Educational Services Committee 9 November 2004

IRVINE, 9 November 2004 - At a Meeting of the Educational Services Committee of North Council at 2.00 p.m.

Present Jacqueline Browne, Donald Reid, Gordon Allison, Thomas Barr, Gordon Clarkson, Stewart Dewar, Drew Duncan, Jane Gorman, Jean Highgate, Elspeth MacTaggart, Father Matthew McManus, Elisabethe Marshall, Rev. Sandy Montgomerie, David Munn, David O'Neill, John Reid, Elaine Shaw, Nan Wallace and Richard Wilkinson.

In Attendance J. Travers, Corporate Director, B. Gardner, Head of Educational Resources, L. Owens and J. Ward, Heads of Service, and C. Laird, Acting Head of Service (Educational Services); J. McIntyre, Finance Manager (Finance); M. Adams and M. McKeown, Corporate and Democratic Support Officers and A. Wattie, Communications Officer (Chief Executive's).

Chair Councillor Browne in the Chair. Apologies for Absence Alan Hill, Margaret McDougall and Peter McNamara. 1. Minutes

The Minutes of the Meeting of the Committee held on 22 September 2004, copies of which had previously been circulated, were confirmed.

2. Educational Services Standing Sub Committee

Submitted the annexed report (Appendix ES1) being the Minutes of the Meeting of the Educational Services Standing Sub Committee held on 1 November 2004.

The Committee agreed to approve the Minutes.

3. National Music Council Award

Submitted report by the Corporate Director (Educational Services) on a national award made to Music Service.

Each year the National Music Council (NMC) makes awards to a small number of local authorities throughout the United Kingdom which are able to demonstrate imaginative, inclusive and high quality music provision. Awards are made on the basis of submissions received from local authorities invited to apply by NMC.

Page 1 Details of the submission made on behalf of North Ayrshire Music Service for the session 2003/04 were detailed in the report. On the basis of this submission the NMC has awarded the Music Service a Diploma of Merit. The award will be presented at a ceremony at the Royal Society for the Arts in London on 16 November 2004.

The Committee agreed (a) to congratulate the Music Service on receiving the National Music Council Diploma; and (b) that the Chair represent North Ayrshire at the Awards Ceremony.

4. The Sum of its Parts?: The Development of Integrated Community Schools in Scotland

Submitted report by the Corporate Director (Educational Services) on the content of "The Sum of its Parts?: The Development of Integrated Community Schools in Scotland" , a joint report published by HMIE, the Social Work Services Inspectorate and the Scottish Executive Health Improvement Strategy Division.

The New Community Schools initiative was launched in 1998 with the aim of making it simpler for individuals to access a range of services, such as health, social services and community learning, by locating them within the confines of a school. The initiative was piloted across Scotland over 3 phases between 1999 and 2003 involving some 62 projects covering 400 schools. After the pilot stage, the initiative was re-branded as the Integrated Community Schools (ICS) initiative.

The joint report which was published in September 2004 provides an analysis of the practices and achievements in eight cluster initiatives across different local authority areas in Scotland, including North Ayrshire, and highlights a number of examples of good practice in the field of integrated joint working, some of which are taken from North Ayrshire. Whilst the success of the initiative overall has varied across Scotland, the report acknowledges that large-scale changes of the kind advocated in the ICS initiative will take time to become fully embedded in the practices of schools and the various supporting agencies.

All schools in North Ayrshire have achieved ICS status four years in advance of the Scottish Executive's target date. A Strategy Group, consisting of Members, officers from Educational Services and Social Services, and representatives from various parts of NHS, Ayrshire and Arran, has been established to oversee progress within the national initiative and assist in the formulation of local policy. A range of projects have been developed, such as family learning, arts therapy, befriending, health promotion and the raising of self-esteem, as well as advising clusters on current practice. The current funding stream is due to end in session 2006-2007. Consideration is being given on how the initiative can be continued when external funding is no longer available.

