News
downsmail.co.uk Pre-school declared ‘outstanding’
STAFF at East Farleigh Pre-School are “euphoric” that the setting has been declared outstanding in its latest Ofsted inspection.
The pre-school meets in the Old School Hall on Lower Road and caters for more than 40 children aged two to five. Inspector Nicola Jones said: “The management of the pre-school is inspirational and there is an excep- tional drive to improve outcomes. “Staff have high expectations for
all children and the teaching and learning is of a consistently high standard. Children become deeply engaged in exciting activities based
Protection for
open spaces AREAS of outstanding natural beauty and special scientific interest could be protected under policies being drafted by Maidstone Council. At its first meeting since the old cabinet system of governance was scrapped, the strategic planning committee called for a re-think on protections for areas such as the North Downs, Low Weald and Greensand Ridge.
Although the council is pressing ahead to find sites to meet the 18,500-plus target of new homes be- tween 2011 and 2031, decisions af- fecting the draft local plan are once more under scrutiny by members. Cllr Tony Harwood, vice-chair of the committee, said: “Successive MBC cabinet members had frus- trated calls to develop a successor to the special landscape area policy. “The first full meeting under the committee system has achieved vital progress to protect our open spaces – this may prove to be the vote that saved Maidstone’s countryside.” The decision follows a planning inquiry into an application for 500 homes across two fields near Barm- ing Station in Hermitage Lane. Although Maidstone Council has allocated one of the fields in its draft local plan, it refused Croudace per- mission to build 420 homes on the northern field and 80 on the south- ern field, claiming it would have an adverse effect on the setting of the ancient woodland – Bluebell Wood – which runs between them. Croudace argued there was no dif- ference in the landscape effect of the two sites and that the road linking the developments would encroach on just 2.5% of ancient woodland. The New Allington Action Group (NAAG) claims development will affect the natural woodland, bird- song and wildlife. Mr Clark toured both sites as part of his inquiry and a decision is expected this summer.
Formore local news 20
www.downsmail.co.uk Maidstone South July 2015
From left:
Author Miriam McGuirk, Paul Andrews and Louise Henley, chairman of Kent Deaf Children Society Picture by Jen Edwards
Book launch helps charity
MORE than £250 was raised for the Kent Deaf Children Society at a book launch organised by Maidstone au- thor Miriam McGuirk.
The author, who now divides her time between the county town and south west Turkey, held the event at The Townhouse Hotel in King Street, Maidstone.
Her book, “Shattered Dreams and Scorpions at Midnight – a search for sanctuary” tells Miriam’s story of how she countered the effects of the ill- ness ME and how, with the help of her
husband Chris Pollard, she set out for a new life in Turkey, where the air and climate is ideal for people who live with ME and fybromyalgia. The evening was hosted by Maid- stone-based business entrepreneur Paul Andrews, with raffle prizes do- nated by local companies. KDCS is a registered charity that supports deaf children and their fam- ilies. Chairman Louise Henley said: “With the money raised, we will be able to host at least two playtime ses- sions for our younger children.”
Mayor opens tool factory
DK HOLDINGS has opened its new factory in Staplehurst. The new tool-making facility, off Station Approach, has been built after Sainsbury’s acquired its previous site on the junction Station Road. Maidstone Council ap-
proved the retail chain’s application for a super- market and petrol sta- tion in 2013. However, Sainsbury’s has since put its plans on hold and the vacant site is avail- able to let.
DK Holdings’ MD Brian Salter welcomed the move and the official opening of the site by the Mayor of Maidstone Cllr Daniel Moriarty. He said: “We were delighted that the mayor agreed to open our new factory and were pleased to greet many parish councillors. A keen inter- est was shown by all in our history and current operations. “We would also like to extend our gratitude to Staplehurst Parish Council for its con- tinued and valued support.”
John Perry and Rory Silkin with DK Holdings MD Brian Slater and director David Smart and mayor Cllr Daniel Moriarty
around their current interests.” Ms Jones cited the example of children interested in birds using binoculars to look for them and then learning their names, before carrying out further research. Staff were said to be constantly
and very effectively monitored and children's progresswas tracked. She said: “Staff are highly skilled
in asking the children questions to encourage them to think about and describe what they are doing. This
promotes children's communica- tion and language skills effec- tively.” Staff were praised for their ex- ceptional knowledge of their re- sponsibilities and the report concluded: “Staff provide children with an inspiring and nurturing en- vironment where they feel ex- tremely safe and secure. This highly promotes children's sense of confidence andwellbeing.” Pre-school manager Marie Smith
said: “There was a feeling of eu- phoria whenwe received the result. “We have an amazing team of
loyal staff who provide excellent care and education for the children in our setting. From the children's starting points,we ensure that their development is monitored and nurtured and that progress ismade to ensure their readiness for school. “It was great to get the recogni-
tion for all the hard work the team do in the pre-school.”
Rock at park
MAIDSTONE’S Mote Park is get- ting ready to rock’n’roll.
An estimated 30,000 people are expected in town from all over Britain and Europe for the town’s first ever Ramblin’ Man fair on the weekend of July 25 and 26. Some of the biggest names from the golden age of rock headline the two-day festival, including Maril- lion, Blue Oyster Cult, Camel, the Scorpions and Gregg Allman. Organised by The Rock Collective
and TeamRock, the festival aims to bring the best of classic rock, pro- gressive rock and a smattering of country and blues to Mote Park, where Seasick Steve will headline the country and blues stage. There will also be gourmet food, a beer festival, a spoken word stage, outdoor music cinema, camping and glamping.
Homes target
PLANNING officers have been told by Maidstone councillors to look again at the number of houses pro- posed for development in the area in its draft local plan.
Borough councillor Nick De Wig- gondene said the request follows the latest challenge to the local plan by the Maidstone area committee of the Kent Association of Local Coun- cils (Kalc).
Thurnham Parish Councillor John Horne said Kalc’s report suggests a target as low as 10,000 homes be- tween 2011 and 2031 would be a more reasonable number than the council’s proposed 18,560 figure. Kalc also believes the steep rise in
development already in the borough had not been taken into account.
Charity skydive
SKYDIVE for free and support the Heart of Kent Hospice this August bank holiday weekend.
Anyone who can raise £400 for the hospice at Aylesford can take up the jump for free challenge at Headcorn Parachute Club.
For details call Becky on 01622 790195 or visit
www.hokh.org.
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