DOCUMENT PACK (Agenda and Reports) (Bookmarked) ESC 08 03 23
West Dunbartonshire Council · 8 March 2023
Back to Educational Services Committee — 8 March 2023 and its agenda
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Agenda Educational Services Committee Date: Wednesday, 8 March 2023 ___________________________________________________________________ Time: 10:00 ___________________________________________________________________ Format: Hybrid Meeting ___________________________________________________________________ Contact: Scott Kelly, Committee Officer Tel: 01389 737220. Email: scott.kelly@west-dunbarton.gov.uk Dear Member Please attend a meeting of the Educational Services Committee as detailed above. Members will have the option to attend the meeting remotely or in person at the Civic Space, 16 Church Street, Dumbarton. The business is shown on the attached agenda. Note:- Members of the Committee are requested to note that in accordance with the requirements of the Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010, as amended in 2014, the report relating to Item 8, ‘Response on the Consultation Proposal to Open an Additional Support Needs School at Former Riverside Early Learning and Childcare Centre (ELCC)’ has been issued three weeks in advance of the meeting. The remainder of the reports will be issued by Thursday, 23 February 2023 in accordance with the normal timescale for issuing reports, as governed by the Council’s Standing Orders. Yours faithfully PETER HESSETT Chief Executive Page 1
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Distribution: Councillor Clare Steel (Chair) Councillor Gordon Scanlan Councillor Karen Conaghan Councillor Hazel Sorrell Councillor Gurpreet Singh Johal Mrs Barbara Barnes Councillor Daniel Lennie Mr Gavin Corrigan Councillor David McBride Miss Cara Cusick MSYP Councillor Jonathan McColl Miss Ellen McBride Councillor Michelle McGinty Ms Hannah Redford Councillor June McKay Ms Julia Strang Councillor John Millar (Vice Chair) Miss Tian Qi Yu MSYP Councillor Lawrence O’Neill Vacancies x2 Councillor Lauren Oxley Councillor Martin Rooney All other Councillors for information Chief Education Officer Date of Issue: 15 February 2023 Audio Streaming Audio recordings of the meeting (including the attendance or contribution of any party participating or making a contribution) will be published on the Council’s website and the Council’s host’s webcast/audio stream platform. You should be aware that the Council is a Data Controller under the General Data Protection Regulation. Data collected during this audio stream will be retained in accordance with the Council’s Privacy Notice and Retention Schedules including, but not limited to, for the purpose of keeping historical records and making those records available via the Council’s internet site. Page 2
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EDUCATIONAL SERVICES COMMITTEE WEDNESDAY, 8 MARCH 2023 AGENDA 1 STATEMENT BY CHAIR – AUDIO STREAMING The Chair will be heard in connection with the above. 2 APOLOGIES 3 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST Members are invited to declare if they have an interest in any of the items of business on this agenda and the reasons for such declarations. 4 RECORDING OF VOTES The Committee is asked to agree that all votes taken during the meeting will be carried out by roll call vote to ensure an accurate record. 5 MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING 7 – 11 Submit, for approval as a correct record, the Minutes of Meeting of the Educational Services Committee held on 14 December 2022. 6 LOCAL NEGOTIATING COMMITTEE FOR TEACHERS 13 – 14 Submit for information, and where necessary ratification, the Minutes of Meeting of the Local Negotiating Committee for Teachers held on 12 December 2022. 7 OPEN FORUM The Committee is asked to note that no open forum questions have been submitted by members of the public. 8/ Page 3
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8 RESPONSE ON THE CONSULTATION PROPOSAL TO OPEN 15 – 41 AN ADDITIONAL SUPPORT NEEDS SCHOOL AT FORMER FORMER RIVERSIDE EARLY LEARNING AND CHILDCARE CENTRE (ELCC) Submit report by the Chief Education Officer informing of the outcome and findings of the statutory consultation exercise undertaken in respect of the formal consultation on the proposal to open a new additional support needs school at the site of the former Riverside ELCC on the St. Martin’s Primary School site. 9 PROPOSAL PAPER AND LAUNCH OF STATUTORY To Follow CONSULTATION TO DISCONTINUE ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE PROVISION OF TRANSPORT FOR PUPILS ATTENDING CATCHMENT SCHOOLS Submit report by the Chief Education Officer seeking approval for the launch of the statutory consultation document by the Chief Education Officer under the terms of the Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010 on the proposal to discontinue arrangements for the provision of transport for pupils attending catchment schools. 10 STRATEGY TO RAISE ATTAINMENT AND ACHIEVEMENT To Follow IN WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE Submit report by the Chief Education Officer providing an update on progress with implementing Educational Services’ improvement priorities for attainment and equity. 11 EARLY LEARNING AND CHILDCARE PROGRESS UPDATE To Follow Submit report by the Chief Education Officer providing an update on progress made to provide high quality Early Learning and Childcare in West Dunbartonshire Council. 12 SERVICES FOR CHILDREN, YOUNG PEOPLE AND To Follow FAMILIES UPDATE REPORT Submit report by the Chief Education Officer informing of progress on supports to children, young people and families. 13/ Page 4
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13 EDUCATION DELIVERY PLAN 2022/23 – MID-YEAR To Follow PROGRESS Submit report by the Chief Education Officer setting out the mid-year progress of the Education Delivery Plan 2022/23. 14 EDUCATIONAL SERVICES BUDGETARY CONTROL To Follow REPORT TO 31 JANUARY 2023 (PERIOD 10) Submit report by the Chief Officer – Resources providing an update on the financial performance of Education Services to 31 January 2023 (Period 10). Page 5
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EDUCATIONAL SERVICES COMMITTEE At a Hybrid Meeting of the Educational Services Committee held in the Civic Space, 16 Church Street, Dumbarton on Wednesday, 14 December 2022 at 10.05 a.m. Present: Councillors Karen Conaghan, Gurpreet Singh Johal, Daniel Lennie, David McBride, Jonathan McColl, Michelle McGinty*, June McKay, John Millar, Lawrence O’Neill, Lauren Oxley, Martin Rooney, Gordon Scanlan, Hazel Sorrell and Clare Steel, and Mr Gavin Corrigan, Miss Ellen McBride and Ms Hannah Redford. *Arrived later in the meeting. Attending: Laura Mason, Chief Education Officer; Alan Douglas, Chief Officer – Regulatory and Regeneration (Legal Officer); Andrew Brown, Senior Education Officer – Policy, Performance & Resources; Claire Cusick, Senior Education Officer – Services for Children & Young People; Julie McGrogan, Senior Education Officer – Raising Attainment/Improving Learning; Kathy Morrison, Senior Education Officer – Early Learning & Childcare; Michelle Lynn, Assets Co-ordinator; Joe Reilly, Business Unit Finance Partner (Education); and Scott Kelly, Committee Officer. Apologies: Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf Mrs Barbara Barnes, Ms Julia Strang and Miss Tian Qi Yu MSYP. Councillor Clare Steel in the Chair STATEMENT BY CHAIR – AUDIO STREAMING Councillor Steel, Chair, advised that the meeting was being audio streamed and broadcast live to the internet and would be available for playback. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST It was noted that there were no declarations of interest in any of the items of business on the agenda. RECORDING OF VOTES The Committee agreed that all votes taken during the meeting would be carried out by roll call vote to ensure an accurate record. ITEM 5 Page 7
