Agenda, decisions and minutes

The agenda and reports associated with this minute can be located at the following link:-

http://committees.aberdeencity.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=504&MId=3885&Ver=4

Please note that if any changes are made to this minute at the point of approval, these will be outlined in the subsequent minute and this document will not be retrospectively altered.

The Convener advised the Committee as to a number of good news stories as follows –

• Spectra 2016

On 5 October Spectra 2016 – Aberdeen’s spectacular festival of light won the festival of the year award at the drum Scottish event awards 2016.  The partnership with the arts-led production company Curated Place delivered the four-night light festival in early February, pairing leading international artists with Scottish collaborators creating North East’s most successful event.

• Pupils impress Chinese delegation with their mandarin skills

Pupils from Danestone Primary School showed off their language skills to a delegation from Wuhan University in China, along with representatives from Aberdeen University’s Confucius institute in early October.

Danestone Primary School and Oldmachar Academy, along with Forehill, Glashieburn, Greenbrae and Middleton Park Schools form the only associated school group in the country offering a non European language as part of the curriculum between primary 1 and secondary 6.  The delegation also visited Oldmachar Academy where they met the Lord Provost and pupils and staff including Head Teacher, Judith Mohamed.

It was great to see Aberdeen University’s Confucius institute working so closely with Danestone Primary School and Oldmachar Academy in teaching pupils mandarin.  Being able to communicate in language spoken by 16% of the world’s population would open up new horizons for our children.  The Convener was proud that Aberdeen schools were leading the way in Scotland as being the first to offer a non European language as part of the curriculum from primary 1 upwards.  Having partner schools in Wuhan would also help pupils in Aberdeen appreciate and understand their culture.

The visitors from Aberdeen and Wuhan universities were hugely impressed with what they saw.  It was truly inspirational seeing the P1 class, who had only been at school for 8/9 weeks sing three songs to the delegation in mandarin.

Learning mandarin was much more than just learning a foreign language.  Being able to talk two or more languages would increase overall attainment.  Being better able to learn across all subjects was a major influence in investing the time and effort to introduce mandarin into the curriculum.  The partnership with the University of Aberdeen Confucius institute had been invaluable.  They helped the Service secure individual partner schools in the city of Wuhan and provide each of the schools with a native mandarin speaking volunteer who work with schools for a whole year and support mandarin teaching.  It was also an honour to have Vice Principal Li Fei seeing the amazing work we are doing together and to work with the Service on building further research and teaching collaborations.

• Teachers brave night in the Tolbooth museum for charity

Nine brave teachers from seven Aberdeen secondary schools, took part in a pre-Halloween night inside Aberdeen’s historic, and supposedly haunted Tolbooth museum, Castle Street, on Saturday 29 October 2016, in aid of charity.

The teachers took up the challenge on behalf of two charities: friendly access and me too magazine, a local what’s on guide for children with additional  ...  view the full minutes text for item 1.

At this juncture, Councillor Nicoll moved as a procedural motion, seconded by Councillor Hutchison:-

that item 2 (Braeside School Repair Costs) on the information bulletin be included on today’s agenda for full consideration.

On a division, there voted:-  for the procedural motion (10) - Councillors Copland, Flynn, Hutchison, MacGregor, Nicoll, Noble, Jennifer Stewart, Townson and Yuill and Mrs Irene Wischik;  against the procedural motion (10) - Convener; the Vice Convener; and Councillors Boulton, Cooney, Crockett, Donnelly, Lesley Dunbar, Laing, Malik; and Young; declined to vote (1) – Mr Mike Paul.

There being an equality of votes, in terms of Standing Order 15(5), the Convener exercised her casting vote against the procedural motion.

The Committee resolved:

to reject the procedural motion.

The Committee had before it the minute of its meeting of 8 September 2016.

The Committee resolved:

(i)         to approve the minute as a correct record; and

(ii)        in relation to resolution (iii) of item 11 (ALEO Governance Update: Garthdee Alpine Sports Limited), to note that the Head of Policy, Performance and Resources would meet with Councillor Townson directly regarding the developments regarding the Transfer Agreement and Funding Service Provision between Aberdeen City Council and Garthdee Alpine Sports.

