Agenda Document Pack - Hamilton Area Committee - 28/02/2024
South Lanarkshire Council · 28 February 2024
Back to Hamilton Area Committee — 28 February 2024 and its agenda
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Council Offices, Almada Street Hamilton, ML3 0AA Tuesday, 20 February 2024 Dear Councillor Hamilton Area Committee The Members listed below are requested to attend a meeting of the above Committee to be held as follows:- Date: Wednesday, 28 February 2024 Time: 14:00 Venue: Hybrid - Committee Room 1, Council Offices, Almada Street, Hamilton, ML3 0AA The business to be considered at the meeting is listed overleaf. Yours sincerely Paul Manning Chief Executive Members Allan Falconer (Chair), Mo Razzaq (Depute Chair), Andy Carmichael, Maureen Chalmers, Ross Clark, Maureen Devlin, Colin Dewar, Mary Donnelly, Celine Handibode, Graeme Horne, Martin Hose, Cal Johnston-Dempsey, Gavin Keatt, Kenny McCreary, Lesley McDonald, Mark McGeever, Davie McLachlan, Richard Nelson, John Ross, Bert Thomson, Helen Toner 1
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BUSINESS 1 Declaration of Interests 2 Minutes of Previous Meeting Minutes of the meeting of the Hamilton Area Committee held on 29 November 2023 submitted for approval as a correct record. (Copy attached) 3 - 6 Item(s) for Noting 3 Education Scotland - Dalserf Primary School Report dated 31 January 2024 by the Executive Director (Education Resources). (Copy attached) 7 - 12 4 Education Scotland - St Ninian's Primary School Report dated 31 January 2024 by the Executive Director (Education Resources). (Copy attached) 13 - 18 5 Education Scotland - St Mary's Primary School Larkhall Report dated 1 February 2024 by the Executive Director (Education Resources). (Copy attached) 19 - 24 6 Hamilton Common Good - Update Report Report dated 31 January 2024 by Head of Finance (Strategy) (Finance and Corporate Resources). (Copy attached) 25 - 30 7 Housing and Technical Resources Participatory Budgeting Report dated 12 February 2024 by the Executive Director (Housing and Technical Resources). (Copy attached) 31 - 32 8 Community Payback Order Presentation by Euan Lloyd, Social Work Resources Item(s) for Decision 9 Community Grant Applications Report dated 8 February 2024 by the Chief Executive. (Copy attached) 33 - 36 Urgent Business 10 Urgent Business Any other items of business which the Chair decides are urgent. For further information, please contact:- Clerk Name: Elizabeth-Anne McGonigle Clerk Telephone: 07385403101 Clerk Email: elizabeth-anne.mcgonigle@southlanarkshire.gov.uk 2
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HAMILTON AREA COMMITTEE Minutes of meeting held via Confero and in Committee Room 1, Council Offices, Almada Street, Hamilton on 29 November 2023 Chair: Councillor Allan Falconer Councillors Present: Councillor Andy Carmichael, Councillor Maureen Devlin, Councillor Colin Dewar, Councillor Mary Donnelly, Councillor Celine Handibode, Councillor Graeme Horne, Councillor Cal Johnston- Dempsey, Councillor Gavin Keatt, Councillor Kenny McCreary, Councillor Lesley McDonald, Councillor Davie McLachlan, Councillor Mo Razzaq (Depute), Councillor John Ross, Councillor Helen Toner Councillors' Apologies: Councillor Maureen Chalmers, Councillor Ross Clark, Councillor Martin Hose, Councillor Mark McGeever, Councillor Richard Nelson, Councillor Bert Thomson Attending: Education Resources M Farr, Quality Lead Officer (Supporting Families); L Mitchell, Quality Improvement Officer; G Sivas, Headteacher, Hamilton Grammar School Finance and Corporate Resources S Jessup, Administration Assistant; E-A McGonigle, Administration Officer 1 Declaration of Interests No interests were declared. 2 Minutes of Previous Meeting The minutes of the meeting of the Hamilton Area Committee held on 20 September 2023 were submitted for approval as a correct record. The Committee decided: that the minutes be approved as a correct record. Councillor McLachlan entered the meeting following consideration of the above item of business 3 Education Scotland Report – Hamilton Grammar School A report dated 23 October 2023 by the Executive Director (Education Resources) was submitted on the outcome of the inspection of Hamilton Grammar School made by Education Scotland. The inspection had taken place in October 2022 as part of a national sample of primary education and the inspection letter reporting on the findings had been published on 3 October 2023. A number of particular strengths of the school had been highlighted in the inspection letter. The areas for improvement, agreed with the school and education authority, had been incorporated into the school’s improvement plan and parents would be informed of progress. G Sivas, Headteacher and L Mitchell, Lead Officer, having spoken on key aspects of the report, were congratulated on the positive inspection report. 2 3
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The Committee decided: that the report be noted. 4 Participatory Budgeting – Education Resources - Pupil Equity Funding A report dated 9 November 2023 by the Executive Director (Education Resources) was submitted on Participatory Budgeting (PB) in relation to Pupil Equity Funding (PEF). Before the summer holidays, head teachers were informed PB would continue into session 2023/2024. They were asked to allocate a minimum of 5% of their 2023/2024 PEF allocation and identify a staff member to lead/facilitate this activity in their school. Schools were informed that the principles and practices of PB were applicable across their full PEF allocation as per PEF National Operational Guidance. Schools were, therefore, encouraged to put aside more than the recommended 5% where possible. PB training was held on 21 August 2023 for head teachers and PB Leads who required a refresh or were new to the process. The training outlined expectations, timescales and support available and also drew on lessons learned previously in relation to good practice and signposting resources. The training was then shared with schools thereafter. Schools within the Hamilton area had allocated £224,076.30 of their £3.656,910 PEF allocation for PB. A breakdown of the allocation for each learning community was provided in Appendix 1 to the report. Appendix 2 of the report summarised the percentage of PEF which schools had allocated for PB. A further school-by-school breakdown was outlined in Appendix 3 of the report. PB Stakeholder groups, comprising pupils, parents and staff, were currently leading the PB process in their schools. The outcome for each school would be reported to Education Resources by 9 October 2023. Information on the outcome of the process would be shared at future Area Committee meetings. Appendix 4 provided a summary on what stakeholders chose as their PB outcome. Education Resources would provide Area Committees with:- case studies of school activity, which had particular impact/success a detailed financial report of how PEF money allocated for PB had been spent Education Resources would support schools and monitor and track the impact of this activity. Findings would inform any future PB activity within the Resource. The Quality Lead Officer (Supporting Families) responded to members’ questions on various aspects of the report. The Committee decided: that the report be noted. [Reference: Minutes of 21 June 2023 (Paragraph 7)] Councillor Ross entered the meeting during consideration of the above item of business 5 Community Grant Applications A report dated 13 November 2023 by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) was submitted on applications for community grants. 4
