The Education and Children's Services Committee of Aberdeenshire Council met on Thursday, 08 October 2026, to discuss a range of important issues affecting local education and children's services. Key decisions included the authorisation to begin a statutory consultation on the proposed permanent closure of Burnhaven School and the approval of the Aberdeenshire Learning Estate Strategy 2027-2030. The committee also reviewed annual reports on adoption services, corporate parenting, tackling poverty and inequalities, and the national improvement framework for education.

Sustainability and Carbon Budget Update

The committee received an update on the Education and Children's Services' (ECS) climate change and sustainability activities. Karen Tucker presented the report, highlighting ongoing work across four key areas: green spaces, behavioural change, energy management, and waste management. Schools are actively embedding Learning for Sustainability into the curriculum, with many participating in initiatives like biodiversity projects, sustainable travel, energy awareness campaigns, and waste reduction. While the report indicated positive progress, it acknowledged the complexity of measuring carbon savings across the diverse school estate. Jonathan Cordoner has been appointed as the new representative for education for sustainability. Waste services provide collection services to most Aberdeenshire schools, with tailored arrangements for each site. In the 2025-26 year, schools generated an estimated 3,181 tonnes of waste, with approximately 31.69% recycled. The annual cost of the school waste service for 2026-27 is approximately £853,297. While direct carbon savings from school waste activities cannot yet be precisely attributed, the service supports resource efficiency and waste hierarchy measures. Practical opportunities for improvement include waste reduction at source, better recycling consistency, reviewing general waste capacity, reducing food waste, and confirming the need for fluorescent tube collection following the move to LED lighting. The committee was asked to consider and comment on the report and note the director's ongoing responsibility to provide six-monthly progress updates.

Councillor Louise McAllister expressed concerns about the council's boldness in achieving sustainability goals, noting that heating and lighting in schools often seem to be on constantly. She questioned the central control of heating and lighting and suggested more could be done to empower staff to make a difference. Councillor McAllister also inquired about school-level waste tonnage availability, the Taste it, Don't Waste it sessions, and the decision-making process behind school heating temperatures, referencing EIS requirements for heating levels. Councillor Anne Ross also sought clarification on quantified carbon savings from the heating policy, LED lighting savings and delivery dates, and plans to close the gap to the 2030 target. Councillor Catherine Victor congratulated Fishermoss Primary School on its green flag commendation and highlighted the success of Portland and allotments with primary schools. She also inquired about the success of solar panels at Fishermoss Primary and the potential for wider rollout, as well as an update on the heating policy. Billy Bilsland raised concerns about the inclusion of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in schools and its potential carbon footprint. Councillor Anne Stirling sought assurance that all schools are working towards reducing their carbon footprint.

In response, Karen Tucker confirmed that waste services would share detailed reports and explore further breakdowns of waste data. She also stated that information on school heating temperatures would be investigated, and invited elected members to report any specific issues with lighting and heating in schools. Laurence Findlay, Director of Education and Children's Services, clarified that the 2030 target is a council-wide commitment and that the LED lighting update is handled by property colleagues.

Burnhaven School

The committee was presented with a report on Burnhaven School, which is currently operating with a very low school roll. At the start of the 2026-27 academic year, the school had 11 pupils, with only eight living within the catchment area, while 36 of the 44 primary-aged children in the zone attend other schools, primarily Meethill School. An option appraisal identified the permanent closure of Burnhaven School and rezoning its catchment area to Meethill School as the highest-scoring option. This proposal aims to provide greater access to a larger peer group, wider learning and social opportunities, and improved utilisation of the school estate. The appraisal also highlighted potential benefits for pupils with additional support needs through access to broader support resources and peer interactions. A survey conducted during informal engagement received nine responses, with no clear consensus. Four respondents supported the school remaining open, three supported closure and merger with Meethill School, and two were undecided. If approved, a statutory consultation would run from 11 January 2027 to 5 March 2027.

Councillor Leanne McWhinnie raised concerns about the safety of pupils crossing South Road if they were to move to Meethill or Dales Park schools, as there is no designated crossing area. Max Booth, the presenting officer, confirmed that this concern had been raised by parents during pre-engagement and would be discussed within the consultation report.

The committee agreed to note the outcome of the options appraisal, authorise the launch of a statutory consultation for the proposed permanent closure of Burnhaven School, and agree to receive a further report on the outcome of the consultation in summer 2027.

Learning Estate Strategy 2027-2030

Maxine Booth presented the Aberdeenshire Learning Estate Strategy 2027-2030, which builds on previous work and provides a framework for guiding learning estate planning over the next three years. The strategy addresses demographic changes, declining pupil numbers, and increasing surplus capacity, aiming to support viable and sustainable rural schools while acknowledging the influence of demographics and local circumstances. It promotes a balanced, evidence-based approach to future planning and does not predetermine outcomes of future reviews. Key aims include improving estate utilisation, maintaining building condition, enhancing accessibility, increasing ASN accommodation, progressing cluster reviews, and addressing catchment anomalies.

