An education minister, Elizabeth Truss MP, visited a Watford pre-school yesterday as it celebrated 40 years serving the local community.

Watford’s MP Richard Harrington invited Mrs Truss to visit Knutsford School, in Balmoral Road, and hear about their experiences over the last 40 years. They saw several classes in action, as well as helping with a maths lesson for reception children.

Speaking with the school’s headteacher, Eileen Anderson, and pre-school headteacher Gabby Franklin, Mrs Truss, who has responsibility for early years education, said: "I visit a lot of schools as part of my job, but Knutsford really does standout and is incredibly impressive. It’s a really fantastic environment and it’s been great to see firsthand what you are doing here which is clearly working so well."

The pre-school was established in January 1974 as an education charity to support local children with their early learning, and has grown to the facility it is today, being deemed "outstanding" by Ofsted.

Mr Harrington said: "The real proof of what Knutsford are doing is in the children, they have all been really enthusiastic, polite, and clearly enjoy learning. When reception pupils told me that their favourite days of the week are those when they come to school, that speaks volumes.

"I want to say huge congratulations to Gabby and all the staff at the pre-school for their 40th anniversary, and I am sure Knutsford will continue to be the heart of the local community for many more years to come."