News
Merger schools seek new head
TROUBLED Madginford Park School is to appoint a head teacher. The junior school, which was
placed into special measures after its latest Ofsted inspection, has been run since September by the infant school head Stephanie Guthrie, but she has announced her intention to quit. It is understood Mrs Guthrie has
been offered a post closer to her home in Swale from September. Governors of the two schools are
now in the process of appointing a committee to select a future incum- bent, who is expected to be in charge of a new combined Madgin- ford Primary School. The school will be the latest in a
line of combined infant and junior schools, encouraged by the educa- tion authority, KCC, in recent years. Amergerwould mirror that of the former St Stephen’s Infant School, Tovil, with All Saints’ Primary School, Maidstone, to form the new Archbishop Courtenay Primary School in Eccleston Road, Tovil. Talks are also underway regard- ing the merger of Loose Infants and
Loose Junior Schools. Meetings have taken place with parents, prospective parents and other interested parties and gover- nors are understood to be in agree- ment with the proposed merger. The junior school has 378 pupils
aged 7 to 11, while the infant school has another 250. The combined school would offer places for 630 children aged four to 11, with an an- nual intake of 90. The more “streamlined” system ensures children are educated within the same school framework from age five to 11. Only seven years ago, Madgin-
ford Park was deemed outstanding in all areas and in the top 5% of schools nationwide for Key Stage 2 English. Many parents still believe it is the
best school in the area, describing it as “a fantastic community school” where their children “love going to school” and where they are “eager to learn”. However, Ofsted inspectors
found the junior school inadequate in all areas.
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downsmail.co.uk Stroke victim’s fightback
FORMER footballer Tommy Sampson fromVinters Park has written a book about his struggle to fight back after amassive stroke. Sudden Exit is the story of his physical and psychological battle to regain
some meaningful health and a life. The book is taken from the diaries of both Tommy and wife Sandie, a care worker. Before he had a stroke at 54, Tommywas
a non-league football manager at Dartford, Tonbridge Angels, Herne Bay and Deal Town. He played for Millwall in 1970. The keen golfer suffered severe depres-
sion coming to terms with his condition. If book sales are a success, Tommy and Sandie have pledged to open a helpline to offer support, advice and signposting for sufferers, called the Tommy Sampson Stroke Helpline. Sandie said: “I work in the caring profes-
sion so I knowwhat doors to kick down to get help, but that’s not the case formost people. They need help.” Explaining the reason for writing the book, she added: “Simply sending
a leaflet by post is no good when stroke victims probably are unable to open a letter on their own.”
Three-year ban for drink-driver
A WEAVERING woman was banned from driving for 36 months after admitting drink driving and failing to stop on London Road, Allington. Katharine Parker (28), of Yarrow
Court, was stopped in her Seat Ibiza and gave a breath test of 110 mgs of alcohol in 100 mls of breath. The legal limit is 35mgs. The same
day she failed to stop the vehicle when asked to by a police officer. Mid Kent magistrates ordered
her to carry out 100 hours of un- paid work within the next 12 months. She must also pay £85 costs and a £60 victim surcharge. Disqualification can be reduced by 276 days if she completes a safe driving course.
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