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MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING The Minutes of Meeting of the Educational Services Committee held on 28 September 2022 were submitted and approved as a correct record. LOCAL NEGOTIATING COMMITTEE FOR TEACHERS The Minutes of Meeting of the Local Negotiating Committee for Teachers held on 20 September 2022 were submitted and all decisions contained therein were approved. OPEN FORUM The Committee noted that no open forum questions had been submitted by members of the public. STRATEGY TO RAISE ATTAINMENT AND ACHIEVEMENT IN WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE A report was submitted by the Chief Education Officer:- (a) informing of the increased levels of local and national accountability to deliver improved attainment and a narrowing of the attainment gap by the setting of stretch aims and targets; and (b) providing an update on progress with implementing Educational Services’ improvement priorities for attainment and equity. After discussion and having heard the Senior Education Officer – Raising Attainment/Improving Learning in further explanation of the report and in answer to Members’ questions, the Committee agreed to note that the Committee would be provided with regular updated reports advising of progress. Note: Councillor McGinty entered the meeting during consideration of this item. SCOTTISH QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY (SQA) EXAMINATION RESULTS 2022 A report was submitted by the Chief Education Officer providing an update on the performance of West Dunbartonshire schools in the national Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) examinations of 2022. After discussion and having heard the Senior Education Officer – Policy, Performance & Resources in further explanation of the report and in answer to Members’ questions, the Committee agreed:- (1) to note the contents of the report and its appendices; and Page 8
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(2) to congratulate the pupils, parents and carers, and staff in our establishments and our partner providers for achievements in this year’s examinations EARLY LEARNING AND CHILDCARE PROGRESS UPDATE A report was submitted by the Chief Education Officer providing:- (a) an update on progress made to provide high quality Early Learning and Childcare in West Dunbartonshire Council; and (b) a summary of the key points of ‘Best Start: Strategic Early Learning and School Age Childcare Plan for Scotland 2022-26’ (www.gov.scot). After discussion and having heard the Senior Education Officer – Early Learning & Childcare and the Assets Co-ordinator in further explanation of the report and in answer to Members’ questions, the Committee agreed to note:- (1) the progress to deliver the statutory entitlement of 1140 hours of high quality early learning and childcare; and (2) the key points of ‘Best Start: Strategic Early Learning and School Age Childcare Plan for Scotland 2022-26’, as detailed in Appendix 1 to the report. SERVICES FOR CHILDREN, YOUNG PEOPLE AND FAMILIES UPDATE REPORT A report was submitted by the Chief Education Officer informing of progress on supports to children, young people and families. After discussion and having heard the Senior Education Officer – Services for Children & Young People in further explanation of the report and in answer to Members’ questions, the Committee agreed to note progress on plans to continue developing and improving supports. ADJOURNMENT Having heard Councillor Steel, Chair, the Committee agreed to adjourn for a short period of time. The meeting reconvened at 11.15 a.m. with all those Members shown on the sederunt in attendance with the exception of Ms Redford. Page 9
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WEST PARTNERSHIP IMPROVEMENT COLLABORATIVE EVALUATION REPORT 2021-2022 A report was submitted by the Chief Education Officer informing of the evaluation of work undertaken by the West Partnership (Glasgow City Region Education Improvement Collaborative) in 2021-2022. To complement the report, the Chief Education Officer gave a presentation on the background to the Collaborative and its work. After discussion and having heard the Chief Education Officer, the Senior Education Officer – Services for Children & Young People, and the Senior Education Officer – Raising Attainment/Improving Learning in further explanation of the report and in answer to Members’ questions, the Committee agreed to note the contents of the report. WEST PARTNERSHIP IMPROVEMENT COLLABORATIVE IMPROVEMENT PLAN 2022-2023 A report was submitted by the Chief Education Officer informing of the contents of the West Partnership’s Improvement Plan 2022-2023. The Committee agreed to note the contents of the report. EDUCATION DELIVERY PLAN 2022/23 A report was submitted by the Chief Education Officer providing the Education Delivery Plan 2022/23. Having heard the Senior Education Officer – Policy, Performance & Resources in further explanation of the report and in answer to a Member’s question, the Committee agreed to note the contents of the Plan. EDUCATIONAL SERVICES BUDGETARY CONTROL REPORT TO 31 OCTOBER 2022 (PERIOD 7) A report was submitted by the Chief Officer – Resources providing an update on the financial performance of Education Services to 31 October 2022 (Period 7). Having heard the Business Unit Finance Partner (Education) in further explanation of the report, the Committee agreed to note:- (1) that the revenue account currently showed a projected annual adverse revenue variance of £0.606m (0.55% of the total budget); and (2) that the capital account showed a projected in-year favourable variance of £1.940m which was budget being re-profiled to 2023/24; and Page 10
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(3) that acceleration of £0.241m had been approved for Renton Campus as a part retention and was due to be paid this financial year. The meeting closed at 11.40 a.m. Page 11
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LOCAL NEGOTIATING COMMITTEE FOR TEACHERS At a Hybrid Meeting of the Local Negotiating Committee for Teachers held in the Denny Meeting Room, 16 Church Street, Dumbarton on Monday, 12 December 2022 at 2.05 p.m. Present: Councillors Jonathan McColl, John Millar and Gordon Scanlan; Laura Mason, Chief Education Officer; Andrew Brown, Senior Education Officer; Lindsay Thomas, Head Teacher, Linnvale Primary School; Michael Dolan, James Halfpenny, Laura Minto, Dawn Wilson and Caroline Yates (all EIS); and Claire Mackenzie (SSTA). Attending: Kirsty Connor, Education Support Officer – Staffing; Laura Radcliffe, Education Support Officer; Stephen McCrossan, Area Officer (EIS); and Scott Kelly, Committee Officer. Apologies: Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of Councillor Clare Steel; Alison Boyles, Head Teacher, Dumbarton Academy; and Gavin Corrigan (EIS). APPOINTMENT OF CHAIR In the absence of the Chair and Vice Chair it was agreed that Mr Dolan would chair the meeting. Accordingly, Mr Dolan assumed the Chair. Mr Michael Dolan in the Chair DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST It was noted that there were no declarations of interest in any of the items of business on the agenda. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING The Minutes of the Annual General Meeting of the Local Negotiating Committee for Teachers held on 20 September 2022 were submitted and approved as a correct record. ITEM 6 Page 13
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PROFESSIONAL UPDATE AND PROFESSIONAL REVIEW DEVELOPMENT A report was submitted by the Joint Secretaries to the LNCT informing of changes to West Dunbartonshire Council’s Professional Update and Professional Review and Development Agreement in response to the General Teaching Council Scotland’s refreshed Professional Standards. After discussion and having heard both Sides, the Committee agreed to note the revised appendices to the agreement which support the Professional Update and Professional Review and Development Processes. SUPPORTING PROBATIONERS A report was submitted by the Joint Secretaries to the LNCT informing of changes made to West Dunbartonshire Council’s ‘Process for Supporting Probationers (LNCT Agreement No. 14)’ which supports the achievement of the Standard for Full Registration. After discussion and having heard both Sides, the Committee agreed to note the revised ‘Process for Supporting Probationers (LNCT Agreement No. 14)’ which formed Appendix 1 to the report. The meeting closed at 2.30 p.m. Page 14
