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Committee Reports and Agendas
May 2007 to Present
Report Appendix
Report Subject/Ref No:JT
Department: Educational Services
Appendix Title 1 - Notes of Meetings of Review Group
Appendix 1
Present: J Bell (Chair), W Gibson, J Highgate, A Hill, R Kirkwood, D Munn
Apologies: P McPhee
In Attendance: J Travers, J Leckie, B Gardner, I Snodgrass
1. Membership
The membership of the group was noted.
2. Remit
The remit of the group was agreed.
3. COSLA School Estate Management Good Practice Guide
The COSLA document was noted. This would provide members of the group with background guidance on the issues which would arise in the course of the group’s work.
4. Financial Implications
There was an overview of the financial implications which might arise in relation to specific rationalisation proposals. Details would be provided as proposals were developed.
5. Overall Pupil Projections for North Ayrshire
The overall fall in the primary pupil population was noted. While other sectors had remained relatively stable, the fall would impact on secondary schools in due course.
6. School Capacities and Occupancy Levels
Members were provided with details of all school occupancy levels. J Leckie explained the process for determining school capacities.
Members asked for further information on
- nursery classes in primary schools
- costs per pupil
- details of schools under 50% occupancy
There was a discussion on academic performance in relation to size of school. In general, there was no direct correlation between attainment and school roll. Further information would be provided at the next meeting.
7. School Estate Condition Survey
Members were provided with the data supplied to the Scottish Executive on school condition. J Leckie clarified the process for arriving at a particular grade.
8. Capital Programme
Major school projects in the current capital programme were reviewed.
9. Catchment Area Issues
J Leckie provided an initial overview of catchment area issues which would be raised at future meetings.
10. Additional Support Needs
A paper on provision for pupils with additional support needs was noted. It was agreed to consider the implications in relation to any detailed proposals emerging.
11. Calendar
A draft calendar was agreed, subject to clarification of a potential clash with Appeals Hearings. The next meeting would take place on Friday 24 August 2007.
Present: J Bell (Chair), W Gibson, J Highgate, P McPhee, R Kirkwood,
Apologies: A Hill
In Attendance: J Travers, J Leckie, B Gardner
1. Note of Previous Meeting
The note of the meeting held on 15 August 2007 was approved.
2. Information Requested at Previous Meeting
3. Issues to be Considered
J Travers spoke to a paper on the additional information which would be included in “worked-up” proposals.
4. Potential Rationalisation Projects
Members considered five potential projects and reached the following conclusions:
5. Calendar of Meetings
A revised calendar of meetings was agreed.
The next meeting would now take place on Friday 7 September 2007, beginning at 2.00 p.m.
Present: J Bell (Chair), J Highgate, A Hill, P McPhee, R Kirkwood, D Munn
In Attendance: J Travers, J Leckie
1. Note of Previous Meeting
The note of the meeting held on 24 August 2007 was approved.
2. Information Requested at Previous Meeting
3. Issues Raised by Councillor Hill
A number of issues raised in Councillor Hill’s e-mail were clarified. The others would be addressed in the more detailed information to be provided at the next stage.
4. St Anthony’s/St John’s
Following discussion at the last meeting, a further outline paper on an amalgamation of St Anthony’s and St John’s Primary Schools on the St John’s site was considered. After discussion, it was agreed not to take the proposal forward at this time.
5. Primary Education in West Irvine
J Leckie outlined a potential rationalisation of school accommodation involving, principally, John Galt, Castlepark and Woodlands Primary Schools. It was agreed that this proposal should be taken to the next stage for more detailed consideration.
6. Primary Education in East Irvine
J Leckie outlined a rationalisation of school accommodation involving Towerlands, Broomlands and Fencedyke Primary Schools. It was agreed that this proposal should be taken to the next stage for more detailed consideration.
7. Calendar of Meetings
A revised calendar of meetings was agreed.
8. Next Meeting
The next meeting would take place on Thursday 27 September 2007 at 2.00 p.m.
Present: J Bell (Chair), J Highgate, P McPhee, R Kirkwood, D Munn,
In Attendance: J Travers, B Gardner, J Leckie, C Kirk
1. Note of Previous Meeting
The note of the meeting held on 7 September 2007 was approved.
2. Matters Arising
All matters arising were included on the agenda.