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The Committee decided: that community grants be awarded as follows:- (a) Applicant: St Cuthbert’s Bowling Club, Hamilton (HA/25/23) Purpose of Grant: Outing and entrance fees Amount Awarded: £300 (b) Applicant: Hamilton Bowling Club Winter Section (HA/26/23) Purpose of Grant: Outing Amount Awarded: £300 (c) Applicant: Larkhall Community Growers (HA/27/23) Purpose of Grant: Outing and entrance fees Amount Awarded: £350 (d) Applicant: Saffronhall Art Club, Hamilton (HA/29/23) Purpose of Grant: Outing and publicity costs Amount Awarded: £350 (e) Applicant: Hamilton and District u3a (HA/30/23) Purpose of Grant: Equipment Amount Awarded: £600 [Reference: Minutes of 20 September 2023 (Paragraph 7)] 6 Urgent Business There were no items of urgent business. 5
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Report Agenda Item Report to: Hamilton Area Committee Date of Meeting: 28 February 2024 Report by: Executive Director (Education Resources) Subject: Education Scotland Report - Dalserf Primary School 1. Purpose of Report 1.1. The purpose of the report is to-: [purpose] advise of the outcome of the inspection of Dalserf Primary School by Education Scotland inspectors [1purpose] 2. Recommendation(s) 2.1. The Committee is asked to approve the following recommendation(s)-: [recs] (1) that the Education Scotland report on Dalserf Primary School be noted. [1recs] 3. Background 3.1. Dalserf Primary were inspected in October 2023 as part of a national sample of primary education. 3.2. As part of the revised approach to inspection, the Education Scotland inspectors evaluated the leadership of change; learning, teaching and assessment; raising attainment and achievement and ensuring wellbeing, equality and inclusion. 3.3. The inspection team analysed questionnaires issued to parents, pupils and to all staff. Inspectors observed class lessons and interviewed groups of pupils, including the pupil council, and staff. Members of the inspection team also met parents and members of the local community. 3.4. The report by Education Scotland was published on 19 December 2023. 4. Finding of HM inspectors 4.1. Education Scotland made comment under the following headings:- Leadership of change Learning, teaching and assessment Ensuring wellbeing, equality and inclusion Raising attainment and achievement 4.2. The particular strengths of the school were identified as follows:- Polite and confident children who work well with each other. Children are proud of their school and of each other’s successes and their achievements. 3 7
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The nurturing ethos and positive relationships that exist across the school. The headteacher and staff's positive approaches lead children and their families to feel welcomed and to be part of the school community. All staff work well as a team to help children learn and achieve. Staff are keen to develop their individual and collective skills to help improve learning experiences and outcomes for children. The use of the outdoor environment to enhance children’s learning experiences. Staff have developed outdoor spaces and are now providing children with a range of outdoor learning experiences. This is helping children to learn about their environment and develop their sense of wellbeing. Across the school, children have good opportunities develop leadership skills through a variety of committees and groups. This is helping children to develop skills for learning, life and work. 4.3. Education Scotland identified the following areas for continued improvement:- The headteacher and staff should continue to develop approaches to reaching a shared understanding of standards to ensure robust professional judgements about children’s attainment. This should include working with colleagues from other schools. Staff should continue to build on recent improvements in attainment in literacy and numeracy, ensuring that all children across the school are challenged appropriately to make the best possible progress. The headteacher should continue to support all staff to take an active role in leadership. This should ensure change and improvement is embedded as well as providing momentum for continuous improvement. 4.4. As well as welcoming the strengths of the school, it should be noted that the areas for continued improvement are already being incorporated into the school’s improvement planning. 4.5. Education Scotland have intimated that they are confident that the school will be able to take forward the areas for improvement and will make no more visits in connection with this report. The school are in a strong position to be able to raise levels of attainment with a particular focus on closing the poverty related attainment gap. 4.6. Additional inspection evidence can be accessed by clicking the following web link:- Dalserf Primary School, South Lanarkshire 5. Employee Implications 5.1. None 6. Financial Implications 6.1. None 7. Climate Change, Sustainability and Environmental Implications 7.1. None 8. Other Implications 8.1. There are no direct risks associated with this report which is provided for information only. 8
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9. Equality Impact Assessment and Consultation Arrangements 9.1. There is no requirement to carry out an assessment in terms of the proposals contained within this report. 9.2. The content of Education Scotland reports is shared with parents and discussed at Parent Council meetings. Carole McKenzie Executive Director (Education Resources) 31 January 2024 Link(s) to Council Values/Priorities/Outcomes inspiring learners, transforming learning, strengthening partnerships. Previous References None List of Background Papers Education Scotland Report of Dalserf Primary - 19 December 2023 Contact for Further Information If you would like to inspect the background papers or want further information, please. contact-: Stewart Nicolson, Head of Education (Hamiton) Ext : 4475 Tel: 01698 454475 E-mail: Stewart.Nicolson@southlanarkshire.gov.uk 9