Councillor Catherine Victor expressed concern about the strategy's potential impact on rural schools, questioning if it implied merging schools based solely on size and the role of living well locally. She also asked who would decide on school maintenance based on long-term future and disagreed with the notion that larger schools automatically provide better education. Laurence Findlay, Director of Education and Children's Services, clarified that the strategy aims to sustain rural education but must be realistic about demographic changes. He stated that data decides and that investment decisions are made in conjunction with property and facilities management. Max Booth provided examples of successful mergers, such as King Edward and Fintry, and Catiline and Keneff, which strengthened provision. Councillor Geoff Croson raised concerns that the strategy might provide more reasons to close schools than to keep them open, and questioned the work being done with other departments to support rural settings and increase school rolls. Laurence Findlay reiterated that rural schools have strong protections under the 2010 Education Act and that Aberdeenshire invests disproportionately more in rural schools. Councillor Anne Ross agreed with Councillor Victor's concerns and questioned the weighting of factors in the report, the uncertainty of forecast assumptions, and the tension between reducing surplus capacity and expanding ASN provision. She also asked about specific improvements in ASN accommodation and accessibility expected during the strategy's life. Councillor Andrew Hassan thanked officers for including the issue of Meldrum Academy's increasing roll in the report. Lisa Watt raised concerns about the growing homeschooling community and whether this is factored into the learning strategy. Councillor Sarah Brown highlighted the consistency of Aberdeenshire's demographic trends with the national picture and the difficulty in convincing communities of the facts. Councillor Geoff Croson questioned if data could be used in different ways and drew parallels with the decision-making process for King Edward and Fintry schools.

The committee agreed to approve the Aberdeenshire Learning Estate Strategy 2027-2030 and the associated work plan and strategic outcomes.

Adoption Service Annual Report 2025-26

Andrew Dick presented the Aberdeenshire Council Adoption Service Annual Report for 2025-26. The report highlighted the service's work in securing stable, nurturing, and lifelong family relationships for children requiring permanence. A significant achievement was the Care Inspectorate Inspection, which awarded the service a grade of 6 (Excellent) for supporting people's wellbeing and 5 (Very Good) for care and support, recognising it as sector-leading. The report also detailed innovations such as the therapeutic transition social worker role, which has been permanently embedded. Challenges identified include difficulties in recruiting adoptive families, delays in legal processes, and growing demand for post-adoption support.

Councillor Anne Simpson, an adopted mother, shared her personal appreciation for the report and the staff's work. Councillor Catherine Victor inquired about the reasons for a dramatic drop in adoption plans from 2023-24 to the following years. Andrew Dick explained that the figures are captured at a specific time and that predicted numbers for the next year are increasing, also noting that the Children's Families team decides on children's plans. Councillor Anne Ross asked for evidence that recruitment challenges and court delays are not negatively impacting timescales to permanence, why health assessment completion rates remain a challenge, and what measurable outcomes will be used to assess progress against 2026-27 priorities. Councillor Louise McAllister expressed appreciation for the report and inquired about informal kinship care arrangements. Councillor Anne Stirling congratulated the team on their exceptional report and work. Councillor Geoff Croson sought clarification on the letterbox contact, specifically if it is legally binding.

Andrew Dick provided detailed responses regarding recruitment efforts, the Scottish Adoption Register, court delays, the impact of participation initiatives, health assessment completion rates, and the Letterbox scheme. He explained that while the Letterbox scheme is not legislated, sheriffs can make orders for it, and that the service focuses on building relationships to support its effectiveness.

The committee agreed to consider and comment on the report, note the progress made in delivering corporate parenting responsibilities, and recognise the service's achievements.

Corporate Parenting Annual Report 2025-26

Andrew Dick presented the Corporate Parenting Annual Report for 2025-26. The report outlined progress in fulfilling corporate parenting responsibilities and delivering on commitments within the Children and Young People's Services Plan and The Promise. Key achievements included strengthened participation and advocacy, investment in family-led approaches, and improved support for young people transitioning to adulthood. Challenges remain in recruiting and retaining foster carers, growing demand for kinship support, and strengthening health outcomes. The report also noted the significance of the Children Care Experience and Service Planning Scotland Bill.

Councillor Louise McAllister asked for more information regarding the statistic that 88.44% of children looked after away from home experience three care arrangements or fewer, considering this still a significant number. Andrew Dick acknowledged the limitations of statistics and the complexity of the picture, assuring that efforts are ongoing to improve stability for all children. Councillor Anne Ross asked about the number of young people experiencing delays or difficulties transitioning into adult services. Andrew Dick stated he could not provide exact figures but assured that immediate needs are met during transitions and that work is ongoing with the Health and Social Care Partnership to improve this process. Councillor Anne Stirling and Councillor Geoff Croson offered congratulations and expressed pride in the team's achievements.

