17.
Under reference to paragraph 8 of the minute of the meeting of 3 April 2019, Councillor Eagle sought an update on when the report detailing the new Schools for the future Strategy which will be in line with the Council’s ongoing Property Asset Management review will be presented.
In response the Acting Corporate Director (Education and Social Care) confirmed that a report will be presented to Members either at Policy and Resources Committee or Moray Council, hopefully in the next cycle of meetings following the summer recess.
Councillor Alexander sought an update on the meetings between the Chief Executive and Education Scotland.
In response the Acting Corporate Director (Education and Social Work) confirmed that the Council is not on the verge of an Education Scotland inspection as the meetings referred to earlier by Mrs Cross have assured Education Scotland that the Council is on an improvement journey and that the improvement plan shows the direction the authority is travelling.
Councillor Ross sought an update on the replacement for Mr Jarvis as Corporate Director (Education and Social Care) and also what stage of the recruitment process is the Head of Integrated Children’s Services vacancy.
In response, the Acting Corporate Director (Education and Social Care) confirmed that the recruitment process has started for the Head of Integrated Children’s Services and the future of the Corporate Director (Education and Children’s Services) is unclear and a decision will not be taken until the outcome of the management review is complete.
Councillor Eagle requested a report to the next meeting of the Children and Young People’s Committee on the use of mobile phones in school, setting out the positives and negatives to allow a good debate. The Chair confirmed that she too would like to see a report on the subject.
The Secondary School Rep, who sits on the ICT Strategy Group confirmed that the issue of mobile phones has been on the agenda of the group and a recommendation will be coming from the Strategy Group.
Councillor Feaver requested whether a report could be brought to Moray Council in June on banning the use of balloons and sky lanterns into environment.
The Chair agreed to pass the request to the relevant officers for a report to be presented to the correct Committee.
Mrs Slater sought clarification on who has the strategic overview for ASN, now that the ASN manager post has been removed.
The Acting Corporate Director (Education and Social Care) confirmed that it lies within the remit of the Head of Integrated Children’s Services.
Councillor Creswell sought an update on who was responsible for Elgin Community Centre and the moving of staff from Auchernack to Forres Community Centre following the budget agreement.
In response, the Acting Corporate Director (Education and Social Care) confirmed that it was under the remit of the review being carried out by the Head of Housing and Property and his staff.
Councillor Creswell sought clarification on the Complaints staffing within the Council and do they have a remit across the Council.
In response, the Acting Corporate Director (Education and Social Care) confirmed that the Council has 1 Complaints Officer who works across the Council. The new Complaints Officer which is being appointed within Education and Social Care will be employed to deal with Education and Social Care complaints but will work alongside the Council’s Complaints Officer.
Councillor Laing sought an update on automated benefit payments and applying for school clothing grants and free school meals.
In response, the Acting Corporate Director (Education and Social Care) confirmed that the Council are looking at digitising all payments to the Council.