Partnership agenda.  This had allowed them to come to the table as an equal partner, hear how their issues had progressed and raise new issues;
• the high quality of the documentation produced by Highland Children’s Forum and their engagement with young people, some of whom were very vulnerable, was commendable.  The report drew attention to areas where improvements could be made, working in partnership, and it was necessary to respond as an authority.  In response, the Chair concurred that it was necessary to improve the experiences of young people and confirmed that efforts would be made to progress the transitions agenda in the short time the current Administration had left.  The Director confirmed that it was appropriate to respond to the consultation report and suggested that a report be presented to a future meeting of the Committee;
• reference was made to the Executive Summary, which indicated that the majority of young people consulted said that employment was an important hope post-school.  This was in keeping with most young people in Highland but, when there were challenges or barriers to overcome, it was important that the necessary support, infrastructure and interventions were in place; and
• to date, the focus had been on the medical and social care needs of young people and their families.  However, the Leader of the Council suggested that there was a need for a strong focus on supporting employers to offer jobs to the young people in question.  In that regard, she queried how many young people going through transitions the Council and NHS Highland had employed over the past five years.  In addition, she highlighted that the Scottish Government was reviewing the employability and skills agenda as it was underperforming and not targeted, and suggested that the employment of young people going through transitions was a potential target.

Thereafter, the Committee:-

i. NOTED the presentation and the issues raised in the report; and
ii. AGREED that a response to the Highland Children’s Forum report be presented to a future meeting of the Committee.

13. Proposal for a Joint Transition Service for Young People
Moladh airson Co-Sheirbheis Eadar-ghluasaid do Dhaoine Òga

There had been circulated Report No ECAS/21/17 dated 17 February 2017 by the Director of Care and Learning which provided an update on the development of a joint service to provide support to young people with a disability, aged 14-25 years, who required health and social care support.  The report set out four potential models of service delivery for consideration. 

During discussion, the following issues were raised:-

• the previous item had illustrated the need to focus on transitions and the work taking place was welcomed;
• the challenges faced by young carers, particularly in terms of their caring role being detrimentally affected by their transition to higher education and the associated feelings of guilt and responsibility, were emphasised;
• further consideration was required in terms of how to address the significant mental health gap;
• every child’s transition was different and there were some areas that were so specific that assumptions could not be made – autism, for example.  The voice of young people needed to inform everything that was being planned;
• some Members, although supportive of a joint budget, were reluctant to support Option 2 as it focused on only two geographical areas.  Whilst it was understood that there was a concentration of services in the South and Mid areas, people in other areas had fewer options and needed even more support to make the transition to adult services.  It was essential to focus on cultural change but that did not automatically flow from organisational change and it was not necessary to reorganise teams at this stage.  It was suggested that Option 4, whereby focused work would take place within existing areas teams, was more appropriate.  It was necessary to listen to young people and match their needs with available resources;
• other Members supported Option 2 as, whilst it might not be straightforward to put in place, it was the preferred option of parents, carers and young people and would lead to a variety of benefits, as indicated in the cost benefit analysis;
• whilst it was recognised that Option 1, the status quo, was not working, it was suggested that efforts could be made to improve the situation;
• 14 years of age was particularly young, especially for vulnerable young people, to come under the banner of adult services;
• there was disappointment that there was no mention of school in the report and information was sought on the relationship between school, specialist services and adult services;
• in relation to Option 2, further detail was sought, and provided, on what the team might look like for an individual child, the type and level of support that would be available and whether there would be an identified training period before the Joint Transitions Team was implemented; and
• Ms G Newman, Highland Children’s Forum representative, emphasised that what had come out of their consultation, the subject of the previous item, was that professionals needed to know a young person, including their interests and abilities, over a period of time to help them make decisions about their future.  Whilst it was recognised that young people were not an adult at 14 years of age, individuals with learning challenges would find it very difficult to know what they wanted to do after school if those conversations were not introduced at an early stage.  One lead professional that knew an individual from the age of 14 to 25 was one option for helping young people through the transitions process and to become contributing citizens.

Following discussion, the Chair highlighted that the report asked the Committee to indicate its preferred option.  Given that there did not appear to be a consensus, and it having been confirmed that it would not significantly delay the process, it was suggested that a Members’ Workshop take place, following the Local Government Elections, to provide further detail on the benefits and challenges of each option and allow Members to give a steer to officers prior to a report being presented to the Committee on 21 June 2017.

Thereafter, the Committee:-

i. NOTED the content of the report; and
ii. AGREED that a Members’ Workshop on the options for future models of service delivery take place following the Local Government Elections with a view to a further report being presented to the Education, Children and Adult Services Committee on 21 June 2017.

14. Minutes
Geàrr-chunntas

The Committee:-

i. NOTED the Minutes of the Highland Alcohol and Drugs Partnership Strategy Group – 10 November 2016;
ii. NOTED the Minutes of the Highland Child Protection Committee – 29 November 2016;
iii. APPROVED the Minutes of the Adult Services Development and Scrutiny Sub-Committee – 3 February 2017; and
iv. NOTED the draft Minutes of the Highland Council/NHS Highland Joint Monitoring Committee – 13 February 2017.

Valedictory

The Chair expressed his appreciation to the Leader of the Council, his Vice Chairs and fellow Members for their support during the previous two years and wished the future Chair of the Committee good fortune.  He also paid tribute to the Director, the Care and Learning management team and staff throughout Highland for their efforts in delivering the best possible service in financially difficult times.  Finally, he thanked Mrs McCulloch and Mr Smith, religious representatives, for their thoughtful contributions during their term on the Committee.

The meeting concluded at 2.45 pm.