by Sarah Shaffi

Pupils were sent home on the first day of term when the heating broke down.

Youngsters at Parkwood infant and junior schools in Deanwood Drive, Rainham, turned up for the first day of the new year on Monday, but were sent home hours later when a problem with the radiators could not be fixed.

A spokesman for Medway Council said: “Children were kept in school for as long as possible while we waited to see if the fault could be repaired while they were in school. However, this was not possible and, because of the icy and snowy conditions, the children were sent home.

He added that the problem had been fixed and the school was due to re-open today (Tuesday).