Agendas, reports and minutes

Minutes of Meeting of the Care, Learning and Housing Committee held in the Council Chamber, Council Headquarters, Glenurquhart Road, Inverness on Thursday 15 March 2018 at 10.05 am.

Present:

Mrs I Campbell, Mr A Christie, Mrs M Cockburn, Ms K Currie, Mrs M C Davidson, Mr J Finlayson (In the Chair), Mr A Graham, Mr T Heggie, Mr A Jarvie, Ms E Knox, Mr R MacDonald (by video conferencing), Mr G MacKenzie, Mr D Macpherson, Mr R MacWilliam, Mrs B McAllister, Mrs P Munro, Mrs F Robertson, Mr G Ross, Mr A Sinclair (by video conferencing), Ms N Sinclair (by video conferencing), Mr C Smith, Ms K Stephen (Vice Chair)

Religious Representatives:

Ms S Lamont, Mr A MacLean

Non-Members also present:

Mr R Bremner (by video conferencing), Mr J Gray, Mr A Henderson, Mr D Mackay, Ms L Munro, Mrs M Paterson, Mrs T Robertson

In attendance:

Mr B Alexander, Director of Care and Learning
Mr W Gilfillan, Director of Community Services
Mrs B Cairns, Head of Additional Support Services, Care and Learning Service
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 D Goldie, Head of Housing and Building Maintenance, Community Services
Mr M Mitchell, Finance Manager, Finance Service
Ms J McGonagle, Principal Accountant, Care and Learning Service
Ms F Shearer, Education Quality Improvement Manager - South Area, Care and Learning Service
Ms M Wylie, Highland Third Sector Interface
Ms S Blyth, Highland Parent Council Partnership
Miss J Maclennan, Principal Administrator, Chief Executive’s Office
Miss M Murray, Committee Administrator, Chief Executive’s Office

Also in attendance:

Staff and Pupils, Raigmore and Inshes Primary Schools

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 J Finlayson in the Chair

Business

1.    Apologies for Absence
Leisgeulan

Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of Mr A Baxter, Mr B Boyd, Mr W MacKay, Mrs I MacKenzie, Mr K Weidner and Ms M Roberts.

2.    Declarations of Interest
Foillseachaidhean Com-pàirt

The Committee NOTED the following declarations of interest:-

Item 3 – Mrs I Campbell (non-financial)
Item 4a – Mr A Christie (non-financial)
Item 6 – Mr A Christie (non-financial)
Item 7 – Mr A Christie (non-financial)
Item 8 – Mr A Graham (financial)
Item 9 – Mr A Christie (non-financial)
Item 11 – Ms N Sinclair (non-financial)
Item 14ii – Mr A Christie (non-financial)

3.    Outstanding Achievements
Coileanaidhean Air Leth

Declaration of Interest: Mrs I Campbell declared a non-financial interest in this item as a relative was involved with Lochalsh Junior Pipe Band 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 tabled a list of outstanding achievements by people and groups.

During discussion, during which Lochalsh Junior Pipe Band’s success at the Scottish Schools Pipe Band Championships was highlighted, it was suggested the list of successes before Members demonstrated all the good work taking place in Highland schools.

The Committee:-

i.    NOTED the outstanding achievements; and
ii.    AGREED that the Director of Care and Learning write to all those involved in recognition of their success.

4.    Presentation: ICT in Learning
Taisbeanadh: ICT ann an Ionnsachadh

There had been circulated Report No PEO/15/18 dated 6 March 2018 by the Director of Care and Learning.

The report introduced a presentation by staff and pupils from Raigmore and Inshes Primary School where the benefit that Chrome books brought to their learning environment was explained.  The pupils demonstrated the Apps and websites they used and how these had helped to improve literacy, spelling, numeracy, make learning fun and to work independently.  In particular, they had learnt how to stay safe online and to handle difficult situations.  Looking to future developments, the pupils, as Digital Leaders, were looking at parent workshops and how to encourage and train staff and other pupils.  At the close of their presentation, a clip showing what their fellow pupils also enjoyed about Chrome Books was provided. 