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1 | Dalserf Primary School, South Lanarkshire Council, 8520127 © Crown Copyright 19 December 2023 Dear Parent/Carer In October 2023, a team of inspectors from Education Scotland visited Dalserf Primary School. During our visit, we talked to parents/carers and children and worked closely with the headteacher and staff. The inspection team found the following strengths in the school’s work. • Polite and confident children who work well with each other. Children are proud of their school and of each other’s successes and their achievements. • The nurturing ethos and positive relationships that exist across the school. The headteacher and staff's positive approaches lead children and their families to feel welcomed and to be part of the school community. • All staff work well as a team to help children learn and achieve. Staff are keen to develop their individual and collective skills to help improve learning experiences and outcomes for children. • The use of the outdoor environment to enhance children’s learning experiences. Staff have developed outdoor spaces and are now providing children with a range of outdoor learning experiences. This is helping children to learn about their environment and develop their sense of wellbeing. • Across the school, children have good opportunities to develop leadership skills through a variety of committees and groups. This is helping children to develop skills for learning, life and work. The following areas for improvement were identified and discussed with the headteacher and representatives from South Lanarkshire Council. • The headteacher and staff should continue to develop approaches to reaching a shared understanding of standards to ensure robust professional judgements about children’s attainment. This should include working with colleagues from other schools. • Staff should continue to build on recent improvements in attainment in literacy and numeracy, ensuring that all children across the school are challenged appropriately to make the best possible progress. • The headteacher should continue to support all staff to take an active role in leadership. This should ensure change and improvement is embedded as well as providing momentum for continuous improvement. 3 11
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2 | Dalserf Primary School, South Lanarkshire Council, 8520127 © Crown Copyright We gathered evidence to enable us to evaluate the school’s work using four quality indicators from How good is our school? (4th edition). Quality indicators help schools, local authorities and inspectors to judge what is working well and what needs to be improved. Following the inspection of each school, the Scottish Government gathers details of our evaluations to keep track of how well Scottish schools are doing. Here are Education Scotland’s evaluations for Dalserf Primary School Quality indicators Evaluation Leadership of change good Learning, teaching and assessment good Ensuring wellbeing, equality and inclusion good Raising attainment and achievement good Descriptions of the evaluations are available from: How good is our school? (4th edition), Appendix 3: The six-point scale A more detailed document called Summarised Inspection Findings (SIF) will be available on the Education Scotland website at: Reports page | Inspection reports | Education Scotland What happens next? We are confident that the school has the capacity to continue to improve and so we will make no more visits in connection with this inspection. South Lanarkshire Council will inform parents/carers about the school’s progress as part of its arrangements for reporting on the quality of its schools. Simon Gallon HM Inspector 12
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Report Agenda Item Report to: Hamilton Area Committee Date of Meeting: 28 February 2024 Report by: Executive Director (Education Resources) Subject: Education Scotland Report – St Ninian’s Primary School 1. Purpose of Report 1.1. The purpose of the report is to:- [purpose] advise of the outcome of the inspection of St Ninian’s Primary School by Education Scotland inspectors [1purpose] 2. Recommendation(s) 2.1. The Committee is asked to approve the following recommendation(s):- [recs] (1) that the Education Scotland report on St Ninian’s Primary School be noted. [1recs] 3. Background 3.1. St Ninian’s Primary School was inspected in October 2023 as part of a national sample of primary education. 3.2. As part of the revised approach to inspection, the Education Scotland inspectors evaluated learning, teaching and assessment and raising attainment and achievement. 3.3. The inspection team analysed questionnaires issued to a sample of parents, pupils and to all staff. Inspectors observed class lessons and interviewed groups of pupils, including the pupil council, and staff. Members of the inspection team also met parents and members of the local community. 3.4. The report by Education Scotland was published on 21 November 2023 4. Finding of HM inspectors 4.1. Education Scotland made comment under the following headings:- learning provision children’s successes and achievements 4.2. The particular strengths of the school were identified as follows:- Senior leaders, supported well by staff, ensure positive relationships exist across the school and uphold the school’s vision and values very well. This is helping children to engage well with their learning and contribute effectively to their school community. 4 13
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Senior leaders and teachers work well in partnership to gather reliable information about how well children are progressing with their learning. This is helping them to make accurate decisions on how to best support children to move their learning forward. Children are making good progress in their learning. They are improving their skills in leadership, helping the community and increasing participation in healthy living activities. Senior leaders and teachers accurately identify children who would benefit from more support. This is helping them put useful plans in place for children, raising their attainment and reducing the poverty related attainment gap. 4.3. Education Scotland identified the following areas for continued improvement:- Senior leaders should continue to develop high-quality learning and teaching across the school. They should continue to work with staff to embed the learning and teaching policy to provide consistent teaching approaches in all classes. Senior leaders should continue to develop approaches to measuring the impact of the support the school offers children. This should include how staff track the skills children develop over time. 4.4. As well as welcoming the strengths of the school, it should be noted that the areas for continued improvement are already being incorporated into the schools improvement plan. 4.5. Education Scotland are confident that school has the capacity to continue to improve and so will make no more visits in connection with this inspection. The school community are very pleased with the findings of the inspection team and welcome the areas that they have identified, as these marry with the school’s own self- evaluation. 4.6. Additional inspection evidence can be accessed by clicking the following web link: Education Scotland Report - St Ninian's Primary School 5. Employee Implications 5.1. None 6. Financial Implications 6.1. None 7. Climate Change, Sustainability and Environmental Implications 7.1. None 8. Other Implications 8.1. There are no direct risks associated with this report which is provided for information only. 9. Equality Impact Assessment and Consultation Arrangements 9.1. There is no requirement to carry out an assessment in terms of the proposals contained within this report. 9.2. The content of Education Scotland reports are shared with parents and discussed at Parent Council meetings. 14
