The Education and Children's Services Committee of Aberdeen City Council met on Tuesday 15 September 2026, discussing a wide range of topics including the School Estate Plan, the National Improvement Framework, and the Music Service update. Key decisions included approving the Aberdeen City Accessibility Plan 2026-29 and agreeing to remove certain priorities from the School Estate Plan's Action Plan.

School Estate Plan Update

The committee received an annual update on the School Estate Plan, noting changes to the Action Plan, including the removal of priorities AG2, C1, and C2. They also approved the continuation of the School Estate Plan's Long Term Programme. Significant discussions revolved around proposed changes to catchment areas for Dyce Academy, Bucksburn Academy, Dyce School, and Stoneywood School, which will proceed to formal statutory consultation. Additionally, plans for a new primary school to serve the Newhills Development Framework area and associated changes to the Brimmond School catchment area will also undergo statutory consultation. The committee noted the ongoing work on the Northfield Community Campus and the concerns raised by the community of Bucksburn regarding the proposed loss of the Beacon Community Centre during the daytime.

Education Climate Change Annual Report

The committee noted the summary of events that took place in schools during the 2025-26 session to educate children and young people about Climate Change, Biodiversity, and the drive towards Net Zero. They also noted the planned refresh of the Youth Climate Change Group and a forthcoming climate event in November. The Chief Officer for Education and Lifelong Learning was instructed to report back on progress within one calendar year.

Music Service Update

A comprehensive update on the Music Service highlighted a continued increase in Music Centre activities and a successful expansion of opportunities for music making through partnership working. The service noted a stable number of pupils receiving tuition, with over 5,000 engaging in whole-class vocal and instrumental programmes. Initiatives to increase provision in priority localities like Northfield, St Machar, and Lochside were detailed, alongside a growing waiting list for popular instruments. The report also outlined numerous performance opportunities, collaborations with organisations such as the Royal Scottish National Orchestra and Scottish Opera, and the successful delivery of the Young Sounds Discover training programme. The Music Service also noted the upcoming GTCS registration requirement for Music Instructors and shared positive feedback from pupil and parent/carer surveys regarding enjoyment and the impact of music participation.

Aberdeen City National Improvement Framework Plan

The committee evaluated progress against the Aberdeen City National Improvement Framework Plan 2025/26 and approved the updated priorities, baseline measures, and aims for 2026/27. The Chief Officer for Education and Lifelong Learning was instructed to implement the 2026/27 plan and keep it under review in light of national policy, legislative developments, and emerging performance data. The evaluation highlighted positive but uneven progress, with strengths in Early Learning and Childcare quality, attendance, wellbeing, and senior-phase attainment, but persistent equity gaps, weaker primary literacy and numeracy, and workforce and estate pressures.

School Age Childcare Policy Review

The committee noted the review of the Aberdeen City Council School Age Childcare Policy, concluding that no significant changes were required at this time. They were also updated on national developments regarding the definition of School Age Childcare and proposed regulatory changes. An update on the Bright Starts Breakfast Clubs pilots was provided, and the Chief Officer for Education and Lifelong Learning was instructed to report back on plans for universal free breakfast club provision from August 2027. The committee also approved the implementation of the Aberdeen City Council School Age Childcare Quality Improvement Framework.

Inspection Reporting

The committee received updates on the outcomes of recent inspections by His Majesty's Inspectors of Education (HMIE) and The Care Inspectorate. For Harlaw Academy, Northfield Academy, and St. Machar Academy, progress updates were provided on areas for improvement identified by HMIE, with Harlaw Academy moving to Category 2 and Northfield and St. Machar remaining in Category 3 with continued support. Several Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) settings received positive inspection reports from the Care Inspectorate, with Links Nursery and Hub achieving 'Excellent' in several areas. Middleton Park ELC, Bright Horizons @ 24 St Swithin Street, Banana Moon Dyce, and Thrive @ Cove Bay all received 'Good' or 'Very Good' gradings. Westend Wellies also received 'Very Good' and 'Good' gradings. Updates were also provided on inspections of school-age childcare provisions, with Cults Out of School Care and Orchard Brae School Age Childcare receiving positive reports.

