Education Minister Elizabeth Truss MP visited Knutsford Pre-School on Wednesday 30th November as they celebrate 40 years serving the local community.
Watford MP Richard Harrington invited Mrs Truss to visit the school and hear about their experiences over the last forty years, as well as meeting current pupils. They saw several classes in action, as well as helping with a maths lesson for reception children.
Elizabeth Truss, who has responsibility for early years education spoke with Knutsford Head Eileen Anderson and Pre- School Head Gabby Franklin. Discussions included the importance of places for two year olds, to building family links and encouraging home learning, as well as the positive experiences the School has from dealing with Hertfordshire as a local authority.
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 outstanding facility it is today, being one of the best pre-schools in the Watford area.
Following the visit, Elizabeth Truss 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.”
Richard 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.”
After the visit Richard Harrington took the Minister to West Watford to meet with representatives of all six local children’s centres across Watford, where they discussed the extension of two year old funding which was introduced by the Department for Education last month. All agreed that two year funding was incredibly beneficial, and that the children’s centres are becoming the hub for all early years needs.
Jodie Noakes, of Westfield Children’s Centre, showed the Minister how this is working in Watford by introducing her to maternity staff based at the Centre as well as going to see the new maternity hub which has been recently completed.
Richard arranged for the Minister to meet with children’s centres staff having visited many of the centres over the last year, following which he established a toy appeal for local centres as well as encouraging more residents to get involved and support their local centre.