MINUTES OF MEETING ON TUESdaY 27 MARCH 2001 AT STOCKBRIDGE PRIMAry SCHOOL, AT 7.00PM. 

Present:            Graham Bodenham (Chair), John Burton, Joan Cook, Helen Cox, Andrew Glen, Kate Jones, Moira McGovern. 

Apologies:            Maggie Darling                   

In Attendance:            Jacqui Horsburgh (Head Teacher), Emilia Knight (Clerk), Wilfrid Treasure (Parent) 

1.0            wELCOME and apologies. Graham Bodenham (Chair) thanked those present for attending. 

1.1               Minutes of previous meeting held on 7 March 2001 were approved                                                    top           

2.0            MATTERS ARISING 

2.1       Pelican Crossing at Hamilton Place, Stockbridge.  John Burton had been in touch with the Development Department at Edinburgh City Council regarding the starting date of the proposed crossing.  The Council reported that there was a backlog at the moment and work should go ahead in April. 

2.2               Traffic Proposals Meeting on 14 March 2001.   Moira McGovern attended this meeting relating to the Central Edinburgh Traffic Proposals but nothing of direct relationship to Stockbridge Primary was discussed.  There were mentions of introducing road charging, which was mainly directed to the traffic and transport system, introducing a 20 mph speed limit and the philosophy of road traffic solutions.  

2.3               Treasurer’s Annual Report (deferred from last meeting).  We receive an annual administration budget of £140.00 and a training budget of £35.00 Expenditure on admin this year was £137.39 and £10.00 was spent on member training. The balance at the end of financial year is therefore £27.61 It was resolved to carry forward 10% (£2.76) and transfer the remainder (£24.85) to school funds. 

3.0            School’s Draft Budget Proposals 2001/2002.  Mrs. Horsburgh indicated that all information on budget figures will not be available until early next term.  Mrs. Horsburgh is anticipating that the budget will be status quo. Item deferred to next meeting.                                                                                                                                             top  

4.0                REPORTS 

4.1        School Meals Sub Group half yearly report.  Nothing new was reported and there have been no complaints from parents.  The children are continuously encouraged to eat their greens.  The Fruit Tuck Shop continues to prove a great success. 

4.2        Last PTA meeting – March 2001.  No items relevant to the board were reported . 

5.0.             OTHER BUSINESS 

5.1        Sports Facilities.  Jimmy McLaren from the Edinburgh Academicals Sports Club could not attend this evening.  However, it has been arranged for our Gym Specialist, Mrs Ramm, to use the facilities on Tuesday afternoons. Mr McLaren will have the required equipment for Sports day, supplied and will also take care of the markings.  Mr. McLaren has been very accommodating and Mrs Horsburgh has two potential dates for the Sports day. 

5.2        P1 Intake Limit.  Mrs. Cox explained that there could be a possibility of reducing the P1 class size to 30 pupils and only one teacher in the future. This is due to the government’s class size pledge, but there has been no confirmation that this is what will happen.                                                                                                                                  top

5.3            Science Funding.  Mrs. Horsburgh reported that £500 had been received from the Institute of Chemists.  Dr. Elizabeth Stevenson visited the school, worked with the P7 and P6 and held science workshops. 

There will be funding for a particular project in the next term.  Would like innovative ideas e.g. tie in drama with chemistry i.e. movement, molecule sizes, etc. The criteria for this project is that the funding has to be used for a science project and work with Dr. E. Stevenson. 

5.4        Music Specialist.  James Young is the music specialist that will visit the school until the end of summer term.  He is being paid by money left over from last year.   Mr. Young visits every alternate Tuesday and is covering 5 – 14 Curriculum in class groups. He is also working with P5 – P7 and the Scottish Opera project. 

5.5            Anniversary of Stockbridge Primary.  Moira McGovern announced that on 22^nd January 2002, Stockbridge Primary will be 125 years old.  It is the last remaining example of Rowan Anderson’s architectural work in school buildings.  Several possibilities were discussed regarding this celebration and the pupils input.  A group will be established to co-ordinate all aspects of the above. 

5.6               Harmonisation of School Session Dates.                                                                                                top

The board’s views were sought on draft proposals for harmonisation of holiday dates between the Ex-Lothian Authorities. Discussed was the possibility of reducing the long summer holiday period and having a five term year with five two week holidays through the year. The majority view of the board was that any radical changes would probably not be welcomed by parents. The Chair will submit our views to the Council. 

5.7        Sex Education.  Following recent Press scare mongering about inappropriate Sex Education material being used in Edinburgh schools, Mrs Horsburgh reassured the board that P6 parents are consulted before pupils are shown any Sex Education material. All material used complies with Scottish Office guidelines. In a recent survey compiled by SSBA, most parents felt unhappy that material was not discussed with them. 

6.0    CORRESPONDENCE 

The following correspondence has been received since the last Board meeting: 

a)              CEC Education– Education Support Services

1                 School Board Admin & Training Statement 2000/2001 (see item 2.3)

2                 Harmonisation of School Session Dates (see item 5.6)                                                     top

b)              Scottish Executive

1      School Board Focus Papers No.13 – A Short Introduction to the Legislation for New Members

2      School Board Focus Papers No.16 – Focus on the Standards in Scotland’s Schools etc. Act 2000 

c)              Scottish School Board Association

1      Overdue Account Reminder (not relevant)

2      Minute of AGM, Annual Conference Report and Annual Report

3      Notice of postponement of SSBA International Conference due to Foot & Mouth 

7.0               ANY OTHER BUSINESS. 

7.1               The school has received notification of an application for Planning Permission by Scotmid for residential properties behind the existing store. 

7.2               Meeting closed at 8.50pm

8.0                    DATE OF NEXT MEETING:            Tuesday 22 May 2001 at 7:00pm