The Committee had before it a statement of pending and outstanding committee business which had been prepared by the Head of Legal and Democratic Services.

The Committee resolved:

(i)         in relation to item 3 (Countesswells School Zone – Braeside Building), to note that an information bulletin report was available and therefore to delete the item;

(ii)        to delete items 1 (Residential Children’s Services Review and Redesign Programme), 2 (2015/2016 Revenue Budget Monitoring – Out of Authority Placements), 4 (Payment Controls in Children’s Social Work), and resolutions (i) and (iii) of item 8 (Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014)) subject to the decisions taken later on today’s agenda;

(iii)       in relation to resolution (ii) of item 8 (Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014)), to agree that a report be submitted to the Committee’s meeting on 29 May 2017; and

(iv)       to otherwise note the updates contained therein.

The Committee had before it a list of motions prepared by the Head of Legal and Democratic Services.

The Committee resolved:

to note that a report on the Motion by Councillor Yuill was to be considered later on today’s agenda.

With reference to article 8 of the minute of the meeting of the Education and Children’s Services Committee of 8 September 2016, the Committee had before it a report by the Director of Education and Children’s Services and the Head of Finance which advised members of the current year revenue budget to date for the Education and Children’s Service, and outlined any areas of risk, and management action being taken in this regard.

The report recommended –

that the Committee consider and note the report and the information on management action and risks that was contained therein.

The Convener, seconded by the Vice Convener moved:-

that the Committee –

(1)       note the contents of the report;

(2)       note the decision by the Scottish Government to set up an Attainment Fund, and to agree with the Scottish Parliament, that the SNP Scottish Government’s decision to collect Aberdeen City Council Tax payers money and redistribute Aberdeen City Council tax payers monies in the central belt and beyond undermined the principal of local accountability and autonomy;

(3)       instruct the Chief Executive to write to the Deputy First Minister of Scotland and Cabinet Secretary for Education and the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and the Constitution asking both of them to outline the mechanism with which the additional income raised from the increase in Council tax bands E-H would be calculated and passed to the Scottish Government and to provide details of the actual or estimated amount, and methodology, Aberdeen City Council would receive back from the Scottish Government from the new Attainment Fund; and

(4)       refer the reported overspend position in relation to the Aberdeen Treasure Hub to the February 2017 meeting of the Audit, Risk and Scrutiny Committee.

Councillor Flynn, seconded by Councillor Nicoll moved as an amendment:-

that the Committee –

(a)       note the report;

(b)       note the decision taken by the Scottish Parliament on 3 November 2016 to implement an increase in Council tax bands E-H from April 2017;

(c)        agree that these changes were an improvement upon the current system and would help foster a more fair and equal Scotland;

(d)       believe that all children, regardless of where they were born and then brought up by their parents/carers, should have access to the best educational opportunities available;

(e)       commend the Scottish Government’s attempts to increase attainment across Scotland and recognise the positive impact which success on this front would have for both Aberdeen and Scotland as a whole; and

(f)        refer the reported overspend position in relation to the Aberdeen Treasure Hub to the February 2017 meeting of the Audit, Risk and Scrutiny Committee.

On a division, there voted:- for the motion (13) – the Convener; the Vice Convener; and Councillors Boulton, Cooney, Crockett, Donnelly, Lesley Dunbar, Laing, Malik, Jennifer Stewart, Young and Yuill and Mrs Irene Wischik; for the amendment (7) – Councillors Copland, Flynn, Hutchison, MacGregor, Nicoll, Noble and Townson; declined to vote (1) – Mr Mike Paul.

The Committee resolved:

(i)         to adopt the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

The Committee had before it a report by the Director of Education and Children’s Services which provided a summary of the 2015/2016 annual performance (statutory performance indicator) outcomes covering the work of the Education and Children’s Services Directorate.