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WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE COUNCIL Report by Chief Education Officer Educational Services Committee – 8 March 2023 Subject: Response on the Consultation Proposal to open an additional support needs school at former Riverside Early Learning and Childcare Centre (ELCC) 1. Purpose 1.1 The purpose of the report is to inform the Educational Services Committee of the outcome and findings of the statutory consultation exercise undertaken in respect of the formal consultation on the proposal to open a new additional support needs school in the site of the former Riverside ELCC on the St. Martin’s Primary site. 2. Recommendations 2.1 It is recommended that the Committee: (i) Agrees the findings from the statutory consultation exercise and notes the content of the associated Education Scotland report. 3. Background 3.1 At the meeting on 28 September 2022, Educational Services Committee agreed to commence formal consultation on a proposal to establish a new additional support needs school to be located in the former Riverside ELCC site within the campus of the current St. Martin’s Primary School. 3.2 The consultation has been undertaken in accordance with the Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010 and copies of the proposal document were made available to all stakeholders as prescribed by the Act. The consultation ran from 3 October 2022 to 11 November 2022, a total of 33 days when schools were open for pupils (reflecting the October holiday week). 3.3 Committee further agreed that a report outlining the results of the consultation and appropriate recommendations be presented to the meeting of the Educational Services Committee to be held on 8 March 2023. 4. Consultation Process / Considerations 4.1 The statutory consultation process was undertaken with a Proposal Paper setting out the proposal on which the Council was consulting being published on the Council’s website and stakeholders invited to participate in the consultation exercise. An electronic link to the consultation page and Proposal Paper, was issued by email to the consultees listed within the document and was also published on the Council’s website and publicised via the Council’s social media channels. ITEM 8 Page 15
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4.2 As part of the Council’s consultation process we undertook the following activities: • Publicising the consultation and dates of public meetings through the Council’s website, through public notices in local newspapers and on social media. • Advising relevant stakeholders by email of the consultation and providing an electronic link to the website. • Holding an online virtual public consultation meeting, and a public consultation meeting at St. Martin’s Primary School on 25 October 2022. • Utilising the Council’s consultation web page to make documentation on the proposal, link to the online survey, background information and details on how to participate in the survey available. • Setting up a direct telephone line and email address to deal with queries 4.3 Two public consultations meetings were held on 25 October 2022 to allow Officers to explain the proposal and enable interested parties to ask questions regarding the proposal. 4.4 No interested parties attended the online virtual public meeting which took place at 4.00 p.m. A total of 15 people attended the public meeting held in the evening, and this included parents, staff and members of the local community and a representative from Education Scotland was also in attendance, as part of their role in the statutory consultation process. Minutes were taken at both meetings (Appendix 1) and these minutes were made available on the consultation pages of the Council’s website. 4.5 An online survey was available during the consultation period, with 7 respondents registering. In answer to the question “Are you in favour of the proposal to redevelop the former Riverside Early Learning and Childcare Centre (ELCC) to form a new school, supporting ASN needs, on St. Martin’s Campus”? 6 respondents were in favour of the proposal and 1 respondent was not. 4.6 The majority of the respondents were in favour of the proposal and a number of positive comments were received. Details of comments submitted and the Council’s response is outlined within the Consultation Response Report (Appendix 2). 4.7 One written response was made to the public consultation. The written response supported the proposal. 4.8 The Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010 requires HM Inspectors from Education Scotland to be involved in the formal consultation proposal. As part of this process HM Inspectors undertook the following activities in considering the educational aspect of the proposal: • attendance at the public consultation meetings held on 25 October 2022 in connection with the Council’s proposal; Page 16
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• consideration of all relevant documentation provided by the Council in relation to the proposal, specifically the educational benefits statement, related consultation documents, and written and oral submissions from parents and others; and • visits to the site of St. Martin’s Primary School, including discussions with relevant consultees; and engagement with the Archbishop of Glasgow’s representative. 4.9 Education Scotland produced a report on the consultation undertaken by the Council on the proposal for the establishment of a new school to support additional support needs at the former Riverside ELCC. The full report from Education Scotland (Appendix 3) was published on their website and also published as part of the Consultation Report. 4.10 Within the report, Education Scotland has expressed the following opinion on the education benefit arising if this proposal is implemented. “HM Inspectors agree that the proposal has the potential to bring clear educational benefits for young people with additional support needs attending the new school. A shared campus will create joint learning opportunities for both the new school and the existing primary school”. 4.11 Education Scotland also stated, “HM Inspectors agree that the new facility will enhance the current provision for children and young people with additional support needs across West Dunbartonshire. The shared campus will ensure that the building that is currently empty, is put to good use.” 4.12 The report also commented that “In order to alleviate any concerns that stakeholders may have about the layout of the building, the council should share proposed plans as soon as is practicable. Should the proposal go ahead, the council should ensure that all stakeholders are kept fully up to date with developments” If the proposal goes ahead education services is committed to including all stakeholders in the planning and design stage, and will continue to use effective communication strategies to ensure continued engagement with all stakeholders throughout the development 4.13 Almost all stakeholders who spoke with HM Inspectors or who responded in writing are supportive of the proposals and recognise that it will enhance the current provision and provides an option for children to be educated locally. Staff and children from St. Martin’s Primary School also welcomed the development and recognized the educational benefits of working collaboratively and sharing resources. 4.14 A few stakeholders expressed some reservations in terms of safety regarding car parking and access at the school at busy times. The Council is aware of known problems at the site with car parking, and drop off points and the turning area. Response to this issue is contained within the Consultation Report. Page 17
