On Friday 1 March, Jill Mortimer MP welcomed Minister for Children, David Johnston MP, to Hartlepool.
Minister David Johnston joined Jill to visit Exmoor Grove Childrens Home in Throston. The home provides respite and residential care for children with disabilities or complex needs.
The home has been recognised locally for its high level of care and the trust-based relationships the staff are able to build with the children.
David Johnston’s role as Minister for Children includes overseeing special educational needs and disability (SEND) provisions, the care system, and childcare.
David also shared the Conservative Governments new childcare provision so that parents can return to work sooner, without being left out of pocket.
The Conservative Government have increased their funding towards childcare, so that working families with children aged 9 months to when they start school, are able to benefit from thirty hours of free childcare every week.
Jill Mortimer MP said:
“It was brilliant to welcome David Johnston to Hartlepool, and be able to show him an example of the excellent care on offer locally.
“Exmoor Grove Childrens Home provides a vital service for families in Hartlepool and can take the pressure off of carers and guardians.
“I enjoyed looking around the home, meeting the friendly staff and watching on as they received well-deserved recognition from a Government Minister.
“The Minister also made time to explain that many working families in Hartlepool will be eligible for 30 hours free childcare, meaning they can return to work and save money.
“This will come as a relief to many at this difficult time following the pandemic and the illegal war in Ukraine.”
To check your eligibility for 30 hours free childcare, visit Apply for free childcare if you're working - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).