3. St Luke’s and St Winning’s Catchment Areas
It was agreed to proceed with a consultation on a potential change to the catchment areas of St Luke’s and St Winning’s Primary Schools to establish consistent catchment areas for both schools.
4. Moorpark and Glengarnock Primary Schools
It was agreed in principle that the area zoned to both schools should be divided in line with current patterns of attendance. However, in view of local housing developments and the establishment of a new nursery, it was agreed to defer a consultation until a later date so that any changes in patterns of attendance could have time to settle down.
5. Amalgamation of Corrie PS with Brodick PS
It was agreed that the proposed amalgamation should be taken forward to the consultation stage.
6. Amalgamation of Dreghorn PS with Springside PS
It was agreed that the proposed amalgamation should be taken forward to the consultation stage.
7. Amalgamation of John Galt PS with Castlepark and Woodlands PS
It was agreed that the proposed amalgamation should be taken forward to the consultation stage.
8. Amalgamation of Towerlands PS with Broomlands and Fencedyke PS
It was agreed that the proposed amalgamation should be taken forward to the consultation stage.
9. Amalgamation of St Mark’s PS with St John Ogilvie PS
Taking account of traffic and nursery issues, it was agreed not to proceed with the proposed amalgamation at this time.
10. Provision for Pupils with Additional Support Needs
It was agreed that Carol Kirk should prepare a paper for the next meeting outlining the possible incorporation of primary ASL provision in one of the new build proposals going forward for consultation.
11. Future Meetings
The next and final meeting of the group would take place on Wednesday 10 October 2007, beginning at 2.00 p.m.
This meeting would consider a summary report of the group’s work for consideration by the Executive, in addition to the paper on Additional Support Needs Provision.
Present: J Bell (Chair), J Highgate, P McPhee, R Kirkwood, D Munn,
In Attendance: J Travers, J Leckie, C Kirk
1. Note of Previous Meeting
The note of the meeting held on 27 September 2007 was approved.
2. Matters Arising
3. Implications of Proposed Class Size Reductions
A paper on the potential future impact of proposed reduction in P1 to P3 class sizes was considered. It was noted that none of the recommendations which had been agreed by the Review Group would be affected by the proposed reduction.
4. Provision for Additional Support for Learning
There was discussion of a paper on the statutory implications for the school estate of recent legislation on Additional Support for Learning. The paper outlined potential developments and referred to a forthcoming survey of pupil and parental views.
Following detailed consideration and debate, it was agreed to take no action at this stage, but to re-visit the topic when the results of the survey of pupil and parental views were available.
5. Report to Executive
A draft report on the work of the School Estate Review Group was tabled and discussed. Various suggestions were made in relation to the content and wording of the report.
J Travers undertook to circulate a revised draft to all members of the group for their final comments.
6. Conclusion
It was agreed that no further meetings were required in relation to the initial report to the Executive. Councillor Bell thanked the members of the group for their work.
NORTH AYRSHIRE COUNCIL
EDUCATIONAL SERVICES
SCHOOLS REVIEW GROUP
NOTE OF MEETING OF 15 AUGUST 2007
EDUCATIONAL SERVICES
SCHOOLS REVIEW GROUP
NOTE OF MEETING OF 15 AUGUST 2007
Present: J Bell (Chair), W Gibson, J Highgate, A Hill, R Kirkwood, D Munn
Apologies: P McPhee
In Attendance: J Travers, J Leckie, B Gardner, I Snodgrass
1. Membership
The membership of the group was noted.
2. Remit
The remit of the group was agreed.
3. COSLA School Estate Management Good Practice Guide
The COSLA document was noted. This would provide members of the group with background guidance on the issues which would arise in the course of the group’s work.
4. Financial Implications
There was an overview of the financial implications which might arise in relation to specific rationalisation proposals. Details would be provided as proposals were developed.
5. Overall Pupil Projections for North Ayrshire
The overall fall in the primary pupil population was noted. While other sectors had remained relatively stable, the fall would impact on secondary schools in due course.
6. School Capacities and Occupancy Levels
Members were provided with details of all school occupancy levels. J Leckie explained the process for determining school capacities.
Members asked for further information on
- nursery classes in primary schools
- costs per pupil
- details of schools under 50% occupancy
There was a discussion on academic performance in relation to size of school. In general, there was no direct correlation between attainment and school roll. Further information would be provided at the next meeting.
