Cllr James Valentine tagged articles

Reminder to apply for 2023 primary, lower and middle school places

If your child is due to start school or move up to middle school this September, you will need to apply by Sunday 15 January for the best chance of getting a place at your...

More spending on schools needed to accommodate increasing number of pupils

Without additional spending on schools, Bedford Borough will soon run out of school places, a senior councillor has said. The council’s portfolio holder for education and children’s services, councillor James Valentine (Labour, Kempston West) told the council’s executive committee

Unions say teachers’ pay rise will have “devastating effect” on schools’ budgets

The teachers’ pay award is not enough, not funded, and will have a “devastating” effect on borough schools’ budgets, a meeting heard. The 2022 School Teachers Pay and...

Consultation that could see a Bedford school close to start this month

A six-week consultation on changes to the schools in the Wootton/Stewartby cluster has been agreed by councillors. The non-statutory consultation on the proposed changes to...

Help needed to show Bedfordians benefits of digital public services

As more health and council services move online, it is important that residents do not feel isolated if they don’t have the digital skills required, a meeting heard. Mark Harris, chief officer...

Community safety a priority as new CCTV unveiled at Kempston Mill

CCTV at Kempston Mill has been replaced with more modern equipment to keep the community safe in the popular beauty spot. The site, popular with Kempston residents...

Petition highlights concerns Bedford’s victims of domestic abuse will lose vital support

A petition presented to Bedford Borough Council’s full meeting yesterday (Wednesday, March 16) said that as of April 1, Bedford Women’s Centre will not be able to provide services for...

“Relief” as Kempston Mill Bridge reopens after closure lasting 14 months

Following its closure 14 months ago, Kempston Mill Bridge has now been officially reopened to the public. The bridge was closed in December...

New Kempston SEND school planned at former Robert Bruce Middle School

A new purpose-built special educational need and/or disability (SEND) school is being proposed for the former Robert Bruce Middle School in Kempston. Plans for the 200-place school...

Pandemic led to increase in child neglect and domestic abuse in Bedford Borough

A rise in neglect, physical and psychological harm to young children and domestic abuse was fuelled by increased pressures on families caused by the Covid pandemic, a meeting heard...

Cllr James Valentine

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