Education Committee - 18/11/2002

At a MEETING of the EDUCATION COMMITTEE held at Dundee on 18th November, 2002.

Present:-

COUNCILLORS

Councillor de GERNIER, Convener, in the Chair.

The minute of meeting of this Committee of 21st October, 2002 was held as read.

Unless marked thus * all items stand delegated.

I MINUTE OF MEETING OF SCHOOL ATTENDANCE SUB-COMMITTEE OF 22ND OCTOBER, 2002

The minute of the above meeting (Appendix 1) was submitted for information.

II HM INSPECTORATE OF EDUCATION - FOLLOW-UP TO THE INSPECTION OF KINGSPARK SCHOOL

There was submitted and noted the follow-up report of HM Inspectorate of Education on Kingspark School.

III FUNDING TO SCHOOLS TO SUPPORT SCIENCE EDUCATION

There was submitted Report No 805-2002 by the Director of Education bringing to the attention of the Committee an allocation of 76,140 to support the Science Strategy for Scotland, which is ring fenced for science projects and targeted on resources and activities to support these projects.

The Committee agreed to:-

(i) note the provision of 76,140 ring fenced for the development of science; and

(ii) approve the distribution of funds as set out in Appendix I of the report

IV SUPPLY OF JANITORIAL SUPPLIES - CLEANING MATERIALS/STORES

There was submitted Report No 804-2002 by the Director of Education seeking approval to accept a tender for the supply of janitorial supplies - cleaning materials/stores for schools in Dundee.

The Committee agreed to award the contract for the supply of janitorial supplies - cleaning materials/stores for the period 1st December, 2002 - 30th November, 2004 to:

ICCS MacGregor

13-17 Abbotsinch Road

Grangemouth.

V VARIOUS SCHOOLS - TOILET UPGRADING AND CLASSROOM ALTERATIONS

There was submitted Report No 822-2002 by the Director of Education and City Architectural Services Officer seeking approval for the upgrading of toilets in four schools, classroom alterations to form a resources base in one school and provision of additional toilet accommodation for staff at a resources centre.

The Committee agreed to:-

(i) the upgrading of toilets at Baldragon Academy, Harris Academy, Craigie High School and Menzieshill High School;

(ii) formation of a resource base within Gowriehill Primary School;

(iii) provision of additional staff toilet facilities at Dryburgh Resource Centre; and

(iv) authorise the City Architectural Services Officer to negotiate contracts within the overall allowance of 224,000 under partnering arrangements with appropriate contractors and the Director of Support Services in conjunction with the Director of Education to accept the offers recommended by the City Architectural Services Officer all at a total cost not exceeding 224,000 inclusive of fees.

VI ROLL OUT PROPOSALS FOR NEW COMMUNITY SCHOOL APPROACH IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS

There was submitted Report No 794-2002 by the Director of Education seeking approval for the Education Department's proposals to roll out the New Community School approach in Dundee secondary schools.

The Committee agreed to:-

(i) note the level of Scottish Executive funding allocated to the roll out of the New Community School approach; and

(ii) approve the Education Department's proposal to roll out the New Community School approach in Dundee secondary schools.

VII GRANT AID TO EARLY YEARS GROUPS AND OUT OF SCHOOL CLUBS

There was submitted Report No 832-2002 by the Director of Education seeking approval to award grants up to 1,000 to registered Out of School Care Clubs, grants of up to 500 to nurseries in partnership with the local authority for the provision of pre-school education and grants of 500 to registered playgroups.

The Committee noted the contents of the Report and approved the award of grants to early years groups and out of school clubs, as outlined in Appendix 2 of the report.

VIII CONSULTATION ON THE FUTURE OF DENOMINATIONAL SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN DUNDEE

Councillor FitzPatrick moved that Standing Order No 51(3)(b) be suspended to enable a report by the Director of Education "Consultation on the Future of Denominational Secondary Schools in Dundee" to be discussed.

On a division there voted to suspend ? Councillors Barrie, Richard Beattie, Dawson, Sawers, FitzPatrick, Guild, Corrigan, Dave Beattie, Fordyce, Bowes, Borthwick and Monsignor J Creegan (12); and there voted not to suspend ? the Convener, Lord Provost Letford, Councillors Ward, Shimi, Presswood, Regan, Farquhar, Sturrock, Glen, Grant, Rolfe, Mackie, Wallace, Scott, Macpherson and Petrie, Mr K Anderson and Mr E Baillie (18); whereupon Standing Order No 51(3)(b) was not suspended.

GEORGE de GERNIER, Convener.

APPENDIX I