Education Committee - 23/06/2014

At a MEETING of the EDUCATION COMMITTEE held at Dundee on 23rd June, 2014.

Present:-

BAILIES

COUNCILLORS

Councillor Stewart HUNTER, Convener, in the Chair.

The minute of meeting of this Committee of 19th May, 2014 was held as read.

Unless marked thus * all items stand delegated.

I DECLARATION OF INTEREST

There were no declarations of interest.

II VALEDICTORY - MR ARTHUR FORREST

The Convener thanked Mr Arthur Forrest, Teacher representative on the Education Committee who was retiring at the end of the current session for his contribution to this Committee over the past four years.

The Education Committee associated themselves with the Conveners remarks.

III PROVISION OF FINANCIAL SUPPORT TO VOLUNTARY SECTOR PARTNERS

There was submitted Report No 252-2014 by the Director of Education seeking approval to provide funding to third sector partners for the continued delivery of childcare services.

The Committee approved the report and awarded funding of 60,000 as outlined in Appendix A of the report noted below:-

IV OUTCOME OF CONSULTATION ON PROPOSAL TO MODIFY THE GUIDELINES IN RESPECT OF PLACING REQUESTS AND TO VARY THEARRANGEMENTS FOR TRANSFER OF PUPILS FROM PRIMARY SCHOOL TO SECONDARY SCHOOL

There was submitted Report No 249-2014 by the Director of Education reporting on the outcome of the formal consultation carried out in terms of the Schools Consultation (Scotland) Act 2010.

The Committee:-

(i) noted the contents of the report;

(ii) noted the accompanying Consultation Report including the report by Education Scotland published on 21st April, 2014; and

(iii) agreed the proposal to modify the guidelines in respect of placing requests, and to vary the arrangements for the transfer of pupils from primary school to secondary school, subject to the modifications referred to in paragraph 3.4 of the Consultation Report.

V KINGSPARK SCHOOL EXTERNAL REVIEW - ACTION PLAN

There was submitted Report No 253-2014 by the Director of Education providing the Committee with the core action plan and governance arrangements in light of the recent independent review of Kingspark School.

The Convener, seconded by Councillor Murray, moved to note the contents of the report and remit the Director of Education to bring back to this Committee an update on progress in December, 2014 along with the following addition:-

Council also need to work with all Partner Agencies involved in Child Protection to develop a protocol that addresses point 3.5 from the summary of recommendations contained within the Marquis Report (Agencies should ensure that appropriate staff have the skills and confidence to interview children or young people with additional needs where this is appropriate). When this protocol is developed, it should be brought to the attention of the Justice Secretary and shared as best practice with Police Scotland and other Child Protection Committees.

As an amendment, Councillor Keenan, seconded by Bailie Borthwick, moved that:-

given that there is an ongoing Police enquiry into child protection concerns at Kingspark School also taking the Marquis Report, its findings, recommendations and subsequent action plan for improvement, Council instruct the Chief Executive to formally request that the Dundee Child Care and Protection Committee re-visit the allegations laid against Kingspark School and that their report and recommendations be brought back to a future Education Committee.

On a division, there voted for the motion - the Convener, Lord Provost, Depute Lord Provost, Bailies Sawers and Scott, Councillors Guild, Alexander, Black, Bowes, Cordell, Dawson, Lynn, McDonald, Melville, Murray and Miss Mands, Mr Forrest and Mr Douris (18); and for the amendment - Bailies Wright and Borthwick and Councillors Keenan, Asif, Bidwell, Brennan, Cruickshank, Ferguson, Gordon, McCready, McGovern and Macpherson (12) - whereupon the motion was declared carried.

VI EDUCATION COMMITTEE - TEACHER REPRESENTATIVES

There was submitted Agenda Note AN185-2014 where reference was made to Article IV of the statutory meeting of the City Council of 21st May, 2012 where it was agreed to appoint two teaching staff representatives to this Committee.

A letter had been received from Mr Arthur Forrest intimating his resignation from the Education Committee effective from 30th June, 2014 as he would be retiring from his teaching post at Baldragon Academy at the end of the summer term.

The Committee approved the filling of the resultant vacancy and instructed the Head of Democratic and Legal Services to make the necessary arrangements to seek nominations.

Stewart HUNTER, Convener.