Page 2 The Committee noted (a) the content of the report and the progress made in the Initiative across North Ayrshire; and (b) that a representative of the Scottish Executive Education Department would be invited to the next meeting of the ICS Strategy Group to discuss the conclusions of the report and the current plans for funding the initiative beyond 2007/08.

5. Fit Ayrshire Babies (FAB)

Submitted report by the Corporate Director (Educational Services) on the continued funding of the Fit Ayrshire Babies (FAB) project which is a pan-Ayrshire project established in 2001 to address the issues of obesity and lack of activity in young children.

The FAB project has received national recognition for its contribution to changing attitudes to the importance of play, especially among parents of very young children. In May 2004, the Committee was advised of the achievement of a COSLA Excellence Award by the FAB project and agreed to support a bid for continued funding from NHS Ayrshire & Arran.

NHS Ayrshire & Arran has now confirmed that the FAB project is to be funded as a mainstream service to be provided by North Ayrshire Council in collaboration with East and Councils. NHS Ayrshire and Arran will provide £43,380 of the £73,420 annual running costs, with the balance coming from Surestart funding in the three participating authorities. This will ensure the project continues beyond 1 January 2005.

Noted.

6. Exclusions from School

Submitted report by the Corporate Director (Educational Services) on the number of exclusions from North Ayrshire schools during session 2002/03.

Revised national guidance on school exclusions was published in November 2003 and Educational Services produced its own guidance for schools in North Ayrshire in January 2004. In line with the National Guidance, pupils can only be excluded from a North Ayrshire school if their continued presence is detrimental to the learning of others or if parental cooperation in maintaining good order and discipline cannot be achieved. Schools use the sanction of exclusion only when all other measures have been exhausted and in recent years various initiatives have been undertaken to reduce the need for exclusion.

The most recent statistics on school exclusions issued by the Scottish Executive Education Department, relate to the school session 2002/03 and are based on the number of exclusions per 1000 pupils. Overall North Ayrshire performs as well as the national average and better than comparator authorities in primary school exclusions.

Page 3 Exclusions from special schools are significantly below both the national average and the average for comparator authorities, whilst secondary school exclusions are lower than the average for comparator authorities and only slightly above the national average. Due to changes in the way the statistics are compiled it is difficult to provide year on year comparisons. In general, however, there has been a continuing downward trend in exclusions from North Ayrshire schools since 1996.

The Committee (a) noted the exclusion statistics for session 2002/03 as set out in the report; (b) agreed to receive a report on exclusions in session 2003/04 once the statistics become available; and (c) agreed that where possible future reports should also indicate the actual number of exclusions of school pupils in North Ayrshire.

7. Activate Programme

Submitted report by the Corporate Director (Educational Services) on a programme to assist young people to make the transition from school to further education or employment.

The Activate Programme is a joint initiative between Careers Scotland and the three Ayrshire Councils, aimed at delivering support to school leavers in S4 seeking to make this transition. Funding has been secured from the European Social Fund Objective 3 to support the Programme nationally, and a local steering group has been set up to ensure that there is partnership working in the delivery of the Programme across Ayrshire.

Three North Ayrshire schools, Academy, Greenwood Academy and Irvine Royal Academy, will be participating in the Activate Programme in the current year. Within each school a group of ten young people, who are likely to leave at Christmas 2004, has been identified to take part in the pilot initiative. A Careers Adviser has been appointed to deliver training in employability skills and enterprise skills, and to provide one-to-one contact for the identified students. The Adviser will continue to mentor and track each individual student for at least one year after leaving school. Each individual student is given support in producing a career plan and in setting individual targets. The Quality Improvement Service will conduct an evaluation of the initiative in order to inform future developments. Each of the 3 schools will identify another group of 10 summer leavers in due course.

The Committee agreed to (a) approve the implementation of the pilot initiative; and (b) receive an evaluation report on the pilot initiative at a future meeting.

8. Partnership between North Ayrshire Council and Tapestry

Submitted report by the Corporate Director (Educational Services) on partnership arrangements between North Ayrshire Council and Tapestry.