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4.15 Education Scotland recognised that the Archdiocese of Glasgow welcomes the fact that the co-location of the two schools will be in accordance with the Catholic Church’s protocols for co-located establishments. Response to the issues raised in relation to separate entrances and connecting doors within the school, and shared use of facilities are contained within the Consultation Report. 4.16 The Council is required to prepare and publish its final Consultation Report when the consultation exercise has been concluded. In preparing the report, the Council must consider the report from Education Scotland and other responses to the consultation. The consultation report must explain how the Council has reviewed the proposal, a summary of the points raised during the consultation and the Council’s response to them. Responses to comments received from the consultation were published as part of the Consultation Report. 4.17 The Council is required to publish the Consultation Report and Educational Services Committee cannot take a decision on whether to formally implement a proposal until 3 weeks have elapsed from the date it publishes the Consultation Report. The Consultation Report was published on the website on Monday 14 February 2023 5. People Implications 5.1 If the proposal is accepted there will be some effect on staffing levels within the new campus, particularly within cleaning and facilities management services as there will be two establishments on the premises to be supported. There is potential to create a number of teaching and support staff posts. Any changes would be managed via the Council’s policies for managing such changes. The timescales involved mean that any additions or recruitment of staff will be managed in a planned way. 6. Financial and Procurement Implications 6.1 The additional staffing costs will be met from the agreed budget for approved expansion of the school learning estate to meet projected needs of the Additional Support Needs (ASN) sector. 7. Risk Analysis 7.1 There are no risks in adopting the recommendations contained in this paper and HM Inspectors believe the proposal is of educational benefit. 8. Equalities Impact Assessment (EIA) 8.1 An Equalities Impact Assessment has been undertaken for the proposal and was reported to Educational Services Committee on 22 September 2022. The project will improve the quality of the educational experience for young people in West Dunbartonshire who have severe and complex learning needs and there are therefore no negative impact relating to equality issues. Page 18
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9. Consultation 9.1 Consultation on the proposed changes was undertaken in accordance with the Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010. 9.2 Legal Services and the Section 95 Officer have been consulted on the content of this report. 10. Strategic Assessment 10.1 The improvements in the learning environments in the adaptation of the former ELCC promotes and encourages imaginative and innovative learning and teaching thereby increasing attainment and achievement. This in turn leads to the strategic objective of a strong local economy and increased employment opportunities. Laura Mason Chief Education Officer Person to Contact: Claire Cusick, Senior Education Officer, claire.cusick@west-dunbarton.gov.uk Appendices: Appendix 1 – Minutes from Public Meetings on 25.10.22 Appendix 2 – Consultation Report Appendix 3 – Education Scotland Report Background Papers: Education Services Committee Report 28 September 2022 Wards Affected: All council Wards Page 19
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APPENDIX 1 WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE COUNCIL PUBLIC CONSULTATION MEETING (ONLINE) Tuesday 25 October 2022 – 4.00 p.m. ATTENDING: Laura Mason (LM), Chief Education Officer Claire Cusick (CC), Senior Education Officer Kathryn Gallagher (KG) – Head Teacher Linda McAlister (LMcA), Education Support Officer Michelle Lynn (ML), Assets Co-Ordinator Sheila Brown (SB), HMI Education Scotland No attendees Page 21
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WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE COUNCIL STATUTORY CONSULTATION PUBLIC MEETING Thursday 25 October 2022 – 7.00 p.m. held in St. Martin’s Primary School Present: Laura Mason Chief Education Officer Claire Cusick Senior Education Officer Julie McGrogan Senior Education Officer Michelle Lynn Assets Co-Ordinator Sheila Brown Education Scotland In Attendance: 12 members of the public and 3 representatives from the senior management team from St. Martin’s Primary Welcome and Introduction Laura Mason opened the meeting and welcomed the members of the public in attendance to the statutory consultation meeting. Laura Mason introduced herself and the Council Officers in attendance and outlined the format of the meeting. Purpose of Meeting Laura Mason confirmed that the purpose of the meeting is to consider the proposal to establish a new school providing education for young people with additional support needs which would be located in the former Riverside ELC premises from August 2024. Laura outlined that the public meeting is part of the formal statutory consultation process required for the introduction of a new school, and further confirmed that the Council follows the guidance from the Archdiocese on “Shared Campus Arrangements”. Laura Mason explained that there will be 2 separate schools, with 2 separate entrances and each school would have its own senior management team. We are aware of historical issues with car parking / and drop off points within the site and Michelle Lynn will provide further information on this. There will also be an opportunity for those attending to ask questions. Laura Mason outlined that as a Council we are committed to improving the learning estate. In March 2022 Council approved the expansion of the school learning estate to meet projected needs of the ASN sector. Choices and Kilpatrick schools will be expanded and this can be done without the need for statutory consultation. Laura Mason confirmed that the reason Riverside site is proposed for the ASN School is because it is owned by the Council, can be easily refurbished and adapted, Page 22
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and has outdoor space. As the proposal, if approved, would involve the opening of a new school and change to the use of the current building, the Council is required to carry out a consultation process as detailed in the Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010. The 2010 Act requires the education authority to undertake a robust process to allow views of statutory consultees to be put forward and considered. The consultation is open until midnight on 11 November, and anyone wishing to make their views on the proposal known can do so in a number of ways including: online survey (this asks whether you are in favour of the proposal - yes or no), by phone, in writing, or by email. Sheila Brown from Education Scotland will undertake meetings with parents/children from St. Martin’s and parents of children who would use the new school. At the end of the consultation period all documents and views obtained through the consultation process are collated and a report is submitted to Education Scotland, and they will write an independent report and respond to Laura Mason. A report including recommendation will be submitted to the Education Services Committee in March 2023 to make a final decision. Car Parking / Drop Off Michelle Lynn distributed a document detailing the red line boundary for the site. Michelle advised that this was an indicative plan which would be further developed. She explained that the known problems at the site with car parking, drop-off points and the turning area were considered. Additional land is available from demolished building and would accommodate wider car parking area. Questions / Comments Laura Mason opened the meeting for questions from those in attendance. Q. Have concern with a dual campus school. The school roll within St. Martin’s is low and could this proposal affect numbers within the primary school? Could St. Martin’s get pushed out? A. There is no intention to undermine St. Martin’s Primary school. The new school would accommodate around 36 children, from across the authority who would transition from their existing school settings to S1 when the new school opens. This would be a shared campus and not a dual school, and would allow us to make use of space not used by St. Martin’s. The site has good grounds for outdoor use and good access. The school would enable young children to access the curriculum to provide them with the skills they need, and provide a seamless learning experience from primary to secondary curriculum. Our existing ASN schools (Choices and Kilpatrick) work with their local schools where they can. Comment: There could be an unintentional consequence from ignorance and the Council need to publicise and explain more about this. There needs to be stability for parents within St. Martin’s. Page 23
