This page contains a Flash digital edition of a book.
News


Good news for school applicants


MOST Maidstone children have secured their first choice of second- ary school – and almost all of them one of their four preferences. This year, more children than ever applied for a place in a Kent second- ary school, with 18,797 applications received – an increase of more than 600 on last year. Despite the increase in applica-


tions, 363 more Kent children will get their first preference of second- ary school for September compared with last year, and more than 97% will receive anoffer from one of their four preferences. However, 428 will still have their


school allocated by Kent County Council – but the figure is a third less than the 641 last year. Cllr Roger Gough, KCC’s cabinet member for education, said: “Offi- cers have been hard at work to en- sure that there is enough capacity in Kent schools to cope with another year of increased applications. In spite of the challenge, 13,159 families will receive their first preference school and 1,840 their second. “The excellent work in Kent schools coupled with KCC deliver-


ing on its school place planning pro- vision, has meant 2016 will see the highest number of children securing their first preference school to date.” Cllr Gough commiserated with


those who did not receive their pre- ferred school but said therewas still time for things to change. “This is the first stage of the school allocation process and I would like to reassure parents that aKCCteam is on hand to help with any queries. Between now and September there will be movement through waiting lists and appeals process.” Parents have until March 17 to ac-


cept or refuse their offer and must lodge appeals by April 13. KCC will send out a second round of offers on April 29. The charity ChildLine has opened


its helplines to children worried about their allotted place. An NSPCC spokesman said: “Finding out that you haven’t got into the school of your choice means starting again in anewenvironment and having to make new friends. “ChildLine is there 24/7. Call and


speak to a counsellor on 0800 1111 or go to www.childline.org.uk.”


Property Maintenance  New Tiled Roofs


 General Roofing Repairs


 Moss Removal J.L.B


Quality Roofing at Affordable Prices


 UPVC Fascias, Soffits & Guttering


 Felt Flat Roofing


Annual Gutter Cleaning Service Gutters & Fascia Cleaned


To A High Standard Inside And Out


All Repairs Undertaken.....


Prices Start From As Little As £20.00 24 Maidstone Town April 2016


 Broken Brackets  Leaking Gutter Joints  Down Pipes


So To Ensure Your Gutters Are Flowing Blockage Free This Winter


Call Our Team For A Free & Friendly Quote


downsmail.co.uk Firewalkers help hospice


CROWDS gathered in Maidstone’s Jubilee Square to watch 50 brave fire walkers hotfoot it across 15ft of smouldering coals in aid of Heart of Kent Hospice. The event was hosted by Scott Bell, who holds two world records for


fire walking and is one of the country’s leading experts. It was sponsored by central heating and boiler installer Samsian Ltd, from Borough Green. Many of those


taking part in the challenge were walking in memory of loved ones and in recognition of the care that staff and volunteers at the hospice provide for those with a life-limiting illness and their families. Sarah Lawless, from Vinters Park, who has raised more than £400 in memory of her mum and mother-in-law who were both cared for by the hospice, said: “The fire walk was awesome. I was really anxious when I first arrived, but the training was brilliant and Scott put everyone at ease. I felt a great sense of achievement when I completed the walk and being able to say I did it in honour ofmy mum and mum-in-law. “I can never thank the hospice enough for the respect and dignity


they gavemymum at the end of her life.” More than £11,500 was raised by the evening, which drew a big crowd


of supporters and spectators, and more money is still pouring in. TomAbbott, events manager for Heart of Kent Hospice, said: “There


was a real buzz in the air as our intrepid walkers took on this huge challenge and made this a great night to remember.”


T.01622 201078


M.07854 529434 jlb.property@yahoo.co.uk


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56