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Carole McKenzie Executive Director (Education Resources) 31 January 2024 Link(s) to Council Values/Priorities/Outcomes Inspiring learners, transforming learning, strengthening partnerships Previous References None List of Background Papers Education Scotland Report of St Ninian’s Primary School - 21 November 2023 Contact for Further Information If you would like to inspect the background papers or want further information, please. contact-: Stewart Nicolson, Head of Education (Hamiton) Ext : 4475 Tel: 01698 454475 E-mail: Stewart.Nicolson@southlanarkshire.gov.uk 15
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1 | St Ninian’s Primary School, South Lanarkshire Council, 8522022 © Crown Copyright 21 November 2023 Dear Parent/Carer In October 2023, a team of inspectors from Education Scotland visited St Ninian’s Primary School. During our visit, we talked to parents/carers and children and worked closely with the headteacher and staff. The inspection team found the following strengths in the school’s work. • Senior leaders, supported well by staff, ensure positive relationships exist across the school and uphold the school’s vision and values very well. This is helping children to engage well with their learning and contribute effectively to their school community. • Senior leaders and teachers work well in partnership to gather reliable information about how well children are progressing with their learning. This is helping them to make accurate decisions on how to best support children to move their learning forward. • Children are making good progress in their learning. They are improving their skills in leadership, helping the community and increasing participation in healthy living activities. • Senior leaders and teachers accurately identify children who would benefit from more support. This is helping them put useful plans in place for children, raising their attainment and reducing the poverty related attainment gap. The following areas for improvement were identified and discussed with the headteacher and a representative from South Lanarkshire Council. • Senior leaders should continue to develop high-quality learning and teaching across the school. They should continue to work with staff to embed the learning and teaching policy to provide consistent teaching approaches in all classes. • Senior leaders should continue to develop approaches to measuring the impact of the support the school offers children. This should include how staff track the skills children develop over time. 4 17
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2 | St Ninian’s Primary School, South Lanarkshire Council, 8522022 © Crown Copyright We gathered evidence to enable us to evaluate the school’s work using quality indicators from How good is our school? (4th edition). Quality indicators help schools, local authorities and inspectors to judge what is working well and what needs to be improved. Following the inspection of each school, the Scottish Government gathers details of our evaluations to keep track of how well Scottish schools are doing. Here are Education Scotland’s evaluations for St Ninian’s Primary School Quality indicators Evaluation Learning, teaching and assessment good Raising attainment and achievement good Descriptions of the evaluations are available from: How good is our school? (4th edition), Appendix 3: The six-point scale A more detailed document called Summarised Inspection Findings (SIF) will be available on the Education Scotland website at: Details | Find an inspection report | Find an inspection report | Inspection and Review | Education Scotland What happens next? We are confident that the school has the capacity to continue to improve and so we will make no more visits in connection with this inspection. South Lanarkshire Council will inform parents/carers about the school’s progress as part of its arrangements for reporting on the quality of its schools. David McKellar HM Inspector 18
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Report Agenda Item Report to: Hamilton Area Committee Date of Meeting: 28 February 2024 Report by: Executive Director (Education Resources) Subject: Education Scotland Report - St Mary’s Primary School (Larkhall) 1. Purpose of Report 1.1. The purpose of the report is to-: [purpose] advise of the outcome of the inspection of St Mary’s Primary School, Larkhall by Education Scotland inspectors [1purpose] 2. Recommendation(s) 2.1. The Committee is asked to approve the following recommendation(s)-: [recs] (1) that the Education Scotland report on St. Mary’s Primary School, Larkhall be noted. [1recs] 3. Background 3.1. St. Mary’s Primary School, Larkhall was inspected in June 2023 as part of a national sample of primary education. 3.2. As part of the revised approach to inspection, the Education Scotland inspectors evaluated; learning, teaching and assessment and raising attainment and achievement. 3.3. The inspection team analysed questionnaires issued to a sample of parents, pupils and to all staff. Inspectors observed class lessons and interviewed groups of pupils, including the pupil council, and staff. Members of the inspection team also met parents and members of the local community. 3.4. The report by Education Scotland was published on 12 September 2023. 4. Finding of HM inspectors 4.1. Education Scotland made comment under the following headings:- School Learning, teaching and assessment Raising attainment and achievement 4.2. The particular strengths of the school were identified as follows:- 5 19
