Agenda and draft minutes

Including any notices of motion and any other items of business submitted as urgent for consideration at the meeting.

Members should declare any financial and non-financial interests they have in the items of business for consideration, identifying the relevant agenda item and the nature of their interest.

If any

Minute of the Education, Children and Families Committee of 27 April 2023 - submitted for approval as a correct record

Work Programme

Rolling Actions Log

Business Bulletin

None.

Motion by Councillor Davidson - LGBT Youth Scotland Report

“Committee:

1.    Notes with concern the recent LGBT Youth Scotland report which recognised a significant drop in the number of LGBT young people who felt Scotland was a safe and welcoming place towards them.

2.    Welcomes the council’s involvement in the LGBT Youth Scotland charter but notes that despite this resource being made freely available to schools uptake is not yet universal amongst all Edinburgh High Schools

3.    Believes that in a climate where LGBT young people feel safe all Edinburgh schools should be taking proactive public steps to show their commitment to LGBT inclusion.

Requests a report to ECF in three cycles looking at uptake of the charter, current policies around LGBT inclusion in Edinburgh schools and the prevalence of homophobic and transphobic incidents.”

Motion by Councillor Davidson – Free Food Provision in Schools

“Committee notes

1)    The Cost of Living Crisis is still very much a reality for many children and families across the city and has had an impact on the wellbeing on young people, particularly in terms of hunger.

2)    That well-fed young people have better academic opportunities and wellbeing and that as of February 2023, 25 Council-run secondary schools across Edinburgh provide some form of breakfast club, and 15 distribute free food in other ways.

3)    Teachers from multiple schools have raised concerns about the cost of sourcing food through the approved Council procurement channel.

Therefore, committee requests a report in one cycle outlining the current challenges with the procurement process and what solutions could make the food easier to obtain.”