The report recommended –

that the Committee -

(a)       note the content of the report; and

(b)       note the detailed Education and Children’s Services 2015-16 Annual Performance (Statutory Performance Indicator) outcomes contained within Appendices A and B.

The Committee resolved:

(i)         to approve the recommendations;

(ii)        to instruct officers to bring forward, to the January 2017 meeting of the Committee, a summary report detailing key progress since May 2012;

(iii)       to request the Head of Children’s Services, by way of email, to provide Councillor Copland with a breakdown of the number of new child protection registrations and the number of children who came off the register in 2015/2016; and

(iv)       to request the Senior Democratic Services Manager to review the method for the circulation of colour copies of reports for future meetings of the Committee.

The Committee had before it a report by the Director of Education and Children’s Services which provided an update on (1) the most recent Aberdeen City attainment data in the Scottish Government senior phase (S4 to S6) national benchmarking tool, Insight; and (2) the current trends in attainment in the senior phase, including the Scottish Qualification Authority (SQA) performance, in Aberdeen City for the academic session 2015/2016, using the local and national benchmarking measures from Insight.

The report recommended –

that the Committee -

(a)       note the information provided in the report;

(b)       note the progress made in relation to the four national benchmark measures for attainment and achievement in the senior phase in our secondary schools using Insight and the local and national benchmarking measures; and

(c)        acknowledge the hard work and dedication of pupils and staff which had resulted in their successes in examinations and other courses and awards.

The Committee resolved:

to approve the recommendations.

With reference to article 3 of the minute of the meeting of the former Education, Culture and Sport Committee of 7 February 2013, the Committee had before it a report by the Director of Education and Children’s Services which advised on the outcome of recent statutory consultations on the proposals to make changes to the school zone boundaries for (1) St Machar Academy and Northfield Academy; and (2) the primary school zone boundaries for Broomhill School, Airyhall School and Ferryhill School.

The report recommended –

that the Committee agree to implement the following proposals:

1.         For the St Machar Academy and Northfield Academy rezoning proposal:

·         to rezone an area of housing within the Manor Park and Bramble Brae School zones, from the St Machar Academy zone to the Northfield Academy zone; and

2.         For the Broomhill School, Airyhall School and Ferryhill School rezoning proposals:

·         to remove an area of dual school zoning for Broomhill School and Airyhall School, and to include this area within the zone for Broomhill School only, from 1 August 2017; and

·         to remove an area of dual school zoning for Broomhill School and Ferryhill School, and to include this area within the zone for Broomhill School only, from 1 August 2017.

The Convener, seconded by the Vice Convener moved:-

that the Committee approve the recommendations in the report and instructs officers to prepare a proposal document for public consultation on the proposal to rezone the area of ground which lay south of North Deeside Road and was currently in the Airyhall School zone to the Broomhill School zone.

Councillor Yuill, seconded by Councillor Jennifer Stewart moved as an amendment:-

that the Committee –

(1)       approve the proposal in respect of the St Machar Academy and Northfield Academy to rezone an area of housing within the Manor Park and Bramble Brae School zones, from the St Machar Academy zone to the Northfield Academy zone;

(2)       approve the proposal to remove an area of dual school zoning for Broomhill School and Ferryhill School, and to include this area within the zone for Broomhill School only, from 1 August 2017; and

(3)       take no action in respect of the proposal to remove an area of dual school zoning for Broomhill School and Airyhall School.

On a division, there voted:- for the motion (18) – the Convener; the Vice Convener and Councillors Boulton, Cooney, Copland, Crockett, Donnelly, Lesley Dunbar, Flynn, Grant, Hutchison, Laing, MacGregor, Nicoll, Noble, Townson, and Young and Mrs Irene Wischik; for the amendment (2) – Councillors Jennifer Stewart and Yuill; declined to vote (1) – Mr Mike Paul.

The Committee resolved:

to adopt the motion.

MATTER OF URGENCY

The Convener intimated that she had directed in terms of Section 50(B)(4)(b) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 that the following item could be considered as a matter of urgency so that the Committee could determine the name of the new Academy South of the City and announce this to the pupils and local community as soon as possible.