Members congratulated the children on their excellent presentation and the following points were discussed:-

• in relation to Chrome book battery life, chargers were available in school;
• suggestions for improvements in future roll-out of Chrome books were sought; and
• during the early days of the introduction of the Chrome books, children experienced both excitement and nervousness. Examples were provided of the improvement in skills and confidence since their introduction, especially for children with dyslexia.

During discussion of the report, the following issues were raised:-

• assurance was sought, and provided, that good communication between Care and Learning and ICT Services would be maintained;
• assurance was sought that network cabling issues at Ben Wyvis Primary School  would be resolved during the Easter break, a decision that had been taken in consultation with the school.  A summary was provided of the roll-out of Chrome books within various Associated School Groups (ASGs) and of delays that had been experienced with the network programme, which were being resolved;
• individual concerns about the Wipro contract and its impact on the Chrome Book roll-out would be addressed through ongoing joint working; and
• it was suggested that the earlier children learnt on a Chrome book, the better, and support was voiced for early distribution to primary schools. The ASG approach was explained i.e. that both primary and secondary schools in a group would receive the new technology at the same time to ensure consistency.

The Committee:-

i.    NOTED the presentation;
ii.    NOTED the strategic direction in enhancing Digital Learning & Teaching; and
iii.    scrutinised and NOTED the progress made in the delivery of the authority responsibilities.

In terms of Standing Order 17.2, and as a result of a request for cashflow assistance, only received within the past 24 hours, the Chair had agreed that the undernoted report be circulated as an urgent additional item of business.

4a.  Strontian Primary School Project – Request for Cash Advance

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 CLH/01/18 dated 14 March 2017 by the Director of Care and Learning.

During discussion, Members welcomed the concept behind the community-led project, which would sustain what was a very small community in a fragile isolated rural area, and suggested that consideration be given to replicating it elsewhere.  It was further suggested that a progress report be presented to a future meeting, including information on whether timescales were being met and how, once it was established, the school was improving the community.  In addition, information was sought as to whether there were any practical steps that could be taken to expedite the signing of the necessary agreements. 

Thereafter, the Committee AGREED:-

i.    to a cash advance of £135,000 to Strontian Community School Building Limited, to support cash flow and ongoing progress with the community led project to build a new school; and
ii.    that a progress report be presented to a future meeting of the Committee.

5.    Homelessness and Temporary Accommodation
Dìth Dachaigh agus Àite-fuirich Sealach

There had been circulated Report No PEO/16/18 dated 2 March 2018 by the Director of Community Services.

During discussion, the following issues were raised:-

• in response to a request for information on achievements, it was explained that the Council had a strong homelessness service with committed staff, very few incidences of rough sleeping and a good record of dealing with people in crisis situations;
• information was sought, and provided, on other sources of accommodation that were being investigated;
• challenges included the chronic housing shortage and long waiting lists and the proposed seminar for Members on the “Housing First” model approach to homelessness was welcomed;
• observing that homelessness was one of the worst things that could happen to anyone, radical solutions were urged. Attention was drawn to the different challenges facing the Council’s homelessness service, with urban issues in Inverness, such as the chronic shortage of accommodation, and different remote and rural challenges in other areas, such as Caithness. It was important the Council worked with all partners, such as the NHS and the third sector, and it was suggested that the Scottish Government could use Inverness as an example to provide funds to convert derelict properties or construct new ones;
• the Scottish Government’s Homelessness report should be circulated to Members of the Committee;
• the Leader thanked the Scottish Housing Minister for the collaborative work he was doing with the Council; and
• attention was drawn to the Members’ seminar planned for the afternoon of 21 March 2018 on mental health which was likely to include homelessness issues.

The Committee:-

i.    NOTED developing national policy on homelessness;
ii.    AGREED that the Scottish Government’s Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Action Group Interim Report be circulated to Members of the Committee for information; and 
iii.    AGREED that a Members’ Seminar be arranged to explore the “Housing First” model approach to homelessness.