Page 4 Tapestry works in partnership with the Universities of , Edinburgh and Strathclyde, Learning and Teaching Scotland, the Scottish Further Education Unit; and COSLA, as well as the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, to raise attainment in learning through collaborative working. The initiative provides a valuable extra dimension to the training opportunities available to school staff in North Ayrshire.

North Ayrshire Council is one of the lead authorities working in cooperation with Tapestry and the Council hosted a major conference in 2002. This Conference was followed up by visits to schools where Tony Buzan the inventor of "mind maps" and author of books on memory and learning worked with young people from North Ayrshire to improve their motivation and learning. Pupils are also invited to conferences as participants.

A group of North Ayrshire staff is currently working with Tapestry to pilot and refine a pack of materials entitled "Developmental Games". This is aimed at enriching the curriculum for pre-school children and for pupils in Primary 1. The pilot is currently being run in 10 Council establishments and 2 partner nurseries. The work is being funded through the Scottish Executive's Assessment is for Learning Programme. A proposal is being considered to extend the period of the pilot study which, if funded by the Scottish Executive, will allow further research and evaluation of the project.

The Committee agreed to (a) note the existing partnership arrangements; and (b) approve continued partnership between the Council and Tapestry.

9. HMIE Report: Stanley Primary School

Submitted report by the Corporate Director (Educational Services) on the report by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Education (HMIE) in respect of the inspection of Stanley Primary School, Ardrossan, carried out in May 2004.

The report outlined the key strengths of the school and made recommendations on areas requiring action. These recommendations will be incorporated into the School Development Plan.

The Committee agreed to (a) approve the proposals made to address the key points for action in the Inspection Report; and (b) note the arrangements for follow through.

10. HMIE Report: The Education Support Resource, Stanley Primary School

Submitted report by the Corporate Director (Educational Services) on the HMIE report in respect of the inspection of the Educational Support Resource based at Stanley Primary School, Ardrossan, carried out in May 2004.

The report outlined the key strengths of the Education Support Resource and made recommendations on areas requiring action. These recommendations will be incorporated into the School Development Plan.

Page 5 HMIE will continue to monitor progress and will undertake a follow-through inspection within two years of the publication of the inspection report.

The Committee agreed to (a) approve the proposals to address the key points for action in the Inspection Report; and (b) note the arrangements for the follow-through.

11. HMIE & Care Commission Inspections

Submitted report by the Corporate Director (Educational Services) on the outcome of integrated inspections of services providing pre-five care and education within North Ayrshire.

At its meeting held on 8 January 2004, the Committee approved a procedure for responding to the new arrangements for the inspection of services providing pre-five care and education, and agreed to receive reports on integrated inspections carried out jointly by HMIE and the Care Commission.

The appendices to the report summarised the outcomes of the joint inspections in respect of the following local authority pre-five provision, and private and voluntary centres which are in partnership with the authority:-

 Ardeer Nursery Class  Caledonia Nursery Class  Cumbrae Nursery Class  Gateside Nursery Class  Community Nursery  Loudoun-Montgomery Nursery Class  Nursery Class  Stanley Nursery Class  Woodlands Nursery Class  Bright Beginnings Nursery, Irvine  Pennyburn Ante Pre-School Playgroup

The report outlined the key strengths of each centre and made recommendations for improvement. Action plans are being developed to address any issues arising.

The Committee agreed to approve the report and the actions proposed to address issues raised during the inspections.

Page 6 12. Revenue Budget 2004/05: Budgetary Control

Submitted report by the Assistant Chief Executive (Finance) on the budgetary control position for Educational Services at the end of September 2004, and on projections to the end of financial year 2004/05.

Noted.

The Meeting ended at 2.35 p.m.

Page 7 Educational Services Committee 09/11/2004

Appendix No ES1

Educational Services Standing Sub Committee 1 November 2004

IRVINE, 1 November 2004 - At a Meeting of the Educational Services Standing Sub Committee of North Ayrshire Council at 10.00 am.

Present Jacqueline Browne. Gordon Allison, Jean Highgate, Peter McNamara, Donald Reid, Elaine Shaw.