Accessibility Plan 2026-29

The committee approved the Aberdeen City Accessibility Plan 2026-29. The plan aims to improve curriculum access, the physical environment of schools, and communication for disabled children and young people. The Chief Officer for Education and Lifelong Learning was instructed to present yearly evaluations of progress, review the plan's impact in 2029, and present an updated plan within three years.

Children (Care, Care Experience and Services Planning) (Scotland) Act 2026

The committee was informed about the Children (Care, Care Experience and Services Planning) (Scotland) Act 2026, which introduces new duties and expands existing responsibilities related to aftercare, advocacy, family group decision-making, and kinship care assistance. The report noted that many aspects of the Act require secondary legislation and further policy development, making the full implementation timeline and financial implications uncertain. The Chief Officer for Children's Social Work and Family Support was instructed to report back to the committee once there is further clarity on the Act's implementation and associated funding.

Community Learning and Development (CLD) Plan: Partnership Delivery Report 25/26

The committee noted the progress made during the first six months of partnership delivery against the Community Learning and Development Plan 2025-30. They approved the Consolidated 12-Month Partnership Action Plan and instructed the Chief Officer for Education and Lifelong Learning to continue overseeing the CLD Plan's implementation and provide a further annual evaluation and updated delivery plan in September 2027. The report highlighted progress in establishing thematic partnerships and initial evidence of impact across adult learning, youth work, family learning, community development, and workforce development.

Music Service Update

The committee noted the comprehensive update on the Music Service's activities during the 2025-26 academic session. This included the expansion of Music Centre ensembles, successful primary school choir offerings, and the establishment of a new rock band, 'Dream State'. The service highlighted extensive partnership working with organisations like Aberdeen City Music School, the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, and Scottish Opera, providing pupils with diverse performance and learning opportunities. The report also detailed participation in national competitions, collaborations with the Royal Regiment of Scotland, and the Music Service's contribution to city events like the Cowdray Hall centenary celebrations. Positive feedback from pupil and parent/carer surveys was presented, indicating high enjoyment and a positive impact on children's development. The service also noted the upcoming requirement for Music Instructors to register with the GTCS.

School Age Childcare - Review of Policy and Update on Local and National Developments

The committee noted the annual review of the Aberdeen City Council School Age Childcare Policy, concluding that no significant changes were required. They were updated on national developments concerning the definition of School Age Childcare and proposed regulatory changes. The committee also noted the update on the Bright Starts Breakfast Clubs pilots and instructed the Chief Officer for Education and Lifelong Learning to report back on plans for universal free breakfast club provision from August 2027. The implementation of the Aberdeen City Council School Age Childcare Quality Improvement Framework was also approved.

Education and Children's Services Performance Management Framework

The committee noted the report on the status of key performance and service standard measures for the Education and Lifelong Learning and Children's Social Work and Family Support Clusters. They were informed that officers would continue to review the presentation of information regarding Education Scotland inspections and were liaising with the Customer Feedback team on future data presentation. The committee also noted the priority given to Additional Support Needs (ASN) issues and instructed the Chief Officer for Education and Lifelong Learning to consider resourcing options to support ASN learners and the aims of the Behaviour Action Plan, referring this to the 2027/28 budget process.

Minute of Meeting of 2 July 2026

The committee resolved to approve the minute of its previous meeting held on 2 July 2026 as a correct record.

Committee Business Planner

The committee agreed to remove item 52 (Learning Disabilities, Autism and Neurodivergence Bill) from the Business Planner as the Scottish Government was no longer proceeding with the Bill. The Chief Officer for Children's Social Work and Family Support will report back if a revised policy plan is published. The planner was otherwise noted.

Deputation Request - Item 10.6

The committee thanked Ms Spencer for her deputation.

Declarations of Interest and Transparency Statements

Declarations of interest were noted as being recorded in the minutes.