News


downsmail.co.uk Curiositywins day for centre


ACHILDCAREcentre inSnodlandhas earnedthehighestpossibleOfstedrating,withspecialpraise for its “curiosity approach” to learning.


Clocktower Childcare, at Snod-


landCP School, opened back in the 1970s, starting life at the ScoutHall beneath the clock tower, from which it earned its name. Having achieveda goodgrade in


its last two inspections, this is the first timeClocktowerhas earnedthe outstanding rating. The centre’s 18 staff are especially


proud as the inspection was unan- nounced. Lara Baverstock, one of three


mums who took over the running of the Roberts Road centre in 2013, isproudof thepre-school’s achieve- ment andthepraise it earnedfor its approach to learning. Themanage- ment teamincludeshermumJaney Law, who has been with the play- groupmore than 25 years, and col- league SallyWingham. Mrs Baverstock (32) said: “We


have always provided a homely, family setting for children and the curiosityconceptmirrors all thatwe


Tackling late


night racers LARKFIELD residents are re- minded by police to report nui- sance drivers, as they clamp down on antisocial behaviour. Kent Police are still tackling


problems related to late night gatherings at supermarket car parks. Additional patrols will be


boosted by the support of the Spe- cial Constabulary and PCSOs in responding to concerns around revving engines, the racing of cars and motorcycles and other dan- gerous drivingmanoeuvers. PC Becky Ballard said: “Whilst


we appreciate some people sim- ply want to meet up with friends who may have an interest in cars and bikes, we are also aware of the disturbance and distress caused to residents as a result of noise and antisocial behaviour. “It is simply not acceptable and I


can assure everyonewe arework- ing very hard to prevent this.” Drivers will not only have to


pay a significant sumofmoney to get the vehicle returned, butmay also face a criminal prosecution. If you are affected orwant to re-


port any anti-social behaviour call Kent Police on 101.


4 Malling December 2018


havebeenstrivingtoachieve,but in a formalway.We are nowworking towards accreditation. It introduces magic, awe and wonder back into early childhood.” The approach promotes inde-


pendence and decision-making in children, allowing them to think through their approach to play. Gone are boxed, plastic toys, re- placedbyindividual “open-ended”


items that lendthemselves tomulti- ple use to create unique play set- tings. The centre is open plan, incorpo-


ratinga rangeofplayenvironments aswell as a reading area; dressing- up materials; a home-from-home set; a garden; two guinea pigs and a 15-minute run each day. Mrs Baverstock said: “It’s all about creatingahome environment


where children are encouraged to think about howthey learn andde- velop. “The pets and the daily run take


account of the fact that in today’s world, running and having a pet are not as commonplace as they were.” The inspector’s report said the


management team’s approachwas “highly effective and extremely dedicated” and teaching was of “a high standard” that was “consis- tently very strong”. It added: “The centre recently


changed the nursery environment into onewhich totally captures the curiosity of every child. This has proved to be highly successful and has allowedthemto explore, inves- tigate and extend their learning.” The report found that children


settled quickly, made excellent progress and demonstrated high levels of self-confidence and inde- pendence.


Theft arrests


THREE Essex men were arrested after an attempted theft from an M20 lorry park inMaidstone. At about 3.15amonTuesday,Oc-


tober 30, adriverparkedat J8 serv- ices saw people damaging a curtain side of his lorry. He sounded his horn, and the


men fled empty handed, driving off in a carwhichwas tracked. Kent Police said: “The suspects,


a 46-year-oldman fromBillericay, a 30-year-oldman fromGrays and aman aged 40 fromTilbury,were arrested on suspicion of theft and going equipped.”


Parish vision Dog creche for commuters


ENTREPRENEURS Luke Sutton and Steve Humphreys are hoping their dog crèche businesswill be the first of a nationwide chain. EveryDog, in Snodland, has a


grooming spa, shop, training facili- ties and portrait studio. Mr Sutton, who rescued a huge sheep dog from Romania called


Buddy, said: “It’snot feasible for the majority of people to work with their dogs to improve behaviour and learn skills during theweek. “That is why we are striving to


build a day crèche off every main commuter road in the UK, so that the opportunity is available for every dog.”


THE public are invited to help draw up priorities and plans for Aylesford and Eccles in 2019. The Parochial Church Council


will meet at the Brassey Centre in Aylesford on Saturday, January 12 to exchange ideas from 10am. All arewelcome tomake suggestions.


Festive party


AYLESFORD and Eccles WI will meet at The Brassey Centre for theirChristmasparty onDecember 12.Entertainmentwill beprovided byRobThompsett.The event starts at 7.30pm.


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