Education Committee - 06/12/2010

At a MEETING of the EDUCATION COMMITTEE held at Dundee on 6th December, 2010.

Present:-

Lord Provost John R LETFORD

Depute Lord Provost Ian BORTHWICK

BAILIES

COUNCILLORS

Councillor Elizabeth F FORDYCE, Convener, in the Chair.

The minute of meeting of this Committee of 22nd November, 2010 was held as read.

Unless marked thus * all items stand delegated.

I PROVISION OF SYNTHETIC GRASS GAMES AREAS FOR SCHOOLS

There was submitted Report No 706-2010 by the Director of City Development and Director of Education seeking approval for the provision of synthetic grass multi-use games areas for Blackness Primary School, St Mary's RC Primary School, Dens Road Primary School and Castlepark Off-Site Centre.

The Committee:-

(i) noted the content of the report;

(ii) approved the engagement of Leisure Tec Surfaces Ltd (Dundee) for the supply and installation of an LTS 'PlayGrass 24' synthetic grass multi-use games area at Blackness Primary School, St Mary's RC Primary School, Dens Road Primary School and Castlepark Off-Site Centre; and

(iii) approved the engagement of Scottish Communications (Perth) for the supply and installation of a CCTV single camera system at St Mary's RC Primary School.

II BALDRAGON ACADEMY - TECHNICAL DEPARTMENT EQUIPMENT

There was submitted Report No 688-2010 by the Director of City Development and Director of Education seeking approval to accept quotes for the supply of new technical equipment for Baldragon Academy.

The Committee:-

(i) noted the content of the report; and

(ii) approved the offers from AES Solutions for the immediate supply and installation of four new upright sanders to technical classrooms, a new circular saw to the technician's preparation room and a new CNC router to the design room.

III MUSIC CENTRE: GENERAL REFURBISHMENT AND PROVISION OF OFFICES

There was submitted Report No 689-2010 by the Director of City Development and Director of Education seeking approval to accept an offer for the refurbishment and provision of offices at the Music Centre.

The Convener, seconded by Councillor Hunter, moved approval:-

(i) noting the content of the report; and

(ii) approving the offer from Dundee Contract Services for the general refurbishment and provision of offices for Education Department cultural and art staff at the Music Centre.

As an amendment, Councillor Bidwell, seconded by Councillor Keenan, moved that this spend be deferred until the Council budget is set on 10th February, 2011. At that time (10th February, 2011), these funds can be used as per this report or as part of the budget process be reassigned against competing budget priorities. Deferring this item will allow Council time to fully assess the competing priorities as the full financial position is made clear to the public and every member of this Council for scrutiny and consideration.

On a division, there voted for the motion - the Convener, Lord Provost, Depute Lord Provost, Bailie Sawers, Councillors Guild, Barrie, Black, Bowes, Andy Dawson, Will Dawson, Duncan, Hunter, Lynn, Melville, Roberts, Ross and Mrs Millar (17); and for the amendment - Bailies Regan, Wright, Wallace and Scott and Councillors Keenan, Asif, Bidwell, Ferguson, Gordon, McCready, Hay and Macpherson (12) - with Monsignor McCaffrey declining to vote - whereupon the motion was declared carried.

IV OUTCOME OF CONSULTATION ON THE HMIe SCHOOL INSPECTION FRAMEWORK

There was submitted Report No 709-2010 by the Director of Education detailing a response to consultation on the future development of the HMIe School Inspection Framework.

The Committee agreed to:-

(i) note the contents of the report;

(ii) approve the Council's response to the consultation; and

(iii) instruct the Director of Education to submit the response on behalf of Dundee City Council.

V PROPOSAL TO AMEND THE GUIDELINES ON HOME - SCHOOL TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENTS

There was submitted Report No 714-2010 by the Director of Education seeking Committee approval to extend the provision of bus passes for secondary pupils in receipt of free school meals (FME) who live more than two miles, but less than three miles, from their designated secondary school.

The Committee agreed to:-

(i) note the content of the report;

(ii) approve the proposal; and

(iii) instruct the Director of Education to amend the existing guidelines and introduce the change with effect from 6th January, 2011.

Elizabeth F FORDYCE, Convener.