Issue - meetings

Motion by Councillor Laidlaw - School Sports and Extra Curricular Activities

“Committee notes that while from 9 August the vast majority of Covid-19 restrictions have been lifted by the Scottish Government, certain measures have been retained in schools which are specifically noted in the Scottish Government publication ‘Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance on reducing the risks in schools’ which identifies measures to be retained for a period of ‘up to six weeks’ after schools reopen.

Committee notes that of specific relevance to the provision of schools sports, the guidance states:

·         Parents should not enter school buildings unless required

·         Contact Groupings (aka bubbles) are to be removed

Given the above, Committee agrees that outdoor sport, including clubs delivered by external (often parental) coaching, can be delivered per the previously agreed motion by Cllr Laidlaw restricting access to school buildings, in full from the start of the new school term, with indoor external led coaching to be prepared for resumption in late September (after the six-week period noted in the guidance).

Committee notes that the autumn term is particularly crucial in competitive team sports and that concerns have been expressed over the new funding model for Active Schools.

Accordingly, Committee calls for a report within one committee cycle to inform members on how the above request has been delivered, covering:

·         How the new Active Schools funding model has been implemented and if it can deliver the previous (pre-Covid) programmes while fulfilling the obligation to offer sport free of charge to all children

·         How many PTAs have been asked to provide funding for coaching to make-up the shortfall, and at which schools

·         If CEC will be providing additional funding to schools to address any funding gaps

·         What CEC sports academies have restarted and what the full programme for academic year 21-22 will cover

What other extra-curricular activities have restarted (e.g., choirs, bands etc.) and what are still in abeyance – and reasons for delay?”