downsmail.co.uk
Pupils ‘valued and respected’
AFREEschool in Maidstone with a controversial planning history has received a glowing Ofsted report. The inspector rated Jubilee Pri-
mary School in Gatland Lane “good” overall, and “outstanding” in the key areas of leadership, pupil behaviour, early years provision and academic outcomes. Much of the praisewas for former
headAnneAllen and her team, with comments in the report stating: “School leaders, governors and trust members have a clear and uncom- promising vision for the school that promotes the achievement of every pupil within a caring community based on Christian values.” The school is now led by Marilyn Nadesan, its former interim assistant head. The inspector continued: “Pupils flourish and thrive because they are extremelywell looked after in a nur- turing environment. “Individual, academic, social and emotional needs are carefully iden- tified and supported and pupils make rapid progress.” In spite of complaints from nearby
residents that the school, which opened in September 2014, has caused parking problems, the in- spector noted that the atmosphere in the schoolwas harmonious and sup- ported by parents. “Everyone is valued and treated
with respect and pupils love coming to school. They are engaged in their learning and demonstrate exem- plary behaviour.” The school only fell back on its
score for teaching. The inspector noted: “During the autumn term, two teachers new to the school fell below leaders’ high expectations. Prompt action was taken to ensure pupils’ achievement did not suffer. This variability means that teaching is good but not outstanding.” The inspector advised the school
to look for opportunities to challenge pupils further and ensures the qual- ity of teaching is outstanding. A recent planning application to expand the school to take 420 pupils was refused by Maidstone Borough Council due to the lack of playing fields and traffic concerns of residents in the Fant area.
News Mathew’s prize day with dogs
KENT Police welcomed competition winner Mathew Holmes, from Maidstone, back to the force to spend the day with the dog unit. After submitting the best guess in
the ‘howmany dog treats in the jar’ competition at the open day, Mathew (8) was given a tour and a soft-toy German Shepherd dog. Mathew, brother Joshua and their
family saw the police kennels and took part in a game of hide and seek with police dog Keela, who quickly tracked them down. Mathew said: “I had amagnificent
time. I really liked Major and Quest, the search dogs.” Sergeant Ian Sutton said: “We were able to giveMathew and his
family an insight into what goes into training our dogs and the range of work that dogs take part in to help people and catch criminals.”
Involve cash for lonely OAPs
OLDERpeople’s charity Involve Kent haswon£409,682 from the Big Lot- tery Fund, to support the isolated and vulnerable for another four years. The OlderPeople’sService (formerly Brighter Futures) offers falls pre-
vention, befriending, mentoring, day trips and support to people over 65. The Older People’s Forum attracts large numbers from across Maid-
stone to share information aswell as representing the elderly. Involve Older People manager Charlotte Jones said: “We are over the
moon to have received this funding from the Big Lottery Fund to con- tinue our work with socially isolated older people in Maidstone. “This service is vital in an era of cuts to NHS and social care budgets
and when older people feel lonelier than ever. A trip out, lunch or a friendly face popping round to say hello makes the world of difference.”
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Maidstone Weald September 2017 31
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