6.    Performance Report – Children’s Services
Aithisg Choileanaidh – Seirbheisean Chloinne

Declaration of Interest: Mr A Christie declared a non-financial interest in this item as a Non-Executive Director of NHS 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 PEO/17/18 dated 2 March 2018 by the Director of Care and Learning.

During discussion, Members raised the following issues:-

• concern was expressed that there was insufficient external scrutiny of certain schools, with some not having had an Education Scotland inspection for over ten years, and it was explained that Education Scotland intended for the frequency of inspections to be increased. The Northern Alliance was also examining means of improving quality assurance across the region though collaborative working;
• concerns regarding the technical issues relating to child health surveillance data should be raised with NHS National Services Scotland;
• the reduced percentage of child BMI recording that was being undertaken in schools was partly as a result of school nurse capacity issues and ongoing national recruitment challenges. It was suggested that other means of obtaining data be investigated;
• concern was expressed that information on households with children who were living in temporary accommodation was only collected annually and consideration should be given to collating this on a monthly basis. A joint report by Housing and Care & Learning officers on what was being done to address this issue was proposed;
• assurance was sought, and received, that the earlier spike of 6% in the number of children being the subject of a second child protection order in a twelve month period had now reduced back to the average of 3.6%; and
• the relatively low uptake on Lifestyle Surveys among children was disappointing. It was clarified that the survey was often in competition with other school activities including exams. The Scottish Government aimed to standardise such surveys to facilitate national comparisons.

The Committee:-

i.    scrutinised and NOTED the performance information;
ii.    NOTED the information provided on quality improvement;
iii.    NOTED the commentary on statutory performance indicators;
iv.    NOTED the commentary on the Northern Alliance draft Improvement Plan;
v.    AGREED that concerns regarding the technical issues relating to child health surveillance data be raised with NHS National Services Scotland;
vi.    AGREED that a joint report by Housing and Care and Learning officers be presented to a future meeting of the Committee on what was being done to address the number of households with children in temporary accommodation; and
vii.    AGREED that, given the capacity issues in the school nursing service, alternative ways of measuring children’s Body Mass Index continue to be explored.

7.    NHS Highland Assurance Report
Aithisg Bharantais NHS na Gàidhealtachd

Declaration of Interest: Mr A Christie declared a non-financial interest in this item as a Non-Executive Director of NHS 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 PEO/18/18 dated 2 March 2018 by the Director of Care and Learning.

During discussion, concern was expressed regarding succession planning and the skills/experience deficit when staff moved on.  Particular reference was made to Speech and Language Therapy, and Members emphasised the need to focus on supporting recruitment and shadowing staff prior to retirement, and to ensure the necessary adverts were in place to coincide with trainees graduating.

The Committee otherwise:-

i.    scrutinised and NOTED the data and issues raised in the report; and
ii.    NOTED that comments would be incorporated into a report to NHS Highland as part of the agreed governance arrangements.

8.    Review of Statutory Consultation Exercise on the proposal to establish a catchment area for Bun-sgoil Ghàidhlig Phort-Rìgh, and to simultaneously establish formal catchments for the provision of Gàidhlig Medium Education within Portree Associated School Group
Sgìre Sgoile Foghlam tron Ghàidhlig Buidheann Sgoiltean Co-cheangailte Phort Rìgh

Declaration of Interest: Mr A Graham declared a financial interest in this item on the grounds of being an employee of Bord Na Gaidhlig and left the Chamber during discussion of the item.

There had been circulated Report No PEO/19/18 dated 6 March 2018 by the Director of Care and Learning.  The appendices had been circulated separately as Booklet A.

During discussion, Members commented that the creation of Gaelic Medium Education (GME) catchments was a symptom of the success of GME on Skye, and that the consultation process appeared to have been constructive throughout.  It having been queried whether Local Members had any guidance that could be applied in other parts of Highland, the Chair explained that Skye was in a unique position as there were a number of schools with GME provision so, with the exception of Raasay, the travelling involved was not particularly onerous.

*    The Committee AGREED TO RECOMMEND to the Council the creation of new Gaelic Medium catchments for Portree Associated School Group as outlined in the map on the original consultation report.

