Education Committee - 12/12/2011

At a MEETING of the EDUCATION COMMITTEE held at Dundee on 12th December, 2011.

Present:-

Depute Lord Provost Ian BORTHWICK

BAILIES

COUNCILLORS

Councillor Elizabeth F FORDYCE, Convener, in the Chair.

The minute of meeting of this Committee of 28th November, 2011 was held as read.

Unless marked thus * all items stand delegated.

I REVIEW OF SCHOOL ESTATE

There was submitted Report No 539-2011 by the Director of Education providing a comprehensive review of the School Estate in Dundee.

Bailie Wallace and Councillor Fordyce declared non-financial interests by virtue of having grandchildren who attend Barnhill Primary School.

The Convener, seconded by Councillor Lynn, moved that the Committee:-

(i) note the review;

(ii) approve the revised school capacity data for the primary sector;

(iii) agree that an appropriate block provision be included in the 2012/2015 Capital Plan;

(iv) note the proposed strategy to inform the future direction of the school estate; and

(v) agree that a strategy report be brought back to the Education Committee before the summer recess.

As an amendment, Bailie Wallace, seconded by Bailie Scott, moved approval of the above and, in addition, the following be added to (iv) above:-

"As part of that strategy a review is carried out as to the level of accommodation, condition of building and associated issues at Barnhill Primary School to ensure that it is suitable to meet existing needs and future demands. The outcome of this review should be included in the report to be brought back to the Education Committee in terms of (v) above."

On a division, there voted for the motion - the Convener, Bailie Sawers, Councillors Guild, Barrie, Black, Bowes, Andy Dawson, Will Dawson, Duncan, Hunter, Lynn, Melville, Roberts, Ross and Rev Wilson, Monsignor McCaffrey and Mr Forrest (17); and for the amendment - Bailies Wright, Wallace and Scott and Councillors Keenan, Asif, Bidwell, Ferguson, Gordon, McCready, Hay and Macpherson (11) - Depute Lord Provost Borthwick declining to vote - whereupon the motion was declared carried.

As a further amendment, Depute Lord Provost Borthwick, seconded by Councillor Keenan, moved that the report be deferred.

On a division, there voted for the motion - the Convener, Bailie Sawers, Councillors Guild, Barrie, Black, Bowes, Andy Dawson, Will Dawson, Duncan, Hunter, Lynn, Melville, Roberts and Ross and Rev Wilson (15); and for the amendment - Depute Lord Provost Borthwick, Bailies Wright, Wallace and Scott and Councillors Keenan, Asif, Bidwell, Ferguson, Gordon, McCready, Hay and Macpherson and Monsignor McCaffrey and Mr Forrest (14) - whereupon the motion was declared carried.

The Committee further agreed that Park Place Nursery would remain a stand-alone nursery when it transfers to its new campus.

Elizabeth F FORDYCE, Convener.