In Attendance J Travers, Corporate Director, J Leckie, J Ward, Heads of Service, J McKnight, Principal Officer (Community Learning and Development), M Craik, Principal Children's Services Officer, A McGonigle, Quality Improvement Officer and M McLarty, Information and Resource Manager (Educational Services); A Osborne and Elizabeth Fisher, Corporate and Democratic Support Officers (Chief Executive's).

Chair Councillor Browne in the Chair.

Apologies for Absence Drew Duncan, Father Matthew McManus, Elisabethe Marshall and John Reid.

1. Customer Survey of Library Use

Submitted report by the Corporate Director (Educational Services) on the outcome of the recent survey on the use of libraries following a request for such information from the Sub Committee.

The Sub Committee agreed to (a) note the results of the survey; (b) receive further reports on library use on a regular basis; and (c) encourage members to identify further issues for investigation and reporting.

2. Performance Reports

Submitted report by the Corporate Director (Educational Services) on Service Performance for the 6 months ended 30 September 2004.

The Local Government in Scotland Act 2003 established Best Value as a statutory duty for local authorities and Scottish Ministers subsequently issued Statutory Guidance informing local authorities how they are to fulfil that duty. Elected Members currently receive Annual Reviews of performance within Service Plans and Annual Reports in relation to Statutory Performance Indicators. Performance monitoring is also assisted by the half-yearly performance reporting to the Standing Sub Committees.

Page 8 Officers reported on the performance highs and lows for the six months ended 30 September 2004 and on the immediate priorities for Educational Services as follows:-

School Education

Performance Highs

 Improvement in pupil attainment in SQA exams at Level 6 (3 Highers and 5 Highers) and Level 7 (Advanced Higher).  Significantly improved performance at Level 3 (Standard Grade (Foundation) or Access 3).  Range and scope of opportunities for pupils and young people to engage in enterprise, citizenship and creative activities.  Significant, positive impact of the Early Intervention Project on the gap in pupils' attainment between more advantaged and less advantaged pupils.  Effective implementation of the policy on inclusion.  Performance in 5-14 levels is good in comparison with national averages.  Development of a long term strategic plan for properties.  Establishment of Arran Outdoor Education Resource (AOER) Outreach Service on mainland.

Performance Lows

 Slight downward trend in Level 4 (Standard Grade (General) or Access 2) SQA results.  A small number of schools not on track to achieve the targets set for 5-14 for 2005.  Resourcing issues, including accommodation, have limited development of AOER.

Immediate Priorities

 Consolidate gains from Early Intervention Project into S1 and S2.  Address the downward trend in SQA results at Level 4 (Standard Grade (General) or Access 2).  Continue to progress the PPP initiative and implement the School Estate Strategy.  Maintain rigorous monitoring procedures for 5-14 attainment and provide focus and support for specific schools.  Address the resourcing issues at AOER.

Page 9 Library and Information Service

Performance Highs

 North Ayrshire's household survey of Council services found that library services have the highest satisfaction levels.  The HM Inspectorate of Education Follow-up Report judged the Educational Resource Service to have made a very important contribution to raising attainment and highlighted the Primary School Library Improvement Plan; the 'excellent' online website and Supported Study initiatives in libraries to support pupils in their local communities.  Statutory Performance Indicators for 03/04 show continuous improvement in key areas although national data from the Audit Unit is not yet available for comparison.  BookSp@ce, a reading initiative for children, has achieved significant growth in 7 months and has already achieved national recognition.  Use of the People's Network has continued to grow, making an important contribution to community learning.  The HM Inspectorate of Education Report on Community Learning and Development in the Three Towns reported the Computer Buddy scheme in libraries to be ' Very Good'.  The refurbishment of Library was completed in September 04 to provide a better community facility, with more effective access to the People's Network, books and information.  The European Computer Driving Licence 3 year training programme for all library staff was completed in September 04.  Transfer of the People's Network and the Library Management System (Talis) to the 45MB line has resolved speed of access in libraries, providing fast, efficient access to the Internet. This was a Performance Low in the 03/04 report.

