The Kincardine and Mearns Area Committee meeting scheduled for 03 March 2026 was set to discuss the findings of an Education Scotland inspection at Mearns Academy and consider applications for the Area Committee Budget. The committee was also scheduled to review the Public Sector Equality Duty and address outstanding business.

Education Scotland Inspection Report - Mearns Academy

The committee was scheduled to consider the findings of an Education Scotland inspection report for Mearns Academy, which took place in November 2025. The report, appended to the agenda, details the strengths and areas for improvement identified by inspectors. The committee was asked to provide comments on the report to the Education and Children's Service.

The inspection report highlighted several strengths, including:

• Very positive and mutually respectful relationships across the school support calm and positive learning environments. Young people feel valued and ready to learn.
• A culture of leadership at all levels, fostered by the headteacher and senior leaders.
• A nurturing ethos with strong support for young people facing barriers to learning.
• An inclusive culture where young people learn about different groups and there is a commitment to equality and diversity.

Areas identified for improvement included:

• Improving the attainment of young people, particularly beyond S4.
• Developing teachers' understanding of high-quality learning, teaching, and assessment, with a focus on increasing challenge for learners.
• Enhancing the use of progress data by teachers and senior leaders to inform future planning.

The report evaluated the school's performance across four quality indicators: Leadership of change (good), Learning, teaching and assessment (good), Ensuring wellbeing, equality and inclusion (very good), and Raising attainment and achievement (good). The committee was recommended to consider and provide comment on the report.

Kincardine and Mearns Area Committee Budget 2025-26 Applications

The committee was scheduled to consider and potentially agree three applications for funding from the Kincardine and Mearns Area Committee Budget for the 2025-26 financial year. The total amount requested across these applications was £4,827.00.

The applications included:

• Portlethen & District Community Bowling Club requested £1,500.00 towards the cost of replacing their storage container, which is currently rusty and leaking. The club, which has around 60 members and runs community events, requires a new container for ground maintenance equipment. The total cost of the replacement is £3,000.00, with the club providing the remaining 50% from their own funds.
• Stonehaven Folk Club applied for £467.00 to purchase a replacement mixer, microphones, and stands. The club, which meets weekly and hosts both professional and local performers, has a faulty sound system and a broken backup mixer. The total project cost is £933.00, with the club funding the balance.
• Bervie Caley Youth Football Club sought £2,860.00 to upgrade their solar panel inverter and add a third storage battery. The club, which provides football opportunities for children in the Inverbervie area, aims to improve the health and wellbeing of young people. The total project cost is £5,720.00, with the club providing match funding for the remaining balance.

The report indicated that as of the meeting date, the available balance in the Area Committee Budget was £4,866.52. The criteria for the Area Committee Budget stipulate that the maximum payment for any one project is typically £3,000.00, and contributions are usually capped at 50% of the total project cost.

Public Sector Equality Duty

The committee was scheduled to consider and potentially adopt a resolution regarding the Public Sector Equality Duty, as outlined in Section 149 of the Equality Act 2010. This duty requires public bodies to have due regard to the need to eliminate discrimination, harassment, and victimisation; advance equality of opportunity; and foster good relations between people who share protected characteristics and those who do not. Members were reminded that where an Integrated Impact Assessment (IIA) is provided, its contents should be considered when reaching a decision. The report provided guidance on how members can discharge this duty, emphasizing a conscious consideration of these needs in decision-making.

Statement of Outstanding Business

A report detailing items of outstanding business was scheduled for review. This report, prepared by the Area Manager, provides an update on matters that have not yet been concluded from previous meetings. The committee was expected to note the items of outstanding business.

Exempt Information

The agenda indicated that the committee would consider a resolution to exclude the public and media representatives from the meeting for specific items of business. This exclusion would be on the grounds that the discussions would likely involve the disclosure of exempt information, as defined by the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973. The specific items and the relevant paragraphs of Schedule 7A of the Act were to be detailed.

Minutes of Previous Meetings

The minutes of the previous Kincardine and Mearns Area Committee meeting held on 10 February 2026 were scheduled for circulation and approval as a correct record.