Committees

A meeting of the Adult and Children’s Services Committee will take place in the Council Chamber, Council Headquarters, Glenurquhart Road, Inverness on Wednesday 21 August 2013 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.

Yours faithfully

Michelle Morris
Assistant Chief Executive

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. Recess Powers
    Cumhachdan Fosaidh

The Committee is asked to note that the Recess Powers granted by the Council at its meeting on 27 June 2013 have not been exercised in relation to the business of the Adult and Children’s Services Committee.

4. Presentation: Wick High School – Belize Trip
    Taisbeanadh: Àrd-sgoil Inbhir Ùige – Turas Belize

Pupils from Wick High School will give a presentation on their recent visit to Belize.

5. Revenue Budget – Final Outturn 2012/13 and Monitoring 2013/14
    Buidseat Teachd-a-steach – Fìor Shuidheachadh Deireannach
    2012/13 agus  Sgrùdadh 2013/14

i. Education, Culture and Sport
   Foghlam, Cultar agus Spòrs

There is circulated Report No ACS-63-13 (62kb pdf) dated 5 August 2013 by the Director of Education, Culture and Sport which sets out the Revenue Budget unaudited final outturn position for the financial year ending on 31 March 2013 and the monitoring position for the three months to 30 June 2013.

The Committee is invited to note:-

i.  that the Service delivered a balanced budget for financial year 2012/13;
ii.  that the overall surplus carried forward by schools at the end of financial
    year 2012/13 decreased by £0.50M (18.1%);
iii. the projected variances at the end of the first quarter of the new financial
    year and the commitment to identify compensatory budget savings and
    other management actions required to offset these pressures by the end
    of the financial year; and
iv. the progress with the achievement of the 2013/14 savings target and the
    commitment to identify compensatory savings where required.

ii. Health and Social Care
   Slàinte agus Cùram Sòisealta

There is circulated Report No ACS-64-13 (194kb pdf) dated 5 August 2013 by the Director of Health and Social Care which sets out the revenue monitoring final outturn for the Health and Social Care Service budget in 2012/13 and the revenue monitoring statement for the three months to 30 June 2013.

The Committee is invited to:-

i. note the budget monitoring position; and
ii. approve the actions that continue to be taken.

6. Capital Expenditure – Final Outturn 2012/13 and Monitoring
    2013/14
    Caiteachas Calpa – Fìor Shuidheachadh Deireannach 2012/13 agus
    Sgrùdadh 2013/14

i. Education, Culture and Sport
   Foghlam, Cultar agus Spòrs

There is circulated Report No ACS-65-13 (179kb pdf) dated 12 August 2013 by the Director of Education, Culture and Sport which advises of the final expenditure position for the 2012/13 Education Culture and Sport Capital programme and informs of progress on the 2013/14 programme. It also outlines various issues arising out of the recent review of the Council’s capital programme and seeks approval for some new projects as well as amendments to the budgets for several projects.  The report also updates on several prioritised feasibility studies as well as the Sustainable School Estate Review. Finally, it identifies ongoing measures to improve communication and performance and also specific matters with actions recommended for approval.

The Committee is invited to:-

i.  note the final expenditure position for the 2012/13 capital programme as
    detailed in Appendix 1;
ii.  note the status of the 2013/14 capital programme as at the end of June
    2013 as detailed in Appendix 2;
iii.  note the status of the major capital projects as detailed in Appendix 3;
iv. note the outcome of the review of the General Fund capital programme as
    detailed in paragraph 4.1.1 of the report and agree that the remaining
    balance of £161,000 for the Dornoch Sports Centre project from the
    previously approved capital programme be reallocated to the Life Cycle
    Investment budget heading as detailed in paragraph 4.1.2 of the report;
v.  agree the new projects and amendments to existing budget allocations as
    detailed in section 4.2 of the report:
vi. note the status of the prioritised feasibility studies as detailed in section 5 of
    the report and agree to continue with the studies on Beauly Primary School
    and Inverness High School;
vii. note the status of the Sustainable School Estate Review as detailed in
     Section 6 of the report;
viii. note the proposed measures to improve communication with Ward
     Members as detailed in paragraph 7.1 of the report;
ix. note the proposed approach to learn from the experience of completed
    projects and the outcome of the review of the project at Lochardil Primary
    School as detailed in section 7.2 of the report;
x.  agree that the former playing fields and pavilion at Fascally, Brora be
    declared surplus to operational requirements;
xi. agree that the former bus garage building and surrounding area at
    Drummuie, Golspie be declared surplus to operational requirements; and
xii. agree that the disused playing field area adjacent to the former Knockbain
    Primary School, Moniack be declared surplus to operational requirements.

ii. Health and Social Care
   Slàinte agus Cùram Sòisealta

There is circulated Report No ACS-66-13 (47kb pdf) dated 9 August 2013 by the Director of Health and Social Care which updates Members on progress to date with the Health and Social Care Capital Programme and provides information on the final outturn 2012/13 and monitoring 2013/14 as well as an update on fire safety and other health and safety capital works being undertaken.