Performance Lows

 Delays in publishing the library catalogue on the Internet due to technical problems, now projected for the end of the financial year.  Capacity has been reached in the Archive store in House. No further consignments can be taken, holding up the implementation of Records Management policy across departments.  Local History is a fast growing area and Listening and Learning forms record high levels of satisfaction with support received, particularly from overseas visitors. However, the accommodation is inadequate and precludes any significant growth in visitor numbers.

Page 10 Immediate Priorities

 Publishing the library catalogue on the Internet.  Implementing a staff structure which will address and support the key priorities of a Library and Information Service which has experienced significant development since the implementation of the People's Network.  Continuing strategic review of library properties to address the developing role of libraries.  Continuing the integration of library services to children and young people with the Education Resource Service to embed BookSp@ce and Supported Study in collaboration with schools.  Continuing focus on reader development, supported by a refurbishment programme with a strategic focus on marketing and presentation.

Community Learning & Development

Performance Highs

 Successful facilitation of the community engagement process enabled the establishment of Anti-Social Behaviour compacts in and Bourtreehill, Pennyburn and . Residents have reported a general decrease in anti-social behaviour since its establishment.  Successful roll-out of Management Information System within the adult literacies project improved quality monitoring and evaluation systems.  Three Towns Custom Bike Group won five awards as participants in the National Youth Bike Championships 2004.  160 S2 pupils from Auchenharvie and Greenwood Academy have attended advocacy awareness workshops as part of their Personal & Social Education (PSE) programmes.  North Ayrshire's Statement of Readiness identified Dialogue Youth, the forum established to provide a voice for young people in North Ayrshire, as an example of good practice.  High level of response and commitment towards Community Learning and Development in Saltcoats North.  The very high level of satisfaction expressed by adult learners who were surveyed.

Performance Lows

 Provision for young people is uneven across the area and uptake could be improved.  Learner support structures are not developed evenly across all areas.  Self evaluation needs to be improved with a greater focus on learners and learning outcomes.  Limited influence on public policy and delivery of service by community organisations.

Page 11 Immediate Priorities

 Improve ability of service teams to plan and self-evaluate their work.  More systematic approaches will be introduced to the branding and marketing of provision for young people to increase uptake.  Individual Learning Plans will be developed more systematically to help to ensure more effective learning outcomes and progression for learners.  A systematic approach will be developed to the delivery of training and support programmes for community organisations within the area.

Cultural Services

Performance Highs

 Implementation of Youth Music Initiative.  Development of projects with national arts companies.  Numbers of visitors to museums continue to increase.  Improved communications through Loop magazine.  Extension of festivals programme.  Development of international opportunities for participation in the arts.  Secured funding to upgrade the Harbour Arts Centre.  Liaised with PPP Team to incorporate performance venues in new schools.  Development of arts initiatives to include children with additional support needs and those at risk of exclusion.  Introduction of computerised booking system.

Performance Lows

 Inconsistent evaluations of arts initiatives.  Arts opportunities for schools limited by curriculum priorities.  Inadequate tracking of musical instruments on loan to pupils and schools.  Inadequate knowledge of cultural requirements of local populace.  Technical issues have delayed internet availability of publicity material.

Immediate Priorities

 Continue to audit current arts activity and standardise evaluation procedures.  Deliver arts in schools in line with curriculum guidelines.  Devise procedures to track musical instruments on loan to pupils and schools.  Make publicity material available on the website.

Children's Outreach Services

Performance Highs

 Toy Library continues to be well used and figures are on target to compare favourably with those for previous years.

Page 12  Bookstart initiative very proactive - Rhyme Time sessions being run for parents and children as well as Bookstart bags being distributed. This initiative is designed to raise the profile of the importance of books in a child's development.  Research company commissioned to draw up play strategy. A draft report will be produced by February 2005 and will be issued for consultation.  Use of Council-run out of school care groups continues to increase.  Additional staff appointed to increase opportunities to achieve SVQs in Playwork.  Preparatory work for introduction of registration with the Scottish Social Services Council is progressing well.  Support for groups in achieving financial self-sustainability continues to develop.  A system is being developed for regular feedback from customers. The majority of comments are favourable, with any criticisms being used to inform improvements.