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Children engage well in their learning and are very friendly and kind to one another and to staff. They enjoy being at St. Mary’s and feel respected and valued by all members of staff. The headteacher and staff create a very calm, purposeful learning environment that supports all children to learn and achieve. All staff across the school support each other well through professional learning. They work together well to improve children’s learning and help them to achieve their potential. 4.3. Education Scotland identified the following areas for continued improvement:- Teachers should continue to develop a shared understanding of high-quality learning, teaching and assessment. This should include more flexible use of digital tools and greater opportunities for children to lead their learning. Teachers should increase their use of information on children’s progress to plan appropriate next steps and agree them with children. As planned, the school should continue to develop ways to identify and track the skills children develop across all of their learning experiences. 4.4. As well as welcoming the strengths of the school, it should be noted that the areas for continued improvement have already been incorporated into the school’s improvement plan. 4.5. Education Scotland have intimated that they are confident that the school will be able to take forward the areas for improvement and will make no more visits in connection with this report. The local authority will inform parents about the school’s progress as part of the authority’s arrangements for reporting to parents on the quality of its schools. 4.6. Additional inspection evidence can be accessed by clicking the following web link-: St Mary's Primary School Larkhall, South Lanarkshire 12/09/23 (education.gov.scot) 5. Employee Implications 5.1. None 6. Financial Implications 6.1. None 7. Climate Change, Sustainability and Environmental Implications 7.1. None 8. Other Implications 8.1. There are no direct risks associated with this report which is provided for information only. 9. Equality Impact Assessment and Consultation Arrangements 9.1. There is no requirement to carry out an assessment in terms of the proposals contained within this report. 9.2. The content of Education Scotland reports is shared with parents and discussed at Parent Council meetings. 20
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Carole McKenzie Executive Director (Education Resources) 1 February 2024 Link(s) to Council Values/Priorities/Outcomes Inspiring learners, transforming learning, strengthening partnerships Previous References None List of Background Papers Education Scotland Report of St Mary’s Primary School, Larkhall - 12 September 2023 Contact for Further Information If you would like to inspect the background papers or want further information, please contact-: Stewart Nicolson, Head of Education (Hamilton) Ext: 4475 (Tel: 016984475) E-mail: stewart.nicolson@southlanarkshire.gov.uk 21
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1 | St Mary’s Primary School, South Lanarkshire Council, 8523223 © Crown Copyright 12 September 2023 Dear Parent/Carer In June 2023, a team of inspectors from Education Scotland visited St Mary’s Primary School. During our visit, we talked to parents/carers and children and worked closely with the headteacher and staff. The inspection team found the following strengths in the school’s work. • Children engage well in their learning and are very friendly and kind to one another and to staff. They enjoy being at St. Mary’s and feel respected and valued by all members of staff. • The headteacher and staff create a very calm, purposeful learning environment that supports all children to learn and achieve. • All staff across the school support each other well through professional learning. They work together well to improve children’s learning and help them to achieve their potential. The following areas for improvement were identified and discussed with the headteacher and a representative from South Lanarkshire Council. • Teachers should continue to develop a shared understanding of high-quality learning, teaching and assessment. This should include more flexible use of digital tools and greater opportunities for children to lead their learning. • Teachers should increase their use of information on children’s progress to plan appropriate next steps and agree them with children. As planned, the school should continue to develop ways to identify and track the skills children develop across all of their learning experiences. 5 23
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2 | St Mary’s Primary School, South Lanarkshire Council, 8523223 © Crown Copyright We gathered evidence to enable us to evaluate the school’s work using quality indicators from How good is our school? (4th edition). Quality indicators help schools, local authorities and inspectors to judge what is working well and what needs to be improved. Following the inspection of each school, the Scottish Government gathers details of our evaluations to keep track of how well Scottish schools are doing. Here are Education Scotland’s evaluations for St Mary’s Primary School Quality indicators Evaluation Learning, teaching and assessment good Raising attainment and achievement good Descriptions of the evaluations are available from: How good is our school? (4th edition), Appendix 3: The six-point scale A more detailed document called Summarised Inspection Findings (SIF) will be available on the Education Scotland website at: Details | Find an inspection report | Find an inspection report | Inspection and Review | Education Scotland What happens next? We are confident that the school has the capacity to continue to improve and so we will make no more visits in connection with this inspection. South Lanarkshire Council will inform parents/carers about the school’s progress as part of its arrangements for reporting on the quality of its schools. David Drysdale HM Inspector 24
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Report Agenda Item Report to: Hamilton Area Committee Date of Meeting: 28 February 2024 Report by: Head of Finance (Strategy) (Finance and Corporate Resources) Subject: Hamilton Common Good - Update Report 1. Purpose of Report 1.1. The purpose of the report is to: [purpose] provide background information and update on the Hamilton Common Good fund [1purpose] 2. Recommendation(s) 2.1. The Committee is asked to approve the following recommendation(s): [recs] (1) that the background information and update on Hamilton Common Good fund be noted. [1recs] 3. Background 3.1. The Common Good is a fund of money or assets or both and is administered by a Scottish local authority in respect of each former burgh within the area of the local authority. 3.2. Common Good property is owned by the local authority although it is administered separately from other local authority assets for accounting purposes. Ownership is absolute in the strict sense that the authority holds legal title to it. However, what the authority can do with the asset is subject to a system of statutory control. This control has the potential to limit the extent to which the authority can dispose of or deal with the asset and on what terms. 3.3. The Common Good funds held within South Lanarkshire Council are Lanark, Biggar, Hamilton and Rutherglen. The Hamilton Common Good Account holds a number of properties. A proactive approach to maintenance supports the viability of these assets and reduces the risk to greater liability in the future. 3.4. The Council’s Finance and Corporate Resources (FCR) Committee, at its meeting on 2 October 2013, approved an annual cyclical maintenance plan of £15,000 for Hamilton Common Good properties. The Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) has delegated authority to approve maintenance work up to the value of £15,000 for each fund. If inspections highlight requirements to undertake investment which would be beyond routine maintenance, this will be considered separately for approval and will be the subject of a report to the FCR Committee. 3.5. This report will provide details of the management and administration of the Common Good funds (sections 4 and 5). 6 25
