A Baldock nursery has dedicated its fourth successive ‘outstanding’ Ofsted report to the memory of its much-loved school secretary of 27 years.

The Comet: Much-missed Weston Way Nursery School secretary Elaine LaRoche, who died on April 6. Picture: John FrancisMuch-missed Weston Way Nursery School secretary Elaine LaRoche, who died on April 6. Picture: John Francis (Image: Archant)

Weston Way Nursery School has achieved the highest Ofsted rating for the fourth time in a row – and headteacher Jane Millett told the Comet the school would like to dedicate the report to Elaine LaRoche, who tragically died last month from cancer.

Elaine, 62, had been secretary at the school for 27 years.

And Mrs Millett said that staff, governors, parents and children alike were extremely proud that the Ofsted inspectors had acknowledged their hard work.

“The nursery strives to ensure it continues to be a unique setting enabling all children to flourish and achieve,” she said.

“What makes us so very proud is the fact that this is our fourth outstanding result. I do not think there are many local authority Hertfordshire schools that have had such acknowledgement from Ofsted.”

Summarising the short inspection report in a letter to Mrs Millett, inspector Nick Rudman described his visit to the school on March 28 in glowing terms.

Mr Rudman wrote: “The children experience memorable and exciting learning experiences because you make excellent use of the beautiful grounds and the extensive woodland on the school site.

“Teachers and other key workers plan engaging and challenging learning opportunities, using the indoor and outdoor areas.

“You encourage children to take sensible risks in a secure and stimulating environment.

“Children love to follow the rules for safe play among the trees and the designated stick-throwing area is incredibly popular with the children.”

He added: “Parents, staff and governors are delighted with the attentive, nurturing support which you provide for children and their families. Parents who I spoke to informally at the start of the day were fulsome in their praise of the school.

“Typical of the comments made were ‘I couldn’t love this school any more than I already do’, ‘My child looks forward to coming to nursery every day’ and ‘My child has flourished here’.”

You can read the report in full by looking up Weston Way Nursery School at reports.ofsted.gov.uk.

For more about the school, call 01462 892172 or see westonway.herts.sch.uk.