Performance Lows

 Continuing problem of providing out of school care in rural areas.  Lack out of school care services for children aged 10-16.  Limited funding for some areas (eg play development) inhibits long term development of services.

Immediate Priorities

 Continue to give PDR a high priority.  Investigate innovative solutions to childcare needs in rural areas. Work closely with Working for Families initiative to avoid duplication.  Identify appropriate methods of providing childcare for young people 10-16.  Develop strategy for service delivery and seek funding.

Country Parks

Performance Highs

 Annual visitor figures for continued at a high level in spite of a wet summer season.  The Ranger Service continued to provide a quality environmental education for pre-primary, primary and secondary schools. In total, 3814 children attended.  Building on success with Ways 2 Walk, all Ranger staff trained as walk leaders, with walks carried out in Eglinton, Largs, Garnock Valley, Three Towns and Irvine.  Built on conservation work through John Muir Award Trust and have trained two additional staff as group leaders. Local groups achieved Discovery and Explorer level awards.

Page 13  Hosted "Clued up Kids" safety project for second year with approx. 1900 school children from across North Ayrshire attending.  Began work on bridge restoration with three bridges (Chapleholms, Laundry and Suspension) all nearing completion.  Eglinton Country Park once again rated as a Three Star Visitor Attraction under Visit Scotland's Quality Assurance Scheme. The highest score of 9 was awarded to the welcome/attitude/efficiency of staff within the visitor centre.

Performance Lows

 Scottish Natural Heritage funding not yet approved. Changes to Draft Strategy for 2004-2007 re-submitted and outcome within next few weeks. Anticipated that award of grant will be similar to previous three years.  Complaints regarding condition of footpath and bridleway maintenance.  PDR process delayed.  Biological recording work has been ongoing within the Country Park but requires updating and the system modernised.

Immediate Priorities

 Conclude discussions with Scottish Natural Heritage and secure funding for 2004-2007.  Carry out PDR update for all staff in December.  Continue discussions to improve standard of grounds maintenance.  Investigate ways to improve biological recording and set up computerised system which can cover areas other than Eglinton Country Park.

North Ayrshire Leisure Ltd

Performance Highs

 Various aspects of sports facilities have been refurbished or developed.  New Children's Fitness Centre recently opened at the Magnum is one of the first of its kind in the UK.  Partnership arrangements with various bodies have supported development across a range of sporting activities in the provision of facilities.  The operation of the Auchenharvie Golf Course and Driving Range has been brought inhouse and IT systems within the Company are being extended to include golf courses and outdoor sports pitches.  Launch of a créche at the Magnum Leisure Centre as a trial project.

Performance Lows

 Closure of the water rides and stair tower at the Magnum because they are unsuitable for continued use due to their age. This has impacted negatively on visitor numbers to the pool facility.

Page 14  Slight decrease in visits to fitness facilities, in part due to the stabilising of uptake after the initial introductory period. There is also an increase in competitors within this area.

Immediate Priorities

 Conduct a feasibility study to consider options for replacement or renewal of water rides at the Magnum.  Continue investment programme within facilities. Develop the use of Kilwinning Academy as a dual use sports facility.  Secure funding for the North Ayrshire Skate Park.

In response to members' questions, officers provided further information and clarification on all the reports.

The Sub Committee agreed to (a) consider reports at the next meeting on accommodation issues at Ardrossan Library, particularly in relation to facilities for genealogy research and on the feasibility of extending the season for the visitor centre at Eglinton Park; (b) consider reports at future meetings on resource implications for the maintenance of woodland and tree thinning and the procedures for voluntary groups to engage with the Council and North Ayrshire Leisure in pursuing leisure and sports activity; and (c) otherwise note the reports.

The meeting ended at 11.20 am.

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