Not long after I first became MP, I visited Orchards Academy in Swanley and (as it was known then) West Kingsdown C of E Primary School. In both instances, I was shocked at the conditions of the schools and was determined that they receive the investment the pupils and teaching staff deserved.
You may recall I raised their cases in parliament in November 2020 https://www.facebook.com/lauratrottmp/videos/378891756665599 and again in March 2021 https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1329331577423883
I am so pleased that we were successful in ensuring funding for both schools and last week I visited West Kingsdown Primary (now known as St. Edmund’s Church of England Primary School to see the improvements first hand. Accompanied by local councillor Lynda Harrison, I met the inspirational Headteacher Ben Hulme and was so pleased with the transformation. Large airy extended classrooms, the complete overhaul of the toilet facilities, replacement of leaky windows, redecoration, and new heaters. With a near £1m investment, and with still more to come, the children of West Kingsdown have a school that the community can be proud of.