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A. The expansion of the ASN Learning Estate to meet projected needs is good news, and if the proposal is approved by Committee yes it would be publicised. Q. Concern in relation to strict school uniform policy within the primary school, and the ASN School being in the same building without having to wear a uniform. A. We would try to promote the wearing of a uniform within the new school, whilst addressing the needs of the severe and complex learners who will attend. Comment: Uniform is not promoted within school it is policy. As a parent with a child in ASN I would want children to be treated as normal part of society and not separate. It would not set a good example if no uniform. A. Within ASN setting we try to promote wearing school uniform. There can be some complex issues and this means the need for flexibility. Children would be expected to wear the uniform but some children need different support. The children transitioning to the school already wear uniform and this expectation would continue. Comment: Understand the differing needs of children, would not want different standards. Q. I have 3 children, 1 with additional support needs. With different entrances would there be something in place to stop children wandering around? What would stop children within the ASN School going into the areas for St. Martin’s as the building is attached? A. The design for the building will ensure that this does not happen. There will be an additional security door, each school would have their own toilets and areas. This will be a refurbishment not just an upgrade. The layout will be different from the layout used for Riverside early learning childcare centre. Comment: There was a shared gym hall which the nursery children had to walk through and would have concern for younger children if sharing gym hall. This would be timetabled, and children would be supervised and there is very good senior management teams. This is still at an early stage and the finer detail of the school day / curriculum for the new school has not being finalised. There is outdoor space that would be used, and also the gym at Choices School would be used for some curriculum activities. Comment: It is unfair to be asked to consult if final details are not available. A. The purpose of the consultation is to allow us to consider concerns and opinions raised through the consultation process. These will all be given full consideration and responses to concerns or questions will be included in reports. Q. Will there be separate management teams? Page 24
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A. Yes, discrete management teams operating as separate establishments. The shared campus also provides the opportunity to work together at times. Q. Will there need to be additional catering/facilities staff for the children in the new school? A. Unfortunately we are unable to answer at this time as facilities comes under a different service. This will be discussed with the service head Amanda Graham. Close of Meeting Laura Mason thanked everyone for attending and reminded those attending that views on the consultation can be made through the online survey, by email letter, phone or through an informal chat and you have until 11 November to submit your response. The record of this meeting will be made publicly available. Page 25
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West Dunbartonshire Council Education, Learning and Attainment Services REPORT ON THE OUTCOME OF THE CONSULTATION RELATING TO THE PROPOSAL To establish a new school providing education for young people with additional support needs in the former Riverside Early Learning Childcare Centre (ELCC) premises from August 2024. Published 15 February 2023 This report has been published by West Dunbartonshire Council in response to the statutory consultation undertaken under the terms of the Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010. The report will be published on the Council’s website for a period of no less than 3 weeks prior to final consideration by the Educational Services Committee on 8 March 2023. Appendix 2 Page 27
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2 C O N T E N T S Section Title Page Number/s 1 Introduction 3 2 Background 3-4 3 The Consultation Process 4-5 4 Public Consultation Meetings 5 5 Responses to Consultation Exercise 5-6 6 Summary of issues raised by stakeholders and Education Authority response 6-9 7 Education Scotland Report and Education Authority Response 9-10 8 Alleged Omissions or Inaccuracies 10 10 Compliance with Section 9(1) of the Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010 10-11 11 Legal Issues / Next Steps 11 Page 28
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3 1. INTRODUCTION 1.1 This is a consultation response report prepared in compliance with the Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010 following consultation on the West Dunbartonshire Council (The Council) proposal to establish a new school providing education for young people with additional support needs in the former Riverside ELCC premises from August 2024. 1.2 The purpose of the response report is to: • Provide a record of the total number of responses made during the Statutory Consultation period; • Provide summary of the written responses; • Provide details of oral representations made at the public meetings held on 25 October 2022; • Provide a statement of the Council’s response to those written and oral representations; • Provide the full text of Education Scotland’s report and a statement of the Council’s response to this report; • State how the Council reviewed the above proposal following the representations received during the Statutory Consultation period and the report from Education Scotland; • Provide details of any omission from, or inaccuracy in, the Proposal Paper and state how the Council acted on it; and • State how the Council has complied with Sections 11A to 13 of the Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010 when reviewing the above proposals. 2. BACKGROUND 2.1 On 16 March 2022, Council approved the expansion of the school learning estate to meet projected needs of the Additional Support Needs (ASN) sector. Whilst there has been expansion within the Primary ASN provision it has been recognised that it is now necessary to expand the secondary provision as this cohort moves through primary to secondary. As part of this expansion the Council is proposing to redevelop the former Riverside ELCC into a new school for young people with additional support needs. 2.2 The main reasons for the choice of this site were: • the site is already within the Council’s ownership; • the suitable size, ground conditions, topography and the availability of utility services on the site; • the site is located next to St. Martin’s Primary School and Vale of Leven Secondary School, which will provide opportunities for community building, collaborative planning and learning. 2.3 On 28 September 2022 the Educational Services Committee agreed to commence formal consultation on the proposal for the new ASN School, and Page 29
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4 that a report outlining the results of the consultation and making appropriate recommendations be presented to the meeting of the Educational Services Committee in March 2023. 2.4 As the proposal, if enacted, involved the opening of a new school, the consultation process was carried out in accordance with the Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010 as amended, as outlined in the Act and the accompanying Statutory Guidance. 3. THE CONSULTATION PROCESS 3.1 The statutory consultation process, which requires the Council to adopt a robust and transparent framework for consultations on school closures and other major changes to the schools estate, was undertaken in respect of the proposal. The consultation document developed for consideration included information on the: • Proposal; • Consultation process; • Arrangements for public meetings; • On how to participate in the consultation; • Educational benefits of the proposal; • Site map of the proposed new build location; and • Consultation timeline 3.2 An electronic link to the Proposal Paper was issued by email to the stakeholders detailed within that document. The Proposal Paper and details of the consultation were made available on the consultation section of the Council’s website: Riverside ASN School Consultation 3.3 The Act requires a consultation period of at least 6 weeks which must include at least 30 school days. The consultation period ran from Monday 3 October 2022 to midnight on Friday 11 November 2022. (A total of 33 days when the schools were open for pupils and reflecting the 5 days where schools were closed due to October week). 3.4 The requirements for consulting on a relevant proposal relating to schools are set out in the Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010 and the following steps were taken to ensure compliance with the Act: • Proposal Paper published on Monday 3 October 2022. • Statutory consultees were sent an email providing a link to the Proposal Paper and details of where, and how to obtain a paper copy free of charge and how to participate in the consultation. • Schools distributed details of the consultation to staff and parents/carers. • Proposal Paper published on the West Dunbartonshire Council website and available in paper copy upon request, and information on the consultation published on social media. Page 30
