MINUTES OF MEETING ON TUESDAY 9 NOVEMBER 1999 AT STOCKBRIDGE PRIMARY SCHOOL, AT 7.00PM. 

Present:            Graham Bodenham (Chair), Alison Blamire, John Burton, Fiona Fraser, Kate Jones, Rev Anne Logan 

Apologies:                     Helen Cox, Maggie Darling, Gregor Henderson, Pat Langridge-Smith                 

In Attendance: Jacqui Horsburgh (Head Teacher), Elizabeth Duncan (Clerk), Joanne Franceschi (PTA), Susan Currie (Teacher), Lorraine Morrison (School Secretary), Cllr Brian Houston, Mrs Alison Suggett (parent)

1.0   WELCOME and apologies: Graham Bodenham (Chair) thanked all those present for attending and welcomed Joanna Franceschi as the representative of the PTA.  Alison Suggett was introduced as she had specifically attended the meeting  to contribute to the first item of business and to hear the discussion relating to After School Care. 

1.1        Minutes of the meeting of 5 October 1999 were approved, subject to the following amendments: Item 3.0 paragraph 2 - the absence levels are those of pupils and not staff; Item 3.0 the final paragraph should note that Mrs Horsburgh's comment regarding the demand for pre-school child care was given as an example from another school ; Item 4.1  The beginning of the second sentence should read 'The Education Authority will review the SDP'                                    top         

2.0          MATTERS ARISING           

2.1                    After School Care

Alison Blamire reported that a flyer had gone home with every pupil inviting those parents with an interest in after school care to join a steering group.  However very few names had been forthcoming.  It is understood that Jules and Joanna Weatherall have expressed an interest and Joanna Franceschi confirmed that she had agreed to represent the PTA on the steering group.  Alison Blamire advised that she has recently received a letter from Keith Smith's successor, who has asked for detailed proposals as funding is available. 

Graham Bodenham, Chair, noted that some parents have their children on the waiting list of more than one club and it was noted that this is common practice to allow as many options as possible for working parents, particularly as the length of the of the waiting lists varies so much and it is impossible to know how long one might have to wait before a place becomes available.   Mrs Horsburgh confirmed that, like Nursery places, the After School Clubs were not restricted by catchment areas. 

Mrs Horsburgh reported on the up to date numbers of Stockbridge pupils attending After School Clubs at Stockbridge School, St Stephen's and Gingerbread.  It was noted that within the past few weeks places have been offered for Stockbridge After School Club and that St Stephen's have vacancies for both full and part-time places.  Gingerbread are also likely to be able to offer additional places if required.  It therefore appears that the current demand for full and part-time places is being meet and the steering group will concentrate on any additional demands which are not being meet e.g.  breakfast club, homework club etc.                                                                                                                      top

Mrs Suggett spoke very highly of the after school care which her daughter receives at the St Stephen's Club and in particular praised the activities on offer over the summer holiday period.  She advised the Board that the services provided by the St Stephen's Club were vital to her family and expressed concern that the viability of the club should not be prejudiced by the formation of yet another club.  Mrs Duncan, Clerk, confirmed her own son attend the St     Stephen's Club on a part-time basis and that she had spoken to the play leaders, Karen and Tammy, just prior to the meeting to alleviate their concerns.  It was stressed that any additional provision for after school care would compliment the existing arrangements and the steering group would welcome input from St Stephen's. Alison Blamire agreed to contact the St Stephen's playleaders and Elizabeth Duncan gave her the appropriate contact telephone numbers.   

2.2                    School Development Plan

Mrs Horsburgh circulated a draft document and advised that this has been submitted to the Education Authority and their response is awaited. Once the proposals and any amendments have been approved,  all staff and Board members will receive a copy.  A further copy will be available in the Parent's room.  It was agreed that the Board members would read and digest the draft SDP and bring any questions to the next meeting.  Mrs Horsburgh will bring details of any amendments or suggestions proposed by the Education Authority and also include Performance Indicators to enable the report to be better understood by parents. 

2.3                    Consultative Committee Meeting

The next meeting is now scheduled for Monday 6th December and Graham Bodenham, Chair, confirmed he will attend.  John Burton also expressed an interest in attending.                                                                            top 

2.4                    School Board Biennial Election

Kate Jones and John Burton have received written confirmation of their election to the Board as the number of proposed candidates was equal to the number of vacancies. 

2.5                    Kid Nation video project

Mrs Horsburgh advised that a researcher had spent some time with groups of pupils on 9th October and the children had been encouraged to write down some of their ideas.  Various issues had been discussed and the researcher hoped to be back in touch with the school next week. 

3.0                    HALF YEARLY REVIEW OF BUDGET EXPENDITURE

Mrs Horsburgh circulated a brief update giving details of staffing levels and the educational supplies budget - see attached.    Mrs Horsburgh confirmed that the carry forward was in part due to the saving resulting from the reduction of staff for 3 months following the departure of the previous Headteacher.  It is still the intention of the school to provide as much cover for staff absence from within the existing staff as this contributes towards any carry forward.  The carry forward of £4,506 will be used to increase learning support across the board and not just for those with specific learning difficulties.  Some of the carry forward will provide for staff cover to allow staff quality time to review, research and identify resources and materials required.  The remainder of the carry forward will be spent on resources, mainly in technology resources and specifically IT in the main.  Mrs Horsburgh confirmed that a small budget for Modern Language teaching was included and the school were pleased to advise that Mrs Currie has been accepted on a 1 year course - one day per week- and this will eventually benefit P6.  In addition P7 already have French input from Mrs Cook.                                                                 top 

4.0                    REPORTS

4.1                    School Meals Sub-Committee half yearly report.

Kate Jones reported that hot school meals continue to be served but the fixed menu did not allow for any flexibility in what the school could offer.  However, the  majority of respondents to the survey found the meals acceptable.  A recent opportunity for P1 parents to express their views resulted in very positive feedback.  The food was thought to be of good quality, well presented and the selection of fruit was particularly attractive and varied. 