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3.6. Accounts for the Common Good are prepared on an annual basis, as part of the Council’s year end process. The position for the year ended 31 March 2023 is detailed in section 6. 3.7. An up-to-date position, including planned maintenance and committed projects, is included in section 7 and 8. Information on consultations on Common Good assets is provided at section 9. 4. Administration of Common Good 4.1. Finance Services administer the Common Good Fund. This includes revenue monitoring, preparation of annual accounts and seeking Committee approval for expenditure to be incurred on various projects as and when they are required. 4.2. If any proposals for common good spend are considered to benefit the local community in Hamilton, and the level of funding required is feasible, then Finance Services will seek approval from the FCR Committee. 4.3. A Common Good Update report is presented to the FCR Committee at least twice a year. 5. Role of South Lanarkshire Council’s Elected Members 5.1. Decisions on the Common Good Funds are considered by the Council’s FCR Committee. Elected Members are kept up to date with any issues affecting the Common Good and are involved in the consideration of approving spend from the Account. A report on the management of the Hamilton Common Good Fund will be provided annually to the Hamilton Area Committee. 6. Common Good Annual Accounts 2022/2023 6.1. Appendix 1 to the report shows the audited accounts for 2022/2023. These form part of the Council’s accounts that were approved at the Risk and Audit Scrutiny Committee on 31 October 2023. 6.2. The Appendix shows that as at the end of 2022/2023, the Balance Invested in South Lanarkshire Council’s Loans Fund for Hamilton is £477,000. This is the cash that is held by the Council on behalf of the Common Good funds, and which is readily available to meet expenditure. 7. Hamilton Common Good Fund 7.1. 2022/2023 Year-end position: The Hamilton Common Good Fund holds both assets and cash. As noted in section 6.2, (and Appendix 1) the balance invested in South Lanarkshire Council’s Loans Fund (cash balances available to spend) is £477,000 and is the Hamilton Common Good Fund’s investment balance. 7.2. As well as cash balances, the Hamilton Common Good Fund also holds assets. These are detailed in Appendix 2. 7.3. Expenditure is incurred on the upkeep of Hamilton Common Good Assets and cash balances available can be considered for spend on specific projects. Income is generated from rent of particular assets. A summary of the Income and Expenditure for 2022/2023 is shown in Table 1. 26
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Table 1 - Hamilton Common Good - Income and Expenditure 2022/2023 £000 Income Rental Income from various properties 97 Interest Received 8 Total Income 105 Expenditure Repairs and Maintenance (Section 7.4) 18 Administration of Common Good Account 4 Payments to Other Bodies (Section 7.5) 71 Depreciation and Revaluation Losses 20 Total Expenditure 113 Net Deficit for Year (8) 7.4. The cost of Repairs and Maintenance incurred during 2022/2023 included a repair to a damaged wall at Hamilton Palace Retail Park (£374), enhancement of the Town Square Bandstand and upgrade of lighting (£16,485), and a roof repair to 65 Bothwell Road (£773). 7.5. The Payments to Other Bodies costs incurred during 2022/2023 includes contributions to Grants to Voluntary Organisations, Contributions to Civic Events and Ground Maintenance. 8. Hamilton Repairs and Maintenance Budget – Planned Maintenance 2023/2024 8.1. As noted in 3.4. an annual budget of £15,000 is available for the maintenance of Common Good properties in Hamilton. There is one commitment of approximately £12,213 for repair to the wall at the bottom of the Town Square (Palace Grounds) and to erect bollards to prevent further damage. 8.2. This would leave an unallocated balance of £2,787 in the Hamilton Common Good Maintenance budget for 2023/2024. 9. Consultation on Common Good Assets 9.1. New Lease Arrangements: There are currently no consultations on new lease arrangements. 9.2. Change of Use: There are currently no consultations on change of use. 10. Employee Implications 10.1. None 11. Financial Implications 11.1. All costs identified will be met from the Common Good fund held within Hamilton. 12. Climate Change, Sustainability and Environmental Implications 12.1. There are no implications for climate change, sustainability or the environment in terms of the information contained in this report. 27
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13. Other Implications 13.1. The ongoing repairs and maintenance support the viability of Common Good assets and reduces the Council’s risk to increased liabilities in the future. 14. Equality Impact Assessment and Consultation Arrangements 14.1. This report does not introduce a new policy, function or strategy or recommend a change to an existing policy, function or strategy, and, therefore, no impact assessment is required. 14.2. There is also no requirement to undertake any consultation in terms of the information contained in this report. Jackie Taylor Head of Finance (Strategy) (Finance and Corporate Resources) 31 January 2024 Link(s) to Council Values/Priorities/Outcomes Accountable, effective, efficient and transparent Previous References Hamilton Area Committee, 8 September 2021 List of Background Papers Finance and Corporate Resources Committee, 6 December 2023 Contact for Further Information If you would like to inspect the background papers or want further information, please contact: Jackie Taylor, Head of Finance Ext: 5637 (Tel: 01698 455637) E-mail: jackie.taylor@southlanarkshire.gov.uk@southlanarkshire.gov.uk 28
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Appendix 1 2022/2023 Annual Accounts Hamilton £000 Income and Expenditure Accounts Income for the Year 105 Expenditure for the Year (113) Surplus / (Deficit) to the Balance Sheet (8) Balance Sheet Fixed Assets Property, Plant and Equipment 1,558 Investments Advances to South Lanarkshire Council Loans Fund 477 Debtors - Total Assets 2,035 Current Liabilities Creditors (14) Total Assets less Current Liabilities 2,021 Represented By: Common Good Account 1,421 Surplus / (Deficit) (8) Amortisation of Revaluation Reserve 7 Gain / Loss on Revaluation - 1,420 Revaluation Reserve Opening Balance 530 Gain / Loss on Revaluation 78 Amortisation of Revaluation Reserve (7) Closing Balance 601 Total 2,021 29