The committee agreed to note the progress made in delivering Aberdeenshire Council's corporate parenting responsibilities and duties, continue to support these duties by championing the rights and voices of care experienced children and young people, and acknowledge the contribution of partner agencies, carers, staff, children, and young people.

Tackling Poverty & Inequalities - Annual Report 2025/26

Amanda Roe, supported by Annette Johnson, presented the Tackling Poverty & Inequalities Annual Report 2025-26, titled Towards a Fairer Aberdeenshire. The report highlighted the significant challenge of poverty in Scotland, with a particular focus on the role of local partnerships in improving outcomes. Aberdeenshire has seen 40,000 residents access support, 24,000 households benefiting from poverty reduction initiatives, and over £12.5 million secured in financial gains. The report acknowledged ongoing challenges, including persistent child poverty levels, the cost of living crisis, and rural poverty.

Billy Bilsland welcomed the report and the use of the Joseph Rowntree Foundation definition of poverty, also noting the inclusion of rurality. He mentioned guides from the EIS union on standing up to child poverty and PACT to empower schools. Councillor Leanne McWhinnie inquired whether the £12.5 million in financial gains represented one-off savings or recurring income increases, and if there were recurring benefits being missed. Annette Johnson explained that the figure is a mix of savings and uptakes of benefits, with a breakdown available. She detailed efforts to target support, particularly for families navigating Universal Credit, and mentioned a trend where 300 families were missing out on significant disability benefits. Councillor Louise McAllister praised the report's positives, particularly the number of families supported and the focus on affordable childcare in rural areas. She raised two areas for future development: support for children and families with additional support needs, and the fact that the percentage of children under 16 living in relative poverty after housing costs, while lower than the Scottish average, has remained stable and could potentially be improved. Councillor Anne Ross asked for the proportion of the 8,900 families who achieved a reduction in poverty, broken down by area, and how Aberdeenshire's performance compares to other Scottish local authorities. She also asked which interventions have delivered the greatest return on investment. Annette Johnson confirmed that figures are broken down by area and that child poverty levels in Aberdeenshire are among the lowest in Scotland, performing better than other rural areas. She highlighted early intervention and targeted approaches as key to success, with over 95% of families not returning for additional support. Councillor Ann Bell commended the appendix detailing projects across Aberdeenshire, noting the effective use of resources and the impact of small funding amounts.

The committee agreed to acknowledge and support the progress made in tackling poverty and inequalities and to provide comments to the Communities Committee. They also identified specific concerns for the Tackling Poverty and Inequality Strategic Partnership to consider for future plans.

National Improvement Framework Report and Plan 2026-2027

Kay MacDonald presented the Aberdeenshire National Improvement Framework Report and Plan for 2026-27. The report, submitted to the Scottish Government, reviewed progress from the 2025-26 school session and outlined improvement priorities for the current academic year. Key strengths highlighted included meeting the literacy stretch aim of 76% and exceeding the numeracy stretch aim at 83%. Wellbeing, inclusion, and equity remain strengths, with 88% of inspected schools evaluated as good or better. Exclusion levels have remained significantly below 2023-24 levels. Foundation apprenticeships continue to be successful, with nearly 800 pupils achieving full qualifications and completion rates above national averages. Areas for continued improvement include attainment in writing, particularly at the first level, and improving attendance and reducing equity gaps for identified groups.

Billy Bilsland expressed support for most plans but raised concerns regarding digital learning technology, specifically the lack of mention of Scottish Government AI guidelines and potential issues with the virtual offer for senior phase courses, citing pedagogical concerns and the absence of provision within national terms and conditions for online learning. He also highlighted struggles with IT provision for existing senior courses. Councillor Anne Ross congratulated Bankhead Academy and Crathies Primary School on their UNCRC Gold Awards and requested information on the principal risks to delivery, particularly concerning ASN provision, staffing, and budget pressures. Councillor Louise McAllister expressed interest in the reporting across the improvement framework, particularly regarding trauma-informed and preventative relationship-based approaches in schools. Kay MacDonald assured that there are no current plans to expand the virtual offer beyond Level 7 and that this is not about reducing teacher numbers but about equity. Laurence Findlay confirmed that the National Improvement Framework Plan is not the place for discussing ASN provision risks, and that a separate report on ASN is due in January 2027. He also stated that the data is present in the report and that Aberdeenshire's approach is sophisticated compared to other areas.

The committee agreed to consider and provide comments to the Education Service on the report.

Minute of Meeting of Aberdeenshire Educational Trust Sub-Committee

The committee noted the minute of the meeting of the Aberdeenshire Educational Trust Sub-Committee held on 15 May 2026, which would be included in the agenda for the next ordinary meeting of the sub-committee for approval.

The meeting concluded with the Chair confirming that all items had been addressed.