9.    Business Case for Placement Services Highland
Cùis Gnothachais airson Sheirbheisean Suidheachaidh na Gàidhealtachd

Declaration of Interest: Mr A Christie declared a non-financial interest in this item as a Non-Executive Director of NHS 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 PEO/20/18 dated 5 March 2018 by the Director of Care and Learning.

During discussion, the following issues were raised:-

• Members welcomed the proposed approach, which brought together strands of work that had been discussed for a number of years, and commended the enthusiasm of the staff involved;
• in terms of the proposed outcomes and deliverables, it would be helpful to include something relating to how to improve the attainment of Looked After Children and deliver better outcomes for them;
• out of authority placements did not always deliver better outcomes and, particularly where the child still had links with family, were expensive, time-consuming and difficult to manage;
• key to the proposal was the need to change hearts and minds, and long-standing practice, which it was acknowledged would not be easy;
• the need to utilise Elected Members’ community contacts was emphasised;
• the proposal was hugely significant in terms of trying to achieve better outcomes for Highland’s most vulnerable children and keep their sense of roots and belonging intact;
• Members asked to be kept informed as work progressed;
• it was challenging to address complex needs but Highland had an excellent track record in delivering children’s services and confidence was expressed in the proposal; and
• information was sought, and provided, on the commissioning of Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services for Looked After Children and whether early intervention, the importance of which was emphasised, fell within the scope of the proposal.

Thereafter, the Committee AGREED:-

i.    the Business Case, in principle, as a key element of Phase One of the Programme; and
ii.    the establishment of a project team to commence Phase Two.

10.    Management of Schools
Stiùireadh Sgoiltean

There had been circulated Report No PEO/21/18 dated 2 March 2018 by the Director of Care and Learning.

During discussion, the following issues were raised:-

• in relation to Tain Royal Academy and Dingwall Academy Associated School Groups (ASG) in particular, concern was expressed that the consultation process had unsettled communities and created an impression of distrust towards the Council.  Issues had included parents receiving insufficient notice of meetings and Local Members not being invited to meetings;
• with regard to the matrix model described in section 5.5 of the report, some Members suggested that, given the Council’s knowledge and experience, it should be possible to inform how to progress within an ASG without the need for a matrix.  Other Members commented that it was essential and should have been implemented from the start of the process.  Parents were often unfamiliar with school management/structures and, to engage with them in a meaningful way, it was necessary to be clear about which options were feasible and which were not.  It was also necessary to be prepared to be challenged;
• some Members expressed concern that there was no timescale in the report.  Other Members, whilst recognising that it might cause some unsettlement, welcomed the pause in proceedings as an opportunity to learn from previous processes and improve engagement going forward;
• communication was key and it was hoped that lessons had been learned from the initial phases.  Local Members were often the first line of contact when there were issues in a community and an assurance was sought that they would be the first to be informed as and when decisions were made;
• the proposal that St Joseph’s and Bishop Eden Primary Schools should not be included in the discussions regarding Inverness High School ASG was welcomed.  In addition, it was suggested that the challenges associated with Inverness High School ASG were predominantly educational and social;
• it was important not to engage with primary and secondary schools in silos but to look at each ASG holistically to make the best use of the available resources and create sustainability;
• education and the role of Head Teachers had changed beyond recognition and it was necessary to think differently and move away from outdated models;
• it was essential to value teachers and support those who were willing to step up and take on a management role;
• it was important to thank those who had been involved in the process to date for their contribution, apologise for any upset that had been caused, and inform them of the next steps;
• it was requested that, wherever possible, uncertainty be removed to avoid unnecessary worry amongst parents;
• Highland was leading the way in Scotland in terms of looking at different ways of managing the school estate to sustain educational provision against a backdrop of reducing budgets, recruitment challenges and falling school rolls in some areas;
• as indicated in the report, it was recognised that undertaking detailed planning in ten ASGs at the same time had been over-ambitious;
• in terms of engaging with communities, it was necessary to adopt a collegiate approach, similar to that which had been taken to address the issues in Mallaig ASG;
• teachers knew the practical issues associated with their schools and the value of their insight and opinion was emphasised.  It was important to engage with them in an honest and open manner and to seek their proposals for change;
• the management of schools programme ought to be highlighted in job adverts;
• concern was expressed that campus models could be expensive to run; and
• in the next phase, it was important that teachers and Head Teachers advocated the management of schools programme.