7. School Estate Condition Survey
Members were provided with the data supplied to the Scottish Executive on school condition. J Leckie clarified the process for arriving at a particular grade.
8. Capital Programme
Major school projects in the current capital programme were reviewed.
9. Catchment Area Issues
J Leckie provided an initial overview of catchment area issues which would be raised at future meetings.
10. Additional Support Needs
A paper on provision for pupils with additional support needs was noted. It was agreed to consider the implications in relation to any detailed proposals emerging.
11. Calendar
A draft calendar was agreed, subject to clarification of a potential clash with Appeals Hearings. The next meeting would take place on Friday 24 August 2007.
NORTH AYRSHIRE COUNCIL
EDUCATIONAL SERVICES
SCHOOLS REVIEW GROUP
NOTE OF MEETING OF 24 AUGUST 2007
EDUCATIONAL SERVICES
SCHOOLS REVIEW GROUP
NOTE OF MEETING OF 24 AUGUST 2007
Present: J Bell (Chair), W Gibson, J Highgate, P McPhee, R Kirkwood,
- D Munn
Apologies: A Hill
In Attendance: J Travers, J Leckie, B Gardner
1. Note of Previous Meeting
The note of the meeting held on 15 August 2007 was approved.
2. Information Requested at Previous Meeting
- a. Nursery Classes in Primary Schools
- Details of all nursery classes were noted.
b. Academic Performance of Primary Schools by Size
- The performance of schools by quartile was examined. It was noted that school size did not have any direct relationship with attainment.
c. Cost per Pupil
- Financial data on cost per pupil in each school was reviewed. B Gardner would provide details of the budget lines which contributed to the total cost of each school.
d. Comments on Schools under 50% Occupancy
- Potential rationalisation proposals would affect all schools with under 50% occupancy with the exception of two, where distances made rationalisation impractical.
3. Issues to be Considered
J Travers spoke to a paper on the additional information which would be included in “worked-up” proposals.
4. Potential Rationalisation Projects
Members considered five potential projects and reached the following conclusions:
- a. Beith/Gateside: The proposal should not be pursued at this time.
b. Corrie/Brodick: Officers to prepare a detailed proposal.
c. Dreghorn/Springside: Officers to prepare a detailed proposal based on amalgamation in a new school.
d. St Mark’s/St John Ogilvie: Officers to prepare a detailed proposal.
e. St Anthony’s/St John’s: Officers to consider potential for amalgamation on St John’s site.
5. Calendar of Meetings
A revised calendar of meetings was agreed.
The next meeting would now take place on Friday 7 September 2007, beginning at 2.00 p.m.
NORTH AYRSHIRE COUNCIL
EDUCATIONAL SERVICES
SCHOOLS REVIEW GROUP
NOTE OF MEETING OF 7 SEPTEMBER 2007
EDUCATIONAL SERVICES
SCHOOLS REVIEW GROUP
NOTE OF MEETING OF 7 SEPTEMBER 2007
Present: J Bell (Chair), J Highgate, A Hill, P McPhee, R Kirkwood, D Munn
In Attendance: J Travers, J Leckie
1. Note of Previous Meeting
The note of the meeting held on 24 August 2007 was approved.
2. Information Requested at Previous Meeting
- a. Occupancy
- The basis for consideration of rationalisation proposals was clarified. Schools over 50% occupancy might also be considered if a practical proposal could be put forward.
b. Issues to be Considered
- It was confirmed that the Review Group was being asked at this stage simply to agree proposals which would be examined in more detail. This was so that unnecessary effort would not be taken up preparing detailed proposals on schemes which were, in principle, unacceptable to the Review Group.
3. Issues Raised by Councillor Hill
A number of issues raised in Councillor Hill’s e-mail were clarified. The others would be addressed in the more detailed information to be provided at the next stage.
4. St Anthony’s/St John’s
Following discussion at the last meeting, a further outline paper on an amalgamation of St Anthony’s and St John’s Primary Schools on the St John’s site was considered. After discussion, it was agreed not to take the proposal forward at this time.
5. Primary Education in West Irvine
J Leckie outlined a potential rationalisation of school accommodation involving, principally, John Galt, Castlepark and Woodlands Primary Schools. It was agreed that this proposal should be taken to the next stage for more detailed consideration.
6. Primary Education in East Irvine
J Leckie outlined a rationalisation of school accommodation involving Towerlands, Broomlands and Fencedyke Primary Schools. It was agreed that this proposal should be taken to the next stage for more detailed consideration.