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5 • Public notice in the ‘Dumbarton Reporter’ and ‘Clydebank Post’ newspapers advising of the consultation. • Public consultation meetings were held on 25 October 2022 to facilitate involvement, discussion and sharing of information. • Education Scotland’s involvement consisted of: Proposal Paper being sent to them, attendance at public consultation meetings, follow up consultation meetings with Head Teachers, Pupils, Parent Council representatives, and Church representatives. Education Scotland were also provided with copies of online survey results/comments, written representations and minutes of the public meetings held which contained oral representations. 3.5 In accordance with statutory requirements and good practise, the following relevant stakeholders were consulted: • Education Scotland; • Archdiocese of Glasgow of the Roman Catholic Church; • Parent Councils of St Martin’s Primary School and Vale of Leven Academy due to their adjacency to the proposed new school; • Parents/carers of any children expected by West Dunbartonshire Council to attend the new schools within two years of the date of publication of this Proposal Document; • Teaching and support staff at St Martin’s Primary School; • Trade union representatives of the above staff; • User groups or individuals who currently utilise the facilities at St Martin’s Primary School; • Neighbouring local authorities; • The constituency MSP and constituency MP. 4. PUBLIC CONSULTATION MEETINGS 4.1 An online public consultation meeting was held on 25 October (2.00 p.m. – 4.00 p.m.) with no members of the public or interested parties attending. A public meeting was held in St. Martin’s Primary School (7.00 p.m. – 9.00 p.m.) with 12 members of the public, 3 staff members and an HM Inspector attending the meeting. 4.2 A full note of the meetings is contained within Appendix 1 and the meeting note also details the questions/comments raised at the meetings and the responses. 5. RESPONSES TO THE CONSULTATION EXERCISE 5.1 Members of the public were encouraged to respond to the consultation through the online survey, by phone or in writing. 5.2 A total of 7 respondents responded through the online survey as detailed overleaf. Page 31
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6 Resident/Non Resident Number of respondents Resident within west Dunbartonshire 6 Non resident 1 TOTAL 7 5.3 A breakdown of category of interest from respondents is detailed below. Interest Number of respondents Parent/carer of child with additional support needs 3 Parent/carer of child with no additional support needs 0 Work at St. Martin’s Primary School 0 Trade Union 0 Other 4 TOTAL 7 Note – other includes (childcare worker (1) / member of public (1) / other local authority (1) / education support staff (1)) 5.4 A summary of the completed online responses to the question “Are you in favour of the proposal to redevelop the former Riverside Early Learning and Childcare Centre (ELCC) to form a new school, supporting ASN needs, on St. Martin’s Campus”? Is detailed below. The majority of the respondents were in favour of the proposal. RESPONSE No. % Yes 6 85.71% No 1 14.29% TOTAL 7 100% 6. SUMMARY OF ISSUES RAISED BY STAKEHOLDERS AND EDUCATION AUTHORITY RESPONSE 6.1 From the 7 online response forms, 6 respondents completed the comment box which provided the opportunity for individuals to comment on the proposal. The comment and response from Education Services is detailed below. Comment 1: “West Dunbartonshire Council’s proposal to develop an ASN school seems to be a positive response to the increasing numbers of children and young people with additional support needs who require a higher level of specialist support. It is not unique that current specialist provisions across the country are experiencing increased pressures on available capacity therefore this would seem to be a positive move for the Council to meet the needs of their Page 32
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7 children and young people. There is always the potential of placing requests from other local authority areas who border with West Dunbartonshire however this should not be a barrier for West Dunbartonshire, who are seeking solutions to meet the needs of their children and young people who present with complex additional support needs and who require a higher level of specialist support.” Response: On 16 March 2022, Council approved the expansion of the school learning estate to meet projected needs of the ASN sector. This is a positive comment which recognises our response to projected needs in West Dunbartonshire. If the proposal is approved this will provide provision for 36 young people with additional support needs due to transition to secondary school. Comment 2: “Although I'm not completely opposed to this proposal, as someone who works in early years I believe our youngest children with ASN need more support. A nursery that is purpose built and has appropriate facilities to support our youngest children with ASN is urgently needed and I believe this should be prioritised. I understand inclusion and equality but how can we possibly get it right for every child and help raise attainment when there are so many children requiring additional support in one setting; a setting which does not have the correct facilities, which is actually currently having to be adapted and does not have enough support staff. How are we getting it right for EVERY child and meeting their needs? How can we possibly give children with ASN the additional support they require? Early years is being completely forgotten about, when children with severe needs go to school they will go to a school where there are less children and more support staff. So why is this not the same in nursery? What ever happened to early intervention? Is it not about time someone fought for accessible nurseries to be built which are supplied with the required equipment and trained staff? And people wonder why there is such a large amount of council staff suffering with their mental health.” Response: Getting it right is at the heart of what our early learning and childcare staff do day to day for children and families. For example, our Learning Assistants provide additional support for children when required. Pupil and Family Support Workers provide support between the home and ELC. Our early stages teachers contribute to the identification of children with additional support needs; actively contribute to the intervention process through assessment, planning and implementation; devise support plans in consultation with early year’s staff; and respond to children’s particular learning needs. Each early years centre has a link Educational Psychologist allocated to provide a regular visiting service, advice, training and support for families. In West Dunbartonshire we also have specialist ELC provision at Kilpatrick Early Years’ Service. The admissions guidance for ELC is being reviewed in order to support our staff teams to provide the service required for families with children with ASN. Page 33
