Issue - meetings

(i)             to note the contents of the report, and instruct the Chief Officer - Corporate Landlord to continue to monitor forecast pupil numbers for the three denominational primary schools, and to include recommendations in next year’s annual school estate plan update report on any required actions to be taken to ensure that the city’s denominational primary school provision continued to be appropriate to meet the expected demand for pupil places; and

(ii)           to note that the Executive Director - Corporate Services would work with colleagues to look at whether the budget consultation platform could be used for other consultations.

With reference to Article 13 of the minute of meeting of the Education and Children’s Services Committee of 17 September 2024, the Council had before it a report by the Executive Director Families and Communities, which  had been referred to it by seven members of the Committee in accordance with Standing Order 34.1, and which provided a summary of the outcomes of a recent feasibility study to assess the options for the long term future of denominational primary school provision in the city, and sought approval of the next steps. The report also detailed the findings of a stakeholder engagement exercise carried out to support the feasibility study.

The report recommended:-

that the Education and Children’s Services Committee note the contents of the report, and instruct the Chief Officer - Corporate Landlord to continue to monitor forecast pupil numbers for the three denominational primary schools, and to include recommendations in next year’s annual school estate plan update report on any required actions to be taken to ensure that the city’s denominational primary school provision continued to be appropriate to meet the expected demand for pupil places.

At this juncture, Councillor Greig advised that he had a connection in relation to the item as an elder and reader with the Church of Scotland, however having applied the objective test he did not consider that he had an interest and would not be withdrawing from the meeting.

Councillor Mrs Stewart advised that she had a connection in relation to the item as a practicing Roman Catholic, however having applied the objective test she did not consider that she had an interest and would not be withdrawing from the meeting.

Councillor Alphonse advised that she had a connection in relation to the item as a member of St Machar Cathedral and as a practicing member of the Church of Scotland, however having applied the objective test she did not consider that she had an interest and would not be withdrawing from the meeting.

Councillor Yuill advised that he had a connection in relation to the item as he was baptised as a member of the Scottish Episcopal Church, he then attended Church of Scotland Sunday School and attended mass with his daughter who was Catholic, and she was educated at Catholic primary and secondary schools, however having applied the objective test he did not consider that he had an interest and would not be withdrawing from the meeting.

Councillor Cooke advised that he had a connection in relation to the item as a practicing Episcopalian, however having applied the objective test he did not consider that he had an interest and would not be withdrawing from the meeting.

Councillor Greig moved, seconded by Councillor Mennie:-

That the Council approve the recommendation contained within the report.

Councillor Blake moved as an amendment, seconded by Councillor McLeod:-

That the Council - 

(a)    notes the content of the report;

(b)    regrets the lack of a proper and open consultation with all the people of Aberdeen  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8