By Hayley Robinson
hrobinson@thekmgroup.co.uk

Parents have rushed to support a school after Ofsted placed it in special measures.

The Sittingbourne Messenger was flooded with calls from parents praising Milton Court Primary School after our article revealed that an inspection found both teaching and learning were unsatisfactory at the school.

As a result the head of Kemsley Primary School, Angela Edwards, has been appointed as executive head teacher and is now overseeing the running of both schools.

Mary Shaw, 46, whose 11-year-old son Anthony is in Year 6, said: “The school helped get Anthony diagnosed with ADHD. After being diagnosed and with medication he is achieving the same levels as his friends.

“If I thought there was a problem I wouldn’t send Anthony there. Ofsted were at the school for a couple of days and the results are not reflective of what is happening there and I certainly don’t think the school should be punished for children not being sent to school or not getting there on time. That’s down to the parents.”

Laura Lee, 31, whose five-year-old daughter Grace is in the reception class, said: “The inspection was done in November last year. If they went back in now I think they would have different things to say.

“Grace is doing very well. She’s gone from being a toddler to a little girl in a few months and I put that down to the staff because she’s with them most of the day.

“It’s unfortunate the school has been put in special measures but we have to see it as a positive rather than a negative. I think a lot of good things will come from it.”

Sarah Holt, 31, whose nine-year-old daughter Jordan is in Year 5, said: “Lots of children have gone on to grammar school from Milton. Jordan is always working above the levels set for her.

“If the school was that rubbish those children wouldn’t make it to grammar school and I would be the first to pull Jordan out.

“The inspectors are not at the school every single day to see all the hard work that goes on.”

Advisory head teacher Lucy Nutt said she is confident the school will be out of special measures within two years.

She said: "The Ofsted inspection was in November and since then there have been a number of improvements.

"We have been focusing on key areas such as attendance and raising attainment, while keeping all the good areas going.

"Attendance is now much better and our last reported rates are in line with the national average.

"The school is moving forward in the right direction. It is a pleasure to work with such a committed staff, wonderful children and supportive parents."