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Appendix 2 Hamilton Common Good Assets Asset Name Address Bothwell Road Public Park Bothwell Road, Hamilton, ML3 0DW Common Green Back Row, Hamilton, ML3 6BW Former Vogue Bingo Hall / Cinema 11 Keith Street, Hamilton, ML3 7BL Gatehouse 65 Bothwell Road, Hamilton, ML3 0DW Sculptural Walls Old Cross, Hamilton, ML3 6DS Glass Blocks Old Cross, Hamilton, ML3 6DS Floral Trumpets Cadzow Glen, Hamilton, ML3 6BW Library Gates Cadzow Glen, Hamilton, ML3 6HQ Pyramid Cadzow Glen, Hamilton, ML3 6H Entrance Feature Cadzow Glen, Hamilton, ML3 6BJ Watson Fountain Cadzow Street, Hamilton, ML3 6HP Hamilton Racecourse Bothwell Road, Hamilton, ML3 0DW Stairwell 92-94 Cadzow Street, Hamilton, ML3 6DS Hamilton Towers Castle Street, Hamilton, ML3 6BU Cinema Palace Grounds Road, Hamilton, ML3 6AD Asda Stores Ltd Palace Grounds Road, Hamilton, ML3 6AD Retail Park Palace Grounds Road, Hamilton, ML3 6AD Express by Holiday Inn Keith Street, Hamilton, ML3 7BL Esporta Ground Lease Mote Hill, Hamilton, ML3 6BY Gateway Site Palace Grounds Road, Hamilton, ML3 6AD Backmuir Plantation Bothwell Road, Hamilton, ML3 0EF Grand Avenue Palace Grounds Road, Hamilton, ML3 Cythera Palace Grounds, Hamilton, ML3 6BY David Cooper Memorial Palace Grounds, Hamilton, ML3 6BY Railing Design Back Row, Hamilton, ML3 6BW Sandstone Abstract Cadzow Glen, Hamilton, ML3 6B Sandstone Tomb Cadzow Glen, Hamilton, ML3 6BA Wash Day Cadzow Glen, Hamilton, ML3 6BL The Cadzow Cow Cadzow Glen, Hamilton, ML3 6B Railing Design Cadzow Glen, Hamilton, ML3 6PA Union Street Entrance Gate Cadzow Glen, Hamilton, ML3 6PA Art Trail Direction Plaque Cadzow Glen, Hamilton, ML3 6BJ Four Youths Quarry Street, Hamilton, ML3 7AR Music Project Quarry Street, Hamilton, ML3 7AH Red Measures Quarry Street, Hamilton, ML3 6AH Railing Design Quarry Street, Hamilton, ML3 7DT Gazebo Quarry Street, Hamilton, ML3 7AH Light Heavyweight Town Square, Hamilton, ML3 6AD Totem Town Square, Hamilton, ML3 6AD Square Stars Town Square, Hamilton, ML3 6BU 30
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Update for Hamilton Area Committee Participatory Budgeting – Update for Area Committee Service Area Estate Improvement Budget/HIP Environmental Programme Lead Officer Deirdre Duncan Claire Frew Stage 1: Pre-Consultation • What are we asking the public for their view on (what service is it / description etc)? • How much funding are we asking about? • Who are we asking, • How are we doing this? • When are we doing this? • When will we report back? Estate Improvement Budget The Estate Improvement Budget totals £40,000 and is split across the 4 housing divisions of South Lanarkshire. Each Local Housing Management Team can direct the funding towards projects or improvements highlighted as a priority by customers. Although limited in value, the budget is ideally suited for conversion to a participatory budgeting approach as it often funds a number of smaller projects that have been highlighted as a priority by customers. Examples of recent exercises include customer engagement on options for the type and design of new fencing and lighting. To date, 5 projects are being undertaken within the Hamilton area in relation to:- • painting parking bays at John Ewing Gardens, Larkhall • installing security lighting at Moray Place, Blantyre • delivering environmental upgrades at Camelon Crescent, Blantyre • re-planting existing planters at Kelvin Gardens, Hamilton • expanding boundary fencing at Allanton Gardens, Ferniegair Housing Revenue Account budget for the 2023/2204 - Housing Investment Programme Engagement with tenants on the overall Housing Revenue Account budget for the 2023/2024 period, and the proposed level and focus of the Housing Investment Programme, took place as part of the annual resource budgetary consultation process. The Environmental aspect of the Housing Investment Programme (HIP) (the ‘Environmental Programme’) is a significant budget area that covers a wide range of projects that seek to improve the quality and energy efficiency of the Council’s domestic housing stock. Examples of projects within this budget area can include replacement doors and windows within properties, or redevelopment of communal areas in multi-storey buildings or sheltered housing facilities. Not all projects included within this budget area are suitable for inclusion of a participatory budgeting approach, however, for those that are officers will ensure the required element of choice and voting opportunities are offered to customers and appropriately recorded. To date, 3 participatory budgeting projects have commenced in the Hamilton division: • providing additional parking at Rorison Place, Ashgill • installing perimeter fencing and upgrading CCTV at the Shawlands Crescent Gypsy/Traveller site • delivering internal upgrades at the Lorne Street sheltered housing site in Hamilton 7 31
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Stage 2: Post Consultation • The outcome of the PB activity • What happens next? • Further reporting requirements (e.g. required Committee approval) Estate Improvement Budget A total of £9,262 from the Estate Improvement Budget was spent in the Hamilton division during 2023/2024 on a range of tenant priorities. • In response to requests from tenants experiencing problems with parking at John Ewing Gardens in Larkhall, lines were painted in parking bays to clearly mark individual parking spaces. • Following discussions with tenants in Moray Place in Blantyre about safety issues in the area, new sensor lighting was installed. • In response to feedback from tenants raised during estate inspections in Kelvin Gardens in Hamilton, the existing planters will be de-weeded and re-planted. • Following discussions with tenants and a local estate walkabout, environmental upgrades will be undertaken in Camelon Crescent in Blantyre to improve a walkway, lay new grass and plant appropriate trees. • After concerns were raised by affected tenants in Allanton Gardens in Ferniegair, the existing boundary fencing is being expanded to respond to local anti-social behaviour issues. Housing Revenue Account budget for the 2023/2024 - Housing Investment Programme Rorison Place, Ashgill In response to consultation with local tenants experiencing issues with parking, it was agreed to create additional parking in the current grassed area. Total costs of the project were £41,000. Shawlands Crescent Gypsy/Traveller site Following consultation with residents of 18 pitches through site meetings and individual discussions, it was agreed to upgrade CCTV on the site and install new perimeter fencing to secure the site, as well as undertaking landscaping at the site entrance. The total costs of the projects were £76,330. Lorne Street Sheltered Housing site During July 2023 full proposals for an internal refurbishment, including two options for colour schemes and furnishings, were presented at a residents meeting. Proposals were then presented to all tenants who couldn’t attend the meeting and the options were put on display for everyone to consider. Following a vote with 19 tenants participating, option 1 was taken forward and work began in January 2024. The total costs of the internal refurbishment were £158,376.08. Officers from Housing and Technical Resources will continue to take forward opportunities within Hamilton to ensure tenants and other customers can determine the outcome of budgets within the Environmental Programme and Estate Improvement Budget, with further updates provided to Committee. 32