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8 Comment 3: “A welcome addition to the ASN estate in WDC”. Response: As an authority we welcome this positive response to the Council’s plan to expand the school learning estate to meet projected needs of the ASN sector. If agreed the proposal will result in the development of a new school to accommodate 36 young people with additional support needs. Comment 4: “N/a” Response: No response required. Comment 5: “The VoL base caters for young people who are able to integrate into a main stream setting. Kilpatrick meets another spectrum of needs. What about in between? The provision is inadequate. There should be provision within existing and proposed ASN establishments for Catholic education, or at least, support for making sacraments. This is currently lacking; perhaps with exception to the base within Balloch Campus that also happens to have a Catholic school? Children currently need to be taken out of school and private arrangements made for making sacraments. This is not acceptable and puts Catholic young people, attending a base within a non-denominational school, at a disadvantage from Catholic young people at Catholic schools”. Response: The position noted is not accurate as support is provided. At present any child, or young person, in a special setting requiring support to prepare and receive The Sacraments and practise their Faith does receive support. The Council has no plans to open a separate denominational additional support needs setting. Comment 6: “Provision for ASN at secondary level in the Dumbarton and VoL area is significantly lacking”. Response: This proposal is part of West Dunbartonshire Council’s plan to expand the school learning estate to meet projected needs of the ASN sector and would accommodate 36 young people due to transition to secondary school. 6.2 In addition to the online responses, one written submission was received from the Archdiocese of Glasgow. A summary of the main points from the submission is outlined below: Page 34
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9 • Congratulate the Council in their endeavours to provide expansion to their ASN learning estate. • Recognise that the proposal will involve redeveloping the former Riverside ELCC into a new school and this would be a shared campus with St. Martin’s Primary School. The two schools would remain separate located on the one campus. • Notes that the Council will ensure that the plans for the co-location of the two schools will be in accordance with the Catholic Church’s protocols for co-located establishments. 6.3 Whilst the Archdiocese is in favour of the proposal the following points were outlined for consideration by officials planning the school due to the different ages of the pupils in the two schools. • The approaches to the separate entrances to the schools are safe for pupils in both schools • Any connecting door(s) between the two schools ensure security for all the pupils • Any use of shared facilities e.g. gym hall/assembly hall, general purpose room is well timetabled 6.4 The Council welcomes the response from the Archdiocese and notes the supportive views within the submission. The Council has worked effectively with the Archdiocese regarding similar new builds on a co-located campus and will continue to engage with the Archdiocese and will make arrangements to meet with advisors on a regular basis. 6.5 This will be a refurbishment not just an upgrade and the layout will be different from the layout used for Riverside ELCC. There will be 2 separate schools, with 2 separate entrances and each school would have its own senior management team. The design for the building will ensure safety for all pupils and staff. There will be an additional security door, each school would have their own toilets and areas. Use of shared facilities will be through a robust timetabled system. 7. EDUCATION SCOTLAND REPORT AND EDUCATION AUTHORITY RESPONSE 7.1 In accordance with the Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010, a report was produced by Education Scotland on the educational aspects of the proposal. Education Scotland agree that the proposal has the potential to bring clear educational benefits for young people with additional support needs attending the school. Almost all stakeholders who spoke with HM Inspectors or responded in writing are supportive of the proposals and recognised that it will enhance the current provision within West Dunbartonshire and provide an option for children to be educated locally. 7.2 The Education Scotland report can be read in full in Appendix 2, and the summary conclusions from the report were as follows: Page 35
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10 • HM Inspectors agree that the proposal has the potential to bring clear educational benefits for young people with additional support needs attending the new school. • A shared campus will create joint learning opportunities for both the new school and the existing primary school. 7.3 The Council welcomes the report from Education Scotland and accepts its response to the Council’s proposal. The report detailed that in order to alleviate any concerns that stakeholders may have about the layout of the building, the Council should share plans as soon as practicable. In addition the report stated that should the proposal go ahead, the Council should ensure that all stakeholders are kept fully up to date with developments. Response: If the proposal goes ahead the Council is fully committed to including all stakeholders in the planning and design stage, and will continue to use effective communication strategies to ensure continued engagement with all stakeholders throughout the development. 7.4 A few stakeholders expressed some reservations in terms of safety regarding car parking and access at the school at busy times. Response: The Council is aware of known problems at the site with car parking, and drop off points and the turning area and has developed an indicative plan in relation to car parking including using available land to accommodate wider car parking area and this plan will be further developed and made available to stakeholders as part of the planning and design stage, 8. ALLEGED OMISSIONS OR INACCURACIES 8.1 Section (10) (3) of the 2010 Act also places a requirement on the Council to provide details of any inaccuracy or omission within the Proposal Paper which has either been identified by the Council or raised by consultees. This section of the 2010 Act also requires the Council to provide a statement on the action taken in respect of the inaccuracy or omission, or, if no action was taken, to state that fact and why. 8.2 In the course of the consultation exercise, there were no areas identified by respondents as being inaccurate or omitted from the Proposal Paper during the consultation period. 9. COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 9(1) OF THE SCHOOLS (CONSULTATION) (SCOTLAND) ACT 2010 9.1 Section 9(1) of the Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010 states that: After the Education Authority has received Education Scotland’s report, the Authority is to review the relevant proposal having regard (in particular) to: (i) written representations received by the Authority (from any Page 36
