Education Committee - 24/01/2011

At a MEETING of the EDUCATION COMMITTEE held at Dundee on 24th January, 2011.

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 6th December, 2010 was held as read.

Unless marked thus * all items stand delegated.

I TENDERS RECEIVED

There was submitted Report No 45-2011 by the City Architectural Services Officer detailing tenders received and requesting a decision thereon:-

(i) VARIOUS SCHOOLS - CARETAKERS' HOUSES - UPGRADING WORKS TO MEET SCOTTISH HOUSING QUALITY STANDARDS

The Committee agreed to accept a negotiated offer with Dundee Contract Services for 47,130, together with an allowance of 6,715 for professional services, making a total expenditure of 53,845.

(ii) ARDLER PRIMARY SCHOOL - GROUND FLOOR GIRLS' TOILET UPGRADE

The Committee agreed to accept a negotiated offer with Dundee Contract Services for 31,174.15, together with allowances of 2,000 for additional electrical work, and 4,443 for professional services, making a total expenditure of 37,617.15.

(iii) MILL O'MAINS PRIMARY SCHOOL - GIRLS' INFANT TOILET UPGRADE

The Committee agreed to accept a negotiated offer with Dundee Contract Services for 43,461.14, together with allowances of 1,000 for additional electrical work, and 6,194 for professional services, making a total expenditure of 50,655.14.

(iv) ARDLER PRIMARY SCHOOL - RE-ROOFING WORKS TO ENTRANCE HALL

The Committee agreed to accept a negotiated offer with Dundee Contract Services for 37,774.36, together with an allowance of 3,551 for professional services, making a total expenditure of 41,325.36.

II TENDERS RECEIVED BY CITY ENGINEER

There was submitted Report No 22-2011 by the City Engineer detailing tenders received and requesting a decision thereon:-

(i) BLACKNESS PRIMARY SCHOOL - REFURBISHMENT AND ASSOCIATED WORKS

The Committee agreed to accept a partnership offer from Intona Ltd for 148,748.80, together with allowances of 30,500.75 for contingencies, 19,634.84 for professional fees, and 1,115.61 for CDM Co-ordinator, making a total expenditure of 200,000.

III RESPONSE TO CONSULTATION ON REVISED NATIONAL GUIDANCE ON SCHOOL EXCLUSION

There was submitted Report No 24-2011 by the Director of Education informing the Committee of the local response to the Scottish Government's consultation on the draft revised national guidance on exclusions entitled 'Included, Engaged and Involved Part 2: a positive approach to managing school exclusions'.

The Committee noted the content of the response and instructed the Director of Education to submit it to the Scottish Government on behalf of the Council.

IV CHILDRENS EDUCATION - PERFORMANCE

This item had been placed on the Education Agenda by Councillor Bidwell who asked the Education Committee to consider the impact of reduced teacher numbers on children's education and performance.

Councillor Bidwell moved that the Education Committee was concerned about the forthcoming cuts in the Education budget and their potential negative effect on attainment in our schools and recommended that the Policy and Resources Committee consider the impact which any savings may have on attainment in our schools.

The Committee agreed the above.

Elizabeth F FORDYCE, Convener.