7. Calendar of Meetings
A revised calendar of meetings was agreed.
8. Next Meeting
The next meeting would take place on Thursday 27 September 2007 at 2.00 p.m.
NORTH AYRSHIRE COUNCIL
EDUCATIONAL SERVICES
SCHOOLS REVIEW GROUP
NOTE OF MEETING OF 27 SEPTEMBER 2007
EDUCATIONAL SERVICES
SCHOOLS REVIEW GROUP
NOTE OF MEETING OF 27 SEPTEMBER 2007
Present: J Bell (Chair), J Highgate, P McPhee, R Kirkwood, D Munn,
- W Gibson
In Attendance: J Travers, B Gardner, J Leckie, C Kirk
1. Note of Previous Meeting
The note of the meeting held on 7 September 2007 was approved.
2. Matters Arising
All matters arising were included on the agenda.
3. St Luke’s and St Winning’s Catchment Areas
It was agreed to proceed with a consultation on a potential change to the catchment areas of St Luke’s and St Winning’s Primary Schools to establish consistent catchment areas for both schools.
4. Moorpark and Glengarnock Primary Schools
It was agreed in principle that the area zoned to both schools should be divided in line with current patterns of attendance. However, in view of local housing developments and the establishment of a new nursery, it was agreed to defer a consultation until a later date so that any changes in patterns of attendance could have time to settle down.
5. Amalgamation of Corrie PS with Brodick PS
It was agreed that the proposed amalgamation should be taken forward to the consultation stage.
6. Amalgamation of Dreghorn PS with Springside PS
It was agreed that the proposed amalgamation should be taken forward to the consultation stage.
7. Amalgamation of John Galt PS with Castlepark and Woodlands PS
It was agreed that the proposed amalgamation should be taken forward to the consultation stage.
8. Amalgamation of Towerlands PS with Broomlands and Fencedyke PS
It was agreed that the proposed amalgamation should be taken forward to the consultation stage.
9. Amalgamation of St Mark’s PS with St John Ogilvie PS
Taking account of traffic and nursery issues, it was agreed not to proceed with the proposed amalgamation at this time.
10. Provision for Pupils with Additional Support Needs
It was agreed that Carol Kirk should prepare a paper for the next meeting outlining the possible incorporation of primary ASL provision in one of the new build proposals going forward for consultation.
11. Future Meetings
The next and final meeting of the group would take place on Wednesday 10 October 2007, beginning at 2.00 p.m.
This meeting would consider a summary report of the group’s work for consideration by the Executive, in addition to the paper on Additional Support Needs Provision.
NORTH AYRSHIRE COUNCIL
EDUCATIONAL SERVICES
SCHOOLS REVIEW GROUP
NOTE OF MEETING OF 10 OCTOBER 2007
EDUCATIONAL SERVICES
SCHOOLS REVIEW GROUP
NOTE OF MEETING OF 10 OCTOBER 2007
Present: J Bell (Chair), J Highgate, P McPhee, R Kirkwood, D Munn,
- W Gibson, A Hill
In Attendance: J Travers, J Leckie, C Kirk
1. Note of Previous Meeting
The note of the meeting held on 27 September 2007 was approved.
2. Matters Arising
- a. St Luke’s and St Winning’s Catchment Areas
- Councillor Bell would respond to e-mail correspondence on behalf of the group.
3. Implications of Proposed Class Size Reductions
A paper on the potential future impact of proposed reduction in P1 to P3 class sizes was considered. It was noted that none of the recommendations which had been agreed by the Review Group would be affected by the proposed reduction.
4. Provision for Additional Support for Learning
There was discussion of a paper on the statutory implications for the school estate of recent legislation on Additional Support for Learning. The paper outlined potential developments and referred to a forthcoming survey of pupil and parental views.
Following detailed consideration and debate, it was agreed to take no action at this stage, but to re-visit the topic when the results of the survey of pupil and parental views were available.
5. Report to Executive
A draft report on the work of the School Estate Review Group was tabled and discussed. Various suggestions were made in relation to the content and wording of the report.
J Travers undertook to circulate a revised draft to all members of the group for their final comments.
6. Conclusion
It was agreed that no further meetings were required in relation to the initial report to the Executive. Councillor Bell thanked the members of the group for their work.
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