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. Report Agenda Item Report to: Hamilton Area Committee Date of Meeting: 28 February 2024 Report by: Chief Executive Subject: Community Grant Applications 1. Purpose of Report 1.1. The purpose of the report is to:- [purpose] request approval for the allocation of community grants to 8 community groups in the Hamilton Area Committee area from the 2023/2024 community grant budget request authorisation for the Chief Executive or the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources), in consultation with the Chair, to approve further community grant applications meeting the relevant criteria in the period to 31 March 2024 from the 2023/2024 budget 2. Recommendation(s) 2.1. The Committee is asked to approve the following recommendation(s):- [recs] (1) that community grants be awarded as follows:- (a) Applicant: Fife Court Tenants’ Association, Bothwell (HA/31/23) Purpose of Grant: Start-up costs – Equipment, materials and stationery Identified Community Benefits: People live the healthiest lives possible Estimated Cost: £1,850 Total Eligible Grant Applied for: £999 Recommendation: £300 Amount Awarded: To be determined by the Committee (b) Applicant: Woza Theatre Group, Blantyre (HA/32/23) Purpose of Grant: Start-up costs – Materials, administration and publicity costs Identified Community Benefits: Our children and young people thrive Estimated Cost: £400 Total Eligible Grant Applied for: £400 Recommendation: £300 Amount Awarded: To be determined by the Committee (c) Applicant: Dalserf Village Garden Club, Larkhall (HA/33/23) Purpose of Grant: Environmental project Identified Community Benefits: People live the healthiest lives possible Estimated Cost: £350 9 33
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Total Eligible Grant Applied for: £350 Recommendation: £300 Amount Awarded: To be determined by the Committee (d) Applicant: Hamilton Ramblers Club (HA/34/23) Purpose of Grant: Outing Identified Community Benefits: People live the healthiest lives possible Estimated Cost: £400 Total Eligible Grant Applied for: £400 Recommendation: £300 Amount Awarded: To be determined by the Committee (e) Applicant: Larkhall Probus Club (HA/35/23) Purpose of Grant: Outing, entrance fees, administration and publicity costs Identified Community Benefits: People live the healthiest lives possible Estimated Cost: £804 Total Eligible Grant Applied for: £804 Recommendation: £450 Amount Awarded: To be determined by the Committee (f) Applicant: Trinity Church Guild, Larkhall (HA/36/23) Purpose of Grant: Outing and entrance fees Identified Community Benefits: Focused on people and their needs Estimated Cost: £625 Total Eligible Grant Applied for: £400 Recommendation: £350 Amount Awarded: To be determined by the Committee (g) Applicant: Cadzow Community Corps, Hamilton (HA/37/23) Purpose of Grant: Environmental project Identified Community Benefits: People live the healthiest lives possible Estimated Cost: £704 Total Eligible Grant Applied for: £704 Recommendation: £430 Amount Awarded: To be determined by the Committee (h) Applicant: The Monday Club (Hamilton Old Parish Church) (HA/38/23) Purpose of Grant: Outing and entrance fees Identified Community Benefits: Focused on people and their needs Estimated Cost: £400 Total Eligible Grant Applied for: £400 Recommendation: £350 Amount Awarded: To be determined by the Committee (2) that the Chief Executive or the Executive or the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources), in consultation with the Chair, be authorised to approve any further community grant applications meeting the relevant criteria in the period to 31 March 2024 from the 2023/2024 budget. 3. Background 3.1. The Council operates a community grants scheme to support local constituted community groups and voluntary organisations. All applications require to be 34
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supported by a constitution, audited accounts or annual income and expenditure accounts, a bank statement, and confirmation that the group/organisation will adhere to the conditions of the grant award. Applications are invited continually throughout the year. 3.2. The main aims of the community grants scheme are to:- fund activities and projects which bring community benefit involve people in the community by bringing them together to enjoy educational, recreational, leisure and other community activities or to improve the local environment 3.3. Support can be provided for a range of activities including administration and publicity costs, purchase of equipment and materials, annual outings and entrance fees, start-up costs and special events. 4. Employee Implications 4.1. None. 5. Financial Implications 5.1. The current position of the community for the Hamilton Area Committee area in 2023/2024 is as follows:- Total allocation for Community Grants £25,750 Grants previously allocated £10,452 Community grants allocated in this report £2,780 Remaining balance £12,518 6. Climate Change, Sustainability and Environmental Implications 6.1. There are no implications for climate change, sustainability or the environment in terms of the information contained in this report. 7. Other Implications 7.1. The risk to the Council is that grant funding is not utilised for the purpose of which it was intended. This risk is mitigated by internal controls including audit procedures and conditions of grant agreement. 8. Equality Impact Assessment and Consultation Arrangements 8.1. This report does not introduce a new policy, function or strategy or recommend a change to an existing policy, function or strategy and, therefore, no impact assessment is required. 8.2. All the necessary consultation with the community groups has taken place. Paul Manning Chief Executive 8 February 2024 Link(s) to Council Values/Priorities/Outcomes ♦ Accountable, effective, efficient and transparent ♦ We will work towards a sustainable future in sustainable places 35
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♦ Caring, connected, sustainable communities Previous References Hamilton Area Committee – 29 November 2023 List of Background Papers Individual application forms Contact for Further Information If you would like to inspect the background papers or want further information, please contact:- Geraldine Wilkinson, Clerical Assistant Ext: 4818 (Tel: 01698 454818) E-mail: geraldine.wilkinson@southlanarkshire.gov.uk 36