downsmail.co.uk
News
School vows to make changes
PUPILS’ declining achievement at a senior school in Lenham has been criticised by a Government inspector. The Ofsted inspector said
Swadelands School students’ record in gaining five good GCSEs was “significantly below the na- tional average” and had declined recently. The report’s rating of inadequate
– down from its previous good grade – did not restrict its criticism to pupils, saying: “Leaders have not ensured that assessment of pupils’ work and progress are ac- curate”, while teachers “failed to motivate pupils well” and had “low expectations of achievement, particularly in maths”. The report said the school’s pro- grammes for students aged 16 to 19 required improvement, while in all other areas the school’s standards were inadequate, including its leadership, teaching and the per- sonal development and behaviour of students. Among the report’s recommen- dationswas for an external review of governance to assess how this aspect of leadership and manage- ment could be improved, after some teachers expressed a lack of confidence in the school’s leaders
at the time. Swadeland’s interim executive
head Harry Inghamwas appointed after the inspection, along with head of school Chris Ford. He said: “We are naturally dis- appointed with the outcome, but we accept the judgments of the re- port and have already started to make changes so that all our pupils benefit from improved standards.” “The judgment does not reflect
the qualities of the young people who attend Swadelands School. In fact, the inspectors complimented our pupils on their appearance and behaviour. “Although there are many chal-
lenges ahead,we are confident that we can rapidly improve over the coming months and make a real impact on our pupils’ outcomes. “The support of parents and car-
ers in improving the school will be a key factor in this journey and I would like to thank them for the support that both I and Mr Fore- man have received since starting at Swadelands School.” He said a meeting to discuss a comprehensive action plan, drawn up by the management team to im- prove standards in February had beenwell attended by parents and carers.
Steeple repairs complete
OTHAM villagers will be comforted to learn that the wonderful view from their church is from the roof – not through it – following repairs to the steeple. About 80 cedar shingles had to
be replaced on the grade I-listed St Nicholas Church after high winds sent them scattering. Churchwarden Brian Page had to
climb the 90ft scaffold tower twice for an inspection by an insurance agent before and after the work. He told the DownsMail: “I’m sur-
prised you couldn’t hear my knees knocking fromyour office. However, I did get to see the wonderful view to the North Downs once I opened my eyes!” An architect all his life, Mr Page
became a warden at St Nicholas church four years ago, but never ac- quired a love of heights. However, his persuasive powers and expertise helped convince insurers to cover the repairs, amounting to just over £5,000 – with nearly three-quarters of the cost down to scaffolding. Mr Page thanked building firm Hurstway, in Cranbrook, for carrying out the work.
We have a passion for creating customised jewellery
The place for plants If you’re passionate about plants then we
are well worth a visit, we’re an independent retail nursery and we grow and source a fabulously wide range of garden plants.
www.thepottedgarden.co.uk Ashford Road (A20), Bearsted, Maidstone, ME14 4NH
We look forward to seeing you! 01622 737801
Damaged steeple at St Nicholas Church before the repairs
Kilburn Jewellers, 30 Royal Star Arcade, Maidstone ME14 1JL Telephone 01622 677841 Email
info@kilburnjewellers.co.uk Website
www.kilburnjewellers.co.uk
Maidstone East April 2016 11
Open 9am to 5.30pm 7 days a week including Bank Holidays
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