The Committee had before it a report by the Director of Education and Children’s Services which sought approval for the name of the new South of the City Academy which would replace Kincorth Academy and Torry Academy.

The report recommended:

that the Committee –

(a)       note the engagement with pupils, staff and wider community to find a name for the new South of the City Academy and the scores registered for each shortlisted name;

(b)       agree that following the public consultation the Academy be called Lochside Academy; and

(c)        to otherwise note the content of the report.

The Committee resolved:

to approve the recommendations.

The Committee had before it a report by the Director of Education and Children’s Services which sought approval to conduct procurement processes to enter into contracts for equipment inspection, maintenance and repair services for a variety of educational, outdoor play and PE equipment in schools.

The report recommended:

that the Committee –

(a)       instruct officers of Education and Children’s Services and Commercial and Procurement Services, in collaboration with Aberdeenshire Council, to conduct an open tender process for the Provision of Educational Equipment Inspections for a variety of equipment within schools;

(b)       instruct officers of Education and Children’s Services and Commercial and Procurement Services, in collaboration with Aberdeenshire Council, to enter into Call Off Contract(s) under the ESPO (Eastern Shires Purchasing Organisation) Framework Agreement 107 for the Provision of PE and Fitness Equipment Inspections within schools, leisure sites and community centres and Framework Agreement 115 for the Provision of Outdoor Play Equipment Inspections within schools; and

(c)        approve the estimated expenditure for these procurements as detailed in section 3 of the report.

The Committee resolved:

to approve the recommendations.

With reference to article 11 of the minute of the meeting of the Education and Children’s Services Committee of 2 December 2014, the Committee had before it a report by the Director of Education and Children’s Service which provided an update on progress made towards implementing the recommendations of the Inclusion Review.

The report recommended –

that the Committee –

(a)       note the content of the report; and

(b)       note the progress made in implementing the recommendations of the Inclusion Review.

The Committee resolved:

to approve the recommendations.

The Committee had before it a report by the Director of Education and Children’s Service which presented the conclusions and recommendations from the report produced by Andrew Lowe following his review of the circumstances surrounding the death of Bailey Gwynne.

The report recommended –

that the Committee –

(a)       note the content of the summary document outlining the independent review’s conclusions and recommendations;

(b)       accept those recommendations in the report pertaining to the Council;

(c)        note that officers would bring further reports on relevant matters to the Committee as necessary; and

(d)       note that the Chief Executive would share the summary document and the Council’s decisions in relation to it with the Scottish Government.

The Committee resolved:

to approve the recommendations.

The Committee had before it a report by the Director of Education and Children’s Service which sought approval of the anti-weapon/knife strategy and advised of its alignment to the recommendations of the Independent Review carried out after the incident at Cults on 28 October 2015.

The report recommended –

that the Committee –

(a)       approve the strategy;

(b)       note the additional and supporting activities;

(c)        note the commitment to wider training, development and implementation contained within the strategy; and

(d)       note the partnership working across the Northern Alliance local authorities to deliver this strategy collectively.

The Committee resolved:

to approve the recommendations.

With reference to article 30 of the minute of the meeting of the Finance, Policy and Resources Committee of 20 September 2016, the Committee had before it a report by the Director of Education and Children’s Services which provided an update regarding the redevelopment of Provost Skene House.

The report recommended –

that the Committee –

(a)       note and agree the proposals for Provost Skene House and the important link role this project had in further enhancing the cultural offering to the city residents and visitors to Aberdeen; and

(b)       otherwise note the content of the report.

The Committee resolved:

(i)         to approve the recommendations; and

(ii)        in respect of the redevelopment of Provost Skene House, to request the Head of Policy, Performance and Resources, by way of email, to (a) provide the Committee with confirmation from the contractor that the foundations of the building had not been damaged by the ongoing works at Marischal Square and information on the current condition of the building; (b) to advise whether the option of connecting the building to the combined heat and power line had been explored, and if yes, why this had not been a suitable option; and (c) to advise of the membership of the Steering Group established to advise the design team.

