Education Committee - 18/05/2015

At a MEETING of the EDUCATION COMMITTEE held at Dundee on 18th May, 2015.

Present:-

BAILIES

COUNCILLORS

Councillor Stewart HUNTER, Convener, in the Chair.

The minute of meeting of this Committee of 23rd April, 2015 was held as read.

Unless marked thus * all items stand delegated.

I DECLARATION OF INTEREST

There were no declarations of interest.

II REVIEW OF SUPPORT STAFF IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS

It was reported that a request had been received for a deputation to be heard in relation to the above. The Committee agreed to hear the deputation. After the deputation had stated their case and answered questions from members, they were thanked for their attendance and withdrew.

There was submitted Report No 162-2015 by the Directors of Education and Corporate Services seeking approval to change the structure and allocation of support staff within secondary schools.

The Convener, seconded by Councillor Murray, moved:-

(i) to implement a revised formula for the allocation of identified support staff in secondary schools as detailed in Appendix 1 of the report; The formula takes account of factors which reflect staff time required to support work in schools ie pupil roll, stage and deprivation. Allocations will be reviewed on a three yearly basis or when staff changes occur;

(ii) that a new post with a specific job description and training plan be created to enable flexibility within schools. This will be a generic post of Secondary School Support Assistant (SSSA) and would encompass duties currently undertaken by Senior Clerical Officers, Clerical Officers, General Assistants and Auxiliaries; The implementation process must ensure staff with appropriate skills are matched to schools requirements. It is proposed to move to all posts being a maximum of 200 days per annum. This would mean current General Assistants and Auxiliaries could increase from 195 to 200 days per annum if they wish with Senior Clerical Officers and Clerical Officers remaining on their current contracted hours unless they wish to reduce from 205 to 200 days. Admin Officers would also be given the opportunity to reduce to 200 days per annum if they wish;

(iii) that the hierarchal structure within schools is revised with all Senior and Clerical Officer posts becoming SSSA. Early discussions will take place with the staff group affected to minimise the impact of this change;

(iv) that the tasks and processes in schools be reviewed to ensure efficient and effective use of resources;

(v) that in line with the principles of Devolved School Management, the budget for the current Senior Clerical Officer and Clerical Officer posts which become SSSA posts would be transferred from Corporate Services to Education; and

(vi) to review the allocation of School Technicians across the city and prepare a separate report.

As an amendment, Councillor Bidwell, seconded by Councillor Cruickshank, moved that Council defer decisions about the recommendations in this report pending further negotiations with the relevant trade unions.

On a division, there voted for the motion - the Convener, Lord Provost Duncan, Depute Lord Provost Roberts, Bailie Sawers and Councillors Guild, Alexander, Black, Bowes, Campbell, Cordell, Dawson, Lynn, McDonald, Melville, Murray and Ross (16); and for the amendment - Bailies Wright, Borthwick and Scott, Councillors Keenan, Asif, Bidwell, Brennan, Cruickshank, Ferguson, Gordon, McCready, McGovern and Macpherson and Miss Mands, Mr Douris and Mr Baxter (16) - there being a parity of votes, the Convener used his casting vote in favour of the motion - whereupon the motion was declared carried.

Stewart HUNTER, Convener.