Agendas, reports and minutes

A meeting of the Education Committee will take place in the Council Chamber, Council Headquarters, Glenurquhart Road, Inverness on Thursday 30 May 2024 at 10.35 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.

Yours faithfully

Stewart Fraser
Head of Legal and Governance

Business

1. Calling of the Roll and Apologies for Absence
Gairm a’ Chlàir agus Leisgeulan

2. Declarations of Interest/Transparency Statement
Foillseachaidhean Com-pàirt/Aithris Fhollaiseachd

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 provide some information on the nature of the interest and leave the meeting at the appropriate time.  Advice may be sought from officers prior to the meeting taking place.

3. Good News/Outstanding Achievements
Naidheachdan Matha/Coileanaidhean Air Leth

4. Positive Destinations    
Cinn-uidhe Mhatha

There is circulated Report No EDU/7/24 by the Assistant Chief Executive – People.

The Committee is invited to note:-

i.  the content of the report and the progress made in improving positive destinations for all; and
ii. the work developed to support the most vulnerable young people to secure positive destinations through work-related learning and My Future, My Success.

5. Curriculum for Excellence Assessment and Moderation
Measadh agus Measarrachd a’ Churraicealaim airson Sàr-mhathais

There will be a presentation by Fiona Jamieson, Collaborative Lead Officer, Emily Ross, Quality Assurance Moderation Support Officer, Jillian Kean, Head Teacher, Merkinch Primary School, and Rhona MacCormick, Head Teacher, Dalneigh Primary School.

6. Young Carers Statement and Strategy 2024-2026, Education and Learning                                                                                                              
Aithris agus Ro-innleachd Luchd-cùraim Òga 2024–2026, Foghlam agus Ionnsachadh

There is circulated Report No EDU/8/24 by the Assistant Chief Executive – People.

The Committee is invited to:-

i.  recognise the progress made by Education and Learning with regards the enhanced support for Young Carers; and
ii. agree the Young Carers Strategy and Statement for Education and Learning.

7. School Roll Forecasts and Capacity Modelling    
Ro-mheasaidhean Chlàran Sgoile

There is circulated Report No EDU/9/24 by the Assistant Chief Executive – People.

The Committee is invited to note the updated 15-year School Roll Forecasts and the recent work to establish a consistent approach to capacity modelling for all types of schools.

8. Service Performance Monitoring Report for Quarter 4 – 1 January 2024 to 31 March 2024
Aithris Coileanaidh Seirbheis – 1 Faoilleach 2024 gu 31 Màrt 2024    

There is circulated Report No EDU/10/24 by the Assistant Chief Executive – People.

The Committee is invited to:-

i.  scrutinise Service performance and risk information; and
ii. agree the suggested change to the planned target in respect of the High Life Highland Contract review, as set out in paragraph 5.2 of the report.

9. High Life Highland Progress Report    
Aithisg Adhartais High Life na Gàidhealtachd

There is circulated Report No EDU/11/24 by the Chief Executive, High Life Highland (HLH).

The Committee is invited to note:-

i.   the performance of High Life Highland (HLH) during the operating period to 31 March 2024, including HLH’s contributions to the implementation of the Highland Council Corporate Plan in Appendix A;
ii.  general updates provided in section 2 of the report; 
iii. that HLH continues to deliver Public Service Obligations on behalf of the Highland Council as set out in the Service Delivery Contract; 
iv.  progress on the Service Delivery Contract Review; and
v.   information in section ten, income growth and development in partnership with the Highland Council.

10. Eden Court Update
Cunntas às Ùr mu Chùirt an Easbaig

There will be a presentation by Rebecca Holt, Chief Executive, Eden Court.

11. Counselling in Schools Update    
Cunntas às Ùr mu Chomhairleachadh ann an Sgoiltean

There is circulated Report No EDU/12/24 by the Assistant Chief Executive – People.

The Committee is invited to note:-

i.  the updated information on school counselling in Highland schools; and
ii. the training available in relation to Promoting Positive Relationships, Mental Health Awareness and Becoming Trauma Informed, which can be signposted as appropriate to schools and services within communities.

12. Parental Engagement Strategy    
Ro-innleachd Com-pàirteachadh Phàrantach

There is circulated Report No EDU/13/24 by the Assistant Chief Executive – People.

The Committee is invited to:-

i.   note the content of the report;
ii.  approve the Parental Engagement Strategy – Appendix 1 of the report; and
iii. approve the Highland Council Parental Engagement Strategy Improvement Plan – Appendix 2 of the report.

13. Community Learning and Development Year 2 Report – October 2022 to September 2023    
Aithisg Bliadhna 2 Ionnsachadh agus Leasachadh Coimhearsnachd – Dàmhair 2022 gu Sultain 2023

There is circulated Report No EDU/14/24 by the Assistant Chief Executive – People.

The Committee is invited to note:-

i.   the progress, including key achievements, made in year two of the Highland Community Learning and Development Plan;
ii.  the priorities and focus for year three of the Highland Community Learning and Development Plan, and;
iii. that the annual inspection visit from His Majesty Inspectors of Education for Community Learning and Development has been advised to The Highland Council for Monday 3rd to Wednesday 5th June.

14. Statutory Consultation Exercise – Badcaul Primary School:  Request to Proceed to Consultation on Permanent Closure    
Eacarsaich Co-chomhairleachaidh Reachdail – Bun-Sgoil a’ Bhad Chall: Iarrtas a Dhol air Adhart gu Co-chomhairleachadh mu Dhùnadh Maireannach
 
There is circulated Report No EDU/15/24 by the Assistant Chief Executive – People.

The Committee is invited to agree to proceed to statutory consultation on the basis of the Proposal Paper attached to the report.