Children’s Minister, David Johnston MP welcomed a Didcot childminder and foster parent to number 10 Downing Street.

Last week, he hosted a reception recognising some dedicated workers in the childcare and early years sector.

His special guest was Julie Hobbs, a local childminder and foster parent who over 14 years has welcomed around 30 families into her home.

Prior to the reception, Ms Hobbs was given a personal tour of Parliament, organised by Mr Johnston MP.

Oxford Mail: The event was held by David Johnston MP

The occasion allowed MPs to extend their gratitude to individuals or organisations for the support they provide to children and families.

This event coincided with the government's record expansion of childcare, marking the largest investment in the sector ever seen.

Attendees at the event, including Ms Hobbs, have collectively aided more than 210,000 people in providing the first 15 hours of funded childcare to two-year-olds.

Ms Hobbs said: "Many thanks to David Johnston MP for inviting me to Number 10 Downing Street.

"I had a brilliant and memorable day!

"It was great to see childcare providers being recognised for the hard work they do, and meeting some amazing people.

"Such a privilege!

"Thank you!"

Mr Johnston MP said: "I had the absolute pleasure of hosting a reception at Number 10 Downing Street for people working in our great early years sector and was pleased to bring Julie, a childminder from Didcot who spent 14 years fostering around 30 families, as my special guest to recognise her incredible efforts.

"It was a really uplifting atmosphere as MPs from across the country brought an individual or organisation that they wanted to thank for the work they have been doing to shape young minds."