The Chair having summarised the issues raised, the Committee AGREED:-

i.    the next steps, as set out in section 5 of the report; and
ii.    that there be communication with those who had been involved in the process to date, both to thank them for their contribution and to inform them of the next steps.

11.    Early Learning and Childcare Update
Cunntas às Ùr mu Thràth-ionnsachadh agus Cùram-chloinne

Declaration of Interest: Ms N Sinclair declared a non-financial interest in this item as her daughter attended Newton Park Nursery 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 here involvement in the discussion.

There had been circulated Report No PEO/22/18 dated 5 March 2018 by the Director of Care and Learning.

During discussion, the following issues were raised:-

• it would be useful for some Members to have an explanation as to how the revised projections for capital and revenue costs for delivering 1140 hours of funded Early Learning and Childcare in Highland were arrived at;
• the costings initially prepared were well in excess of what the Scottish Government had identified and, as a result, Local Authorities had been asked to revisit their projections.  Concern was expressed that this would cause delays and that in some locations were building work was required.  Accordingly, assurances were sought that Highland would be in a position to meet the target of 1140 by 2020;
• concern was expressed that UHI’s course providing training for the role of Childcare Manager would, from this year, be on a part-time basis, resulting in a lengthy process before individuals would qualify and it was hoped that representations would be made to UHI expressing concern.  In response, it was confirmed that UHI were part of the Strategic Group looking at workforce expansion and the colleges had confirmed that there were various routes to qualifications which would meet future needs; and 
• concern was expressed that income targets, to fully fund the posts of Childcare Managers, was not being met and that their duties and responsibilities were to be reviewed and evaluated.  Assurances were sought, and received, that no Childcare Manager posts were under threat.

The Committee:-

i.    NOTED the revised plans for delivering 1140 hours by 2020;
ii.    NOTED the latest position on the additional graduate posts; and
iii.    AGREED the review of the childcare manager role.

12.    Self-Directed Support (Children) – 6 Month Update Briefing
Taic Fèin-Stiùirichte (Clann) – Brath às Ùr 6 Mìosan

There had been circulated Report No PEO/23/18 dated 5 March 2018 by the Director of Care and Learning.

The Committee:-

i.    NOTED the update; and
ii.    APPROVED the recommended actions in section 5 of the report.

13.    Community Learning and Development Plan 2018-2021
Plana Ionnsachadh agus Leasachadh Coimhearsnachd 2018-2021

There had been circulated Report No PEO/24/18 dated 1 March 2018 by the Director of Care and Learning.

The Committee:-

i.    NOTED the legal requirement to produce a Highland Community Learning and Development Plan 2018-2021;
ii.    AGREED that the Community Planning Partnership be consulted on the draft Plan; and
iii.    AGREED that the Care, Learning and Housing Committee consider and finalise the new Highland Community Learning and Development Plan at its meeting scheduled for 29 August 2018.

14.    Minutes
Geàrr-chunntas

Declaration of Interest: Mr A Christie declared a non-financial interest in this item as a Non-Executive Director of NHS 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.

The Committee:-

i.    NOTED the Minutes of the Highland Child Protection Committee – 7 December 2017;
ii.    APPROVED the Minutes of the Adult Services Development and Scrutiny Sub-Committee – 7 February 2018; and
iii.    APPROVED the Minutes of the Poverty and Inequalities Working Group – 13 February 2017, with the exception of the preliminaries, it having been confirmed that, at full Council on 8 March 2018, Mr R Gale had been appointed to the Group as the representative from the Liberal Democrat Group in place of Mr A Christie.

The meeting concluded at 12.50 pm.