The Committee is invited to approve the report and budgetary position.

7. Preventative Spend Update
    Fios as Ùr mu Chosg Casgach

There is circulated Report No ACS-67-13 (257kb pdf) dated  9 August 2013 by the Director of Health and Social Care which provides an update on the Council’s commitment for preventative spend to improve outcomes for young children and older people and to address deprivation, including a new proposal for a Family Support Public Social Partnership.

The Committee is invited to comment on the update on preventative spend proposals, particularly regarding the proposal for a Family Support Public Social Partnership and the establishment of two Health Improvement posts which would require to be recommended to the Finance, Housing and Resources Committee.

8. SQA 2013 – Initial Analysis
    Ùghdarras Teisteanasan na h-Alba 2013 – Anailis Thùsail

There is circulated Report No ACS-68-13 (141kb pdf) dated 7 August 2013 by the Director of Education, Culture and Sport which provides an initial analysis of SQA results in Highland Schools in 2013.

The Committee is invited to comment on the initial analysis of the SQA results and congratulate the young people of Highland on their successes in this year’s exams.

9. Learning Policy 2013
    Poileasaidh Ionnsachaidh 2013

There is circulated Report No ACS-69-13 (440kb pdf) dated 5 August 2013 by the Director of Education, Culture and Sport which summarises the culmination of 20 years of work developing Learning and Teaching policies in Highland.  The 2013 version, for the first time, aligns Curriculum, Learning, Teaching and Assessment into a single coherent policy.

The Committee is invited to:-

i. comment on the Highland Learning Policy 2013; and
ii. agree to endorse the approach being taken in Highland to link curriculum,
   learning, teaching and assessment in a single coherent policy.

10. Education Services for Gypsy/Traveller Families – Session 2012/13
      Seirbheisean Foghlaim do Theaghlaichean Luchd-siubhail – Seisean
      2012/13

There is circulated Report No ACS-70-13 (22kb pdf) dated 13 August 2013 by the Director of Health and Social Care which summarises the work of the Interrupted Learning Development Officer’s work with Gypsy/Traveller families in Highland during session 2012-2013.

The Committee is invited to note and comment on the work of the Interrupted Learning Development Officer’s work with Gypsy/Traveller families in the past school session.

11. Curriculum for Excellence Update
      Fios as Ùr mun Churraicealam airson Sàr-mhathais

There is circulated Report No ACS-71-13 (131kb pdf) dated 7 August 2013 by the Director of Education, Culture and Sport which summarises recent developments in Curriculum for Excellence implementation and outlines priorities for 2013/14.

The Committee is invited to note the updated inspection advice and changes to exams from 2014 and comment on the 2013/14 Curriculum for Excellence priorities.

12. Performance Report – Children’s Services
      Aithisg air Dèanadas – Seirbheisean Chloinne

There is circulated Report No ACS-72-13 (169kb pdf) dated 6 August 2013 by the Director of Health and Social Care which provides an update on the performance framework for Children’s Services.

The Committee is invited to consider and comment on the performance information.

13. Respite Arrangements for Children
      Ullachaidhean Faochaidh do Chloinn

There is circulated Report No ACS-73-13 (99kb pdf) dated 8 August 2013 by the Director of Health and Social Care which focuses on the role of short breaks/respite in ensuring that children and young people are nurtured and included by all of those with key roles in their lives and the lives of their families, enabling them to feel that they belong, be that in their nursery, school or community.  The report outlines the impact of a range of factors resulting in increasing need for short breaks/respite provision and other kinds of support for children with disabilities and their families and the need for continued deployment of resources to support these needs.  The impact of implementation of the Social Care (Self-directed Support) (Scotland) Act 2013 by April 2014 is also taken into consideration.

The Committee is invited to:-

i. note and comment on the issues raised in the report;
ii. note the continuing challenges in service provision; and
iii. agree to commend the good services being provided by staff and partners.

14. Primary and Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services
      Prìomh Sheirbheisean Slàinte Inntinn agus Seirbheisean Slàinte
      Inntinn do Chloinn agus Òganaich

There is circulated Report No ACS-74-13 (45kb pdf) dated 13 August 2013 by the Director of Health and Social Care which explains that in April 2012, as part of the process of integrating care, the Primary Mental Health Worker (PMHW) team transferred from NHS Highland to the Highland Council.  The PMHW service is part of the wider Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) within the NHS and is required to meet the expected targets of other CAMHS services in providing intervention for all new referrals within 26 weeks of the referral being made.  This has not always been possible for the service and the report provides detail about the issues arising for PMHWs in meeting this target.

The Committee is invited to note and comment on the content of the report and the commitment to continue to closely monitor access to the Primary Mental Health Worker service with an aim of retaining its focus as an early intervention service.