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11 person) during the consultation period; (ii) oral representations made to it (by any person) at the public Meeting; and (iii) Education Scotland’s report. 9.2 Following receipt of the Education Scotland report, the Council has reviewed the proposal, having regard to the written and oral representations made and to Education Scotland’s report. 9.3 The feedback from the consultation was considered by officers where all the questions and comments raised were considered in detail. This ensured that the Council met the requirements to review the proposal under section 9(1) and 13(5) of the 2010 Act. 9.4 Officers of the Education Authority have listened carefully to the points made at the public meeting and have considered equally carefully the Education Scotland report, online representations and written submission. 9.5 The proposal was reviewed to consider whether any of the representations led to the Council to reconsider any other reasonable alternatives to the proposal. There were no factors which led to reconsidering the proposal and it was also noted that 6 out of the 7 individuals who responded to the online survey were in favour of the proposal, and there is general support for the proposal across all groups of stakeholders. 9.6 The educational benefits were reviewed in respect of the Education Scotland report and representations made. There were no factors included in the Education Scotland report or representations made requiring any aspect of the educational benefits to be reconsidered. 10. LEGAL ISSUES/NEXT STEPS 10.1 The Council has complied in full with the requirements of the Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010 throughout this statutory consultation. 10.2 Under the terms of the Schools (Scotland) (Consultation) Act 2010, it is a legal requirement that the Council should not reach any formal decision without waiting until a period of three weeks starting on the day on which this Consultation Report is published in electronic and printed form has expired. 10.3 This Consultation Report will be published, both electronically and available in written form, if required, on Wednesday 15 February 2023, this meets the statutory requirement to publish this report for more than three weeks before the report on the consultation is considered by Educational Service Committee on Wednesday 8 March 2023 for final decision. If approved the Council will ensure continued engagement with all stakeholders throughout the development. Page 37
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Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010 Report by Education Scotland addressing educational aspects of the proposal by West Dunbartonshire Council to establish a new school to support Additional Support Needs at former Riverside Early Learning and Childcare centre. December 2022 Appendix 3 Page 39
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1 | Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010 West Dunbartonshire Council © Crown Copyright 1. Introduction 1.1 This report from Education Scotland has been prepared by His Majesty’s Inspectors of Education (HM Inspectors) in accordance with the terms of the Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010 (“the 2010 Act”). The purpose of the report is to provide an independent and impartial consideration of West Dunbartonshire Council’s proposal for the establishment of a new school to support additional support needs at the former Riverside Early Learning and Childcare Centre. The new school will be part of a shared campus with St Martin’s Primary School. Section 2 of the report sets out brief details of the consultation process. Section 3 of the report sets out HM Inspectors’ consideration of the educational aspects of the proposal, including significant views expressed by consultees. Section 4 summarises HM Inspectors’ overall view of the proposal. Upon receipt of this report, the Act requires the council to consider it and then prepare its final consultation report. The council’s final consultation report should include this report and must contain an explanation of how, in finalising the proposal, it has reviewed the initial proposal, including a summary of points raised during the consultation process and the council’s response to them. The council has to publish its final consultation report three weeks before it takes its final decision. 1.2 HM Inspectors considered: the likely effects of the proposal for children and young people of the existing primary school; children likely to become pupils within two years of the date of publication of the proposal paper; and other children and young people in the council area; any other likely effects of the proposal; how the council intends to minimise or avoid any adverse effects that may arise from the proposal; and the educational benefits the council believes will result from implementation of the proposal, and the council’s reasons for coming to these beliefs. 1.3 In preparing this report, HM Inspectors undertook the following activities: attendance at the public meeting held on 25 October 2022 in connection with the council’s proposals; consideration of all relevant documentation provided by the council in relation to the proposal, specifically the educational benefits statement and related consultation documents, written and oral submissions from parents and others; visits to the site of St Martin’s Primary School, including discussion with relevant consultees; and engagement with the Archbishop of Glasgow’s representative 2. Consultation process 2.1 West Dunbartonshire Council undertook the consultation on its proposal(s) with reference to the Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010. 2.2 The consultation ran from Monday 3 October until Friday 11 November 2022. A public meeting took place on Tuesday 25 October 2022 in St Martin’s Primary School. Twelve members of the public attended plus three members of staff from St Martin’s Primary School. Members of public were encouraged to respond to the consultation through the online survey, by phone or in Page 40
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2 | Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010 West Dunbartonshire Council © Crown Copyright writing. Seven written responses were received with six stating they are in favour of the proposal. There is general support for the proposal across all groups of stakeholders. 3. Educational aspects of proposal 3.1 The council believes that the proposal will provide a range of educational benefits for young people with additional support needs from across the authority. The re-development of the building will provide modern educational facilities to support the delivery of the curriculum. They also believe that the new building, which will be fully accessible, will support the complex needs of the young people attending. HM Inspectors agree that the new facility will enhance the current provision for children and young people with additional support needs across West Dunbartonshire. The shared campus will ensure that the building that is currently empty, is put to good use. It will provide 36 places for young people to be educated closer to their local community, reducing the need for travel elsewhere. 3.2 Almost all stakeholders who spoke with HM Inspectors or responded in writing are supportive of the proposals. They recognise that it will enhance the current provision in West Dunbartonshire. Parents of children with additional support needs, who may become pupils in the coming years, are supportive of the new development. They are keen that there is the option for their children to be educated locally. Staff and children from St Martin’s Primary School also welcome the development. They recognise the educational benefits of working collaboratively and sharing resources. However, several stakeholders told us that they would like early sight of the proposed plans for the new building. This should help to alleviate some of the anxiety about how the two schools will share facilities. A few stakeholders expressed some reservations in terms of safety regarding car parking and access at the school at busy times. 3.3 The Archdiocese of Glasgow responded in writing to the proposal and a meeting took place with the Archbishop’s representative in West Dunbartonshire. The Archdiocese welcomes the fact that the co-location of the two schools will be in accordance with the Catholic Church’s protocols for co-located establishments. Given that the young people moving into the new building will be of secondary age, the Archdiocese felt that care should be taken to ensure that there are separate entrances to the two schools. They further noted that any connecting doors between the schools should ensure the safety of children and young people at all times and that shared use of facilities be appropriately timetabled. 4. Summary HM Inspectors agree that the proposal has the potential to bring clear educational benefits for young people with additional support needs attending the new school. A shared campus will create joint learning opportunities for both the new school and the existing primary school. In order to alleviate any concerns that stakeholders may have about the layout of the building, the council should share proposed plans as soon as is practicable. Should the proposal go ahead, the council should ensure that all stakeholders are kept fully up to date with developments. HM Inspectors December 2022 Page 41