With reference to article 10 of the minute of the meeting of the Communities, Housing and Infrastructure Committee of 27 October 2015, the Committee had before it a report by the Director of Education and Children’s Services which provided a response to the request that officers consider the feasibility of a major item of public art alongside the Aberdeen Western Peripheral route.

The report recommended –

that the Committee –

(a)       approve the content of the report; and

(b)       should, in the future, a source of funding be identified, to instruct officers to report to the Committee on the options for commissioning a piece of public art.

The Committee resolved:

(i)         to approve the recommendations; and

(ii)        to remove the motion from the Motions List.

With reference to article 13 of the minute of the meeting of the Education and Children’s Services Committee of 2 June 2016, the Committee had before it a report by the Director of Education and Children’s Services which presented the finalised Strategy for an Active Aberdeen 2016-2026.

The report recommended:

that the Committee –

(a)       note the feedback received by the Active Aberdeen Partnership during the consultation process with relevant agencies and stakeholders; and

(b)       note and adopt the Strategy for an Active Aberdeen.

The Committee resolved:

to approve the recommendations.

At this juncture, the external members of the Committee departed.

With reference to article 19 of the minute of the meeting of the Education and Children’s Services Committee of 8 September 2016, the Committee had before it a report by the Director of Education and Children’s Services which provided further detail on the financial implications for Children’s Social Work of implementing the Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014.

The report recommended:

that the Committee –

(a)       note the anticipated financial implications of implementing the Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014; and

(b)       request a report to the Committee in autumn 2017 providing an update on the anticipated financial implications.

The Committee resolved:

to approve the recommendations.

With reference to article 15 of the minute of the meeting of the Education and Children’s Services Committee of 24 March 2016, the Committee had before it a report by the Director of Education and Children’s Services which provided an update on the implementation of the recommendations within the Audit, Risk and Scrutiny report on payment controls within Children’s Social Work.

The report recommended:

that the Committee –

(a)       note the report and the progress made by the Service in response to the earlier recommendations; and

(b)       request a subsequent update in June 2017, following the implementation of the first two areas of service to be commissioned under the Public Social Partnerships approach.

The Committee resolved:

to approve the recommendations.

With reference to article 6 of the minute of the meeting of the Education and Children’s Services Committee of 24 March 2016, the Committee had before it a report by the Director of Education and Children’s Services which advised of (1) the Council’s current position in respect of out of authority placements; (2) the actions being taken by the Service to reduce the number of out of authority placements; (3) the cost per child of an out of authority placement; and (4) the improvements from the development of the Centre for Excellence and implementation of the inclusion review.

The report recommended:

that the Committee note the work undertaken by officers to transform social work and inclusion services to provide both appropriate care and effective education for the City’s most vulnerable children and keep them within Aberdeen City wherever possible.

The Committee resolved:

(i)         to approve the recommendation; and

(ii)        to request the Head of Children’s Services and the Head of Inclusion to provide the Committee, by way of email, with a detailed breakdown, profile and explanation for (a) the number of children in out of authority placement and (b) the age profile of the children and young people placed out of authority; and (c) the cost of out of authority placements.

With reference to article 14 of the minute of the meeting of the Education and Children’s Services Committee of 24 March 2016, the Committee had before it a report by the Director of Education and Children’s Services which presented the conclusions of the review of residential childcare and sought approval of the proposed changes to the model for service delivery.

The report recommended:

that the Committee –

(a)       approve the proposed purpose, structure and role of residential childcare and the residential estate, in meeting the needs of Aberdeen’s looked after children;

(b)       note the changes of designations of key posts which better reflected the needs of the service and the updated workforce regulatory requirements set out by the Scottish Social Services Commission; and

(c)        note the revised staffing structure set out in Appendix 1.

The Committee resolved:

(i)         to approve the recommendations; and

(ii)        to request the Head of Children’s Services to submit a report in six months’ time regarding the operation of residential childcare establishments.

- COUNCILLOR ANGELA TAYLOR, Convener