15. Additional Support Needs Review – Interim Report
      Ath-sgrùdadh air Feumalachdan Taice a Bharrachd – Aithisg Eadar-
      amail

There is circulated joint Report No ACS-75-13 (31kb pdf) dated 13 August 2013 by the Directors of Education, Culture and Sport and Health and Social Care which explains that, as a means of providing a focus on policy, practice and outcomes in supporting pupils with Additional Support Needs (ASN) in Highland, to identify where practice could be improved and also what practice is effective in meeting current need, an ASN review was commenced in April 2013.  The report summarises the activity to date and provides information on key themes emerging from the review that will be taken forward in the coming session.

The Committee is invited to:-

i. note the review and the work undertaken so far; and
ii. agree to endorse the range of emerging themes to be further developed in
   phase 2 of the review.

16. Psychological Service Update and 2013-2014 Priorities
      Fios as Ùr mun t-Seirbheis Shaidhc-eòlais agus Prìomhachasan
      2013 – 2014

There is circulated Report No ACS-76-13 (313kb pdf) dated 16 July 2013 by the Director of Health and Social Care which gives an update on the work of the Psychological Service during the 2012-2013 session and considers priorities for the coming year, 2013-2014.

The Committee is invited to note and comment on the work of the Psychological Service 2012-2013 and the priorities for 2013-2014.

17. Amending the Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010
      Ag Atharrachadh Achd Co-chomhairleachadh Sgoiltean (Alba)
      2010

There is circulated Report No ACS-77-13 (22kb pdf) dated 6 August 2013 by the Director of Education, Culture and Sport which sets out the background to the consultation on Amending the Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010 and outlines draft responses and supporting rationale.

The Committee is invited to consider the draft responses and agree the Council’s response to the consultation.

18. Delivery of role of “Champions”
      Lìbhrigeadh dreuchd “Churaidhean”

There is circulated Report No ACS-78-13 (40kb pdf) dated 9 August 2013 by the Director of Health and Social Care which reviews the first year of the role of Champions in the current Council Administration.

The Committee is invited to note and comment on the report.

19. Additional Hours Early Learning and Childcare
      Uairean a Bharrachd airson Tràth-ionnsachadh agus Cùram-
      chloinne

There is circulated joint Report No ACS-79-13 (18kb pdf) dated 13 August 2013 by the Directors of Education, Culture and Sport and Health and Social Care which outlines the broad approach being taken in order to meet the requirement to deliver 600 hours of funded early learning and childcare across Highland by August 2014.

The Committee is invited to note the progress being made with regard to the implementation of 600 hours of early learning and childcare by August 2014.

20. Care Home Services in Tain and Muir of Ord
      Seirbheisean Dhachannan Cùraim ann am Baile Dhubhthaich agus
      sa Bhlàr Dhubh

There is circulated Report No ACS-80-13 (19kb pdf) dated 29 July 2013 by the Director of Health and Social Care which provides an update on progress towards new care home provision in Tain and Muir of Ord.

The Committee is invited to note the update and confirmation of the signing of contracts for new care homes in Tain and Muir of Ord with Parklands Highland Ltd.

21. Notice of Children’s Services Inspection
      Brath mu Sgrùdadh Sheirbheisean Cloinne

There is circulated separately joint Report No ACS-81-13 (32kb pdf)  dated 2 August 2013 by the Directors of Education, Culture and Sport and Health and Social Care which provides notice to Members of a joint inspection of children’s services in Highland, due to take place in October/November 2013.  The inspection will examine how well public services work together to improve outcomes for children, especially children in need.

The Committee is invited to note the report.

22. Audit Action Plans
      Planaichean-gnìomha Sgrùdaidh

i. Catering Establishment – System Weaknesses; and School Meals –
   Income Collection and Monitoring Systems
   Ionad Frithealaidh – Laigsean Siostaim, agus Biadh Sgoile – Togail
   Teachd-a-steach agus Siostaman Sgrùdaidh

There is circulated Report No ACS-82-13 (160kb pdf)  dated 5 August 2013 by the Director of Education, Culture and Sport which provides an overview of the Internal Audit reports relating to the Education, Culture and Sport Service considered by the Audit and Scrutiny Committee in Autumn 2012 and progress with the related management actions agreed at that Committee.

The Committee is invited to note the management actions taken to address the issues identified in the Internal Audit reports.

ii. CareFirst
    CareFirst

There is circulated Report No ACS-83-13 (31kb pdf) dated 8 August 2013 by the Director of Health and Social Care which details the actions taken to address the Service specific issue raised by Internal Audit regarding the re-use of previous passwords in CareFirst.

The Committee is invited to note the content of the audit report and the proposed solution to address the issue raised.

23. Conference for Local Authority Church Representatives
      Co-labhairt airson Riochdairean Eaglais Ùghdarrais Ionadail

The Committee is invited to approve the attendance of Mr G Smith at the Church of Scotland Conference for Local Authority Church Representatives on 19 September 2013 in Edinburgh.  There is no conference fee.

24. Minutes
      Geàrr-chunntas

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

i. Criminal Justice Sub-Committee of 30 May 2013 (20kb pdf); and
ii. Child Protection Committee of 4 June 2013 (28kb pdf).