Issue - meetings

That the report be noted.

The Chief Officer introduced a report to present the monitoring of progress for the first quarter of the Improvement Plan 2016/17 priority ‘Skills and Learning’ relevant to the Committee. 

                        The Chair invited Members to raise questions.

                        Councillor Dave Mackie commented that there were a number of typographical errors in the Improvement Plan Monitoring report which was appended.  The Chief Officer explained how the data was compiled and agreed to feedback the comments made by Councillor Mackie to ensure that report authors checked their reports prior to submission in future. 

                        Mr. David Hytch referred to page 55 of the progress report and referring to the statement ‘Leadership  capacity does not match school needs’ asked if this was a statement of risk or fact.   The Senior Manager School Improvement explained that it was a statement of risk.  Mr. Hytch referred to page 42, paragraph 1.10, of the report and asked what were the ‘innovative ways’ referred to in the first paragraph.  The Chief Officer explained that pre school groups and early years were two examples. 

Mr. Hytch drew attention to page 5 of the report, paragraph 1.2.6, and raised concerns that the only way to reduce the repairs and maintenance of school buildings blacklog was through the school modernisation programme.  The Senior Manager School Planning and Provision, commented on the improved position regarding the repairs and maintenance backlog of school buildings and said there would continue to be a reduction going forward.  The Chief Officer commented on the need to also maintain the quality and standards of new school buildings.  

RESOLVED

That the report be noted.