Agenda and minutes

1.       WELCOME

          The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting, which included members of the Sub-Committee and those watching via the Live Stream, and outlined how the meeting would be conducted.

(a)  Minute of 5 October 2023

(b)  Minute of 24 October 2023

(Copies attached)

2.         MINUTES

            There had been circulated copies of the Minutes of the Education Sub Committee held on 5 October 2023 and 24 October 2023.

            DECISION

            AGREED the Minutes of the 5 October and 24 October for signature by the Chairman.

Consider report by Director of Education and Lifelong Learning.  (Copy attached.)

3.         SCOTTISH BORDERS REVISED ADMISSIONS POLICY

3.1       There had been circulated copies of a report by the Director of Education and Lifelong Learning, the purpose of which was to seek approval of the revised Admissions Policy (2024) which covered Enrolment to Primary and Secondary Schools; Placement requests; and class sizes and composite classes.  The report explained that the Policy responded to and sat within the context of the Education (Scotland) Act 1980 and the Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Act 2004, along with the associated amendments and guidance for these Acts.

3.2       Under the Education (Scotland) Act 1980 as amended, it was the duty of the Education and Lifelong Learning Service to provide an adequate and efficient school education for all children living within the Scottish Borders Council area.  The report highlighted the significant changes to the previous policy.

3.4       In response to a question about Families finding an appropriate school when English was not their first language, Ms McKenzie explained where the information could be found and that translation services were available where required. 

            With reference to paragraph 7.8.5, Councillor Sinclair requested that this be re-worded as it reads as if the child would require to move school.

            In response to a question about the creation of composite classes, Ms McKenzie confirmed that it was the sole responsibility of the Headteacher.  In terms of composite classes, it was acknowledged that composite classes can cause anxiety amongst parents, however Headteachers take great care in creating composite classes, ensuring that friendship groups were taken into account.  Mrs Munro advised that gender balance had been removed from the policy for a number of reasons, one of them being to protect friendship groups.  It was acknowledged that communication with parents could be improved with better explanations of what a composite class would look like and the benefits for children within them.

       DECISION

       AGREED:-

(a)           Agreed that the wording of para 7.8.5 be amended to read:-                      

If during the course of a school session, a family moves house to another catchment area but wish their child to remain at the original school, parents would become liable for any transport costs. Any siblings not already at the school would need to be considered as an out of catchment placement request.

(a)              the changes to the Policy;

(b)             that the revised Policy be implemented as of February 2024; and

(c)            that the Policy be reviewed and updated, if required, by December 2026.

(Copies attached.)

4.           AYTON PRIMARY SCHOOL

          In Attendance: - Ms Jill Horsburgh (Headteacher), James Bewsey (Quality Improvement Officer).

4.1         The Chairman welcomed the representatives from Ayton Primary School.

HMIe report

4.2         There had been circulated copies of a report on His Majesty’s Inspector of Education (HMIE) Reports for Ayton Primary School and the Improvement Plan developed by the Headteacher to address the key recommendations.  The report explained that Ayton Primary School was inspected using a ‘full’ inspection model, which means that 4 key quality indicators were inspected in the Primary School over a 5-day period.  The HMIE Report evaluated the primary provision as good, across all quality indicators. The evaluation gradings range given by HMIE on school inspections can range from unsatisfactory to excellent.  A grading of very good indicated there were major strengths in this aspect of the school’s work. Gradings of good indicated there are important strengths with areas for improvement in this aspect of the school’s work. 

4.3         The following areas for improvement identified and discussed with the Headteacher and representatives from Scottish Borders Council a) the very welcoming children and staff who make Ayton Primary School a happy place to learn. Caring and nurturing relationships between all staff and children ensure children feel safe and engage well in learning b) the Headteacher provided strong leadership for the school community and was driving forward school improvements well. In her short time in post, the positive impact on children’s experiences and outcomes was evident c) the recent improvements in digital learning approaches which were leading to children using technology effectively to enhance and extend their learning and d) The positive steps in raising attainment of children across the school, particularly in reading, listening and talking and numeracy.

4.4             The following areas for improvement were identified and discussed with the Headteacher and a representative from Scottish Borders Council a) Senior leaders and teachers should continue to improve high quality learning and teaching across the school, which should include increased opportunities for children to lead and review their learning b) develop a robust strategic overview of children’s additional support needs across the school. This would ensure all staff were confident in the range of supports used in Ayton Primary School to meet learner’s needs and help senior leaders to evidence more clearly the positive impact of the support children receive and c) Senior leaders improve the recording and tracking of data and measure and close gaps in children’s learning more effectively.

4.5             Ms Horsburgh explained that Ayton Primary School was located in the heart of the village, near to the playing fields, children’s play park and the bowling club which was another key part of the village for many residents. Ayton was a village of over 500 residents and the new housing estate which was completed after 2020 had provided housing to younger residents in the local community. Ayton Primary was part of the Eyemouth Learning Community and was one of five a feeder Primary Schools to Eyemouth High School.  At  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.