The possibility of opening a fruit tuck shop is being explored and advice would be available via the Edinburgh Community Food Initiative.  In some schools the shop is operated on a voucher system and those on income support receive two free vouchers per week.  Kate Jones will be meeting soon with the Headteacher of Trinity Primary School to find out how they set up their fruit tuck shop. See attached copy of full report.

John Burton suggested if a juicer could be provided, the children might also like to make and sell fruit juice in addition to whole fruit.                                                                                                                                 top

4.2                    Communication Sub-Committee half yearly report

Fiona Fraser reported that After School Care questionnaire had been the main focus of the Communications Sub-Committee and now that this had been referred to a Steering Group the Communications Sub-Committee would have time to look at other relevant issues.  Mrs Horsburgh confirmed her interest in becoming a member of this sub-committee as did John  Burton.  Alison Blamire advised the Board that the School Board Unit had highly praised the school's Welcome Pack which P1 parent's receive and parts of it may well be used by the SBU in a pro forma draft which they are preparing.  Alison suggested that there may be a need to extend the use of this pack to P2 and P3.  In addition, it was thought appropriate that  the Communications Sub-Committee should take up the suggestion that there should be a Board newsletter  produced once per term and Maggie Darling has agreed to assist with this.  The need to raise the profile of the Board also falls within the remit of the Communications subcommittee and John Burton agreed to find out if a digital camera could be available for photographs to be taken of Board members.  The updating of any photographic display would again be the responsibility of the Communications sub-committee.  It was suggested that the Board make use of a mailbox similar to the PTA one and Joanna Franceschi agreed to ask the PTA if they would be willing to share the use of their mailbox.  Any incoming mail could be directed to the appropriate body.    

4.3                    PTA Meeting of 13 October 1999

Joanne Franceschi reported that After School Care was discussed and the organising of the extra curricular activities by the PTA.  The possibility of restarting the Art Club and Music Club was discussed although the cost of these activities was an issue.  The headlice problem was also discussed and time was spent discussing the preparations for the Quiz Night.    top

4.4                    School Board's Annual Report  - progress report

In the absence of Pat Langridge-Smith it was not possible for this report to be heard.  Graham Bodenham, Chair, agreed to find out when the report will be available. 

5.0                    OTHER BUSINESS

5.1                    Family Quiz Night 2 November 1999

This event organised by the PTA was very popular.  Tickets sold out within 4 days.  The sale of tickets raised £81 and this was returned in prizes.  However a profit of £120 had been possible thanks to the takings at the bar.  The format of the evening and the organisation of the event was highly praised and particular thanks to John and Amanda Burton were expressed.  It was noted that future events of this nature would benefit from more adult volunteers to share in the preparation and to help run the event on the night. 

5.2                    Next PTA meeting 24th November 1999

Kate Jones provisionally agreed to attend as a representative of the Board.                                                       top

5.3                    7th December PTA Disco for children.

Due to the success of the Tea Towel sales, there will be no cost to the children for this year's disco. 

5.4                    10th December - Football Team Disco

Tickets are now available for this adult event to be held at Edinburgh Accies. 

5.5                    10th November 1999 - Nursery Bring & Buy Sale

Mrs Horsburgh advised that the Nursery Bring & Buy sale would be held on this date.  Should there be sufficient produce the other classes would have an opportunity to buy things on Thursday 11th November. 

6.0             CORRESPONDENCE 

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

a)         CEC Education 

1.         Issue 19, School Boards Information Update newsletter October 1999                                                top 

b)         CEC Education – Education Support Services

1           Revised date for Neighbourhood meeting of Consultative Committee with parents: 7.00 – 8.30pm Monday 6 December 1999 – Broughton High School. 

2           1999/2000 Revised School Budget Statements. 

7.0          ANY OTHER BUSINESS. 

7.1                    Proposed Pelican crossing – Hamilton Place

Cllr Houston confirmed that Edinburgh District Council are considering various proposals for inclusion in the next phase of the Central Edinburgh Traffic Control Management Scheme and this may involve major developments in the Stockbridge area. Proposals include pelican crossings for NW Circus Place and Hamilton Place where double yellow lines on the south side have also been proposed. The proposed narrowing of the corner of Deanbank Lane would make the crossing there safer too.  It is not yet certain if the cost will be included in this year's budget and it is more likely to be included in the April 2000 budget.  It is understood that Scotmid will contribute towards the cost of the Hamilton Place crossing and the Board recognised the sterling work undertaken by Michael Marwick in canvassing Scotmid in this regard.                 top

Cllr Houston emphasised that these are proposals only at this stage and a period of consultation will follow during which objections may be raised by any interested parties. Cnllr Houston has given a list of all groups who should be consulted to the Transportation Department which include the School Board and PTA.  He encouraged both the Board and PTA to be represented at the consultation meeting in December as observers and to be prepared, if necessary, to argue in favour of the crossing in Hamilton Place going ahead even if other aspects of the proposals are delayed.  Objections are generally expected and these will have to be dealt with on their merits.  However, the Board and PTA should prepare a strong independent case for the crossing to be installed, thereby hopefully avoiding any hold up which may be caused if there are general objections to the scheme as a whole. 

7.2                    Meeting closed at 9.09 pm 

8.0                    DATE OF NEXT MEETING:            Tuesday 18 January 2000 at 7:00pm