Issue - meetings

Consider report by Service Director, Children and Young people. (Copy attached.)

SCHOOL ESTATES REVIEW – NEXT STEPS 2017/18

There had been circulated copies of a report by the Service Director, Children and Young People which provided an update on the work that was carried out in the School Estates Review from October 2016 to June 2017 and outlined the proposed next steps in the School Estates Review from October 2017 to June 2018.  During the programme of work, the Council was recognised for delivering best practice in the manner in which the pupil, parent and community voice in Jedburgh was used to guide a consultation on learning provision in the town.  The very successful outcome of Scottish Government partnership funding to deliver an Intergenerational Community Learning Campus with the Council had been instrumental in evolving the principles guiding the School Estate towards a holistic community approach, which was in line with the Council’s developing approach to community empowerment and a focus on change and improvement being centred in localities.  The success of the School Estates Review was very much linked within the level of engagement coming through from communities, who had become active in engaging with the Council on future proofing their estate and working jointly on specific challenges, as well as responding positively to opportunities.The School Estate strategy was a key strategy within the Council which could contribute significantly to the vision and priorities set out in the Council’s “Connected Borders” Strategic Plan.  The Service Director gave a detailed presentation on each of the proposals detailed in the report and answered Members questions.  It was noted that with regard to Government funding they were looking for new builds rather than refurbishments but projects were looked at on a case by case basis.  In response to a question on schools with falling rolls, the Service Director advised that a meeting had been held for all schools with less than 50 pupils.  These schools had prepared action plans and some had been successful in increasing their numbers.  In terms of St Margaret’s Primary School, Hawick the proposal to close the school was based on educational rather than cost grounds and there was a range of options for the continued provision of religious instruction for the children.  With regard to the other RC schools it was noted that they were currently secure and new nursery provision was to be introduced at St Margaret’s, Galashiels.  Members discussed the proposals and agreed that the word “intergenerational” be removed from recommendation (d).     

DECISION

AGREED:-

(a)     to the change in the strategic principles guiding the School Estate Review, which now focused on delivering intergenerational learning opportunities and outcomes for all ages within a community;

(b)     to note  the positive response from the Scottish Government to the high quality consultation process carried out as part of the School Estate Review in Jedburgh;

(c)     to note that a separate paper recommending the closure of the nursery, primary , secondary and specialist provision and the establishment of Jedburgh Intergenerational Learning Community had been progressed within the School Estate Review  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4