STAFF from a pre-school nursery were the toast of Westminster when they were held up as examples of how to give the best possible childcare to parents.

Sue Conron and Laura Nolan from Duke Street Nursery School, Chorley, were two of childcare minister Sam Gyimah’s guests at a Department for Education reception in Lancaster House on Monday.

The minister invited them after being impressed by the nursery during a visit in February.

They were in a group of 120 professionals from all over the country invited to be thanked for improving children’s futures which have resulted in an unprecedented demand for childcare.

Sam Gyimah said: “The importance of childcare is huge in a child’s development and upbringing – that’s why we all have a moral mission to get it right.

“I am proud of what Sue and Laura have done to make sure parents from Chorley can make the best choices for their families.

“As childcare minister, I’ve been privileged to travel all over the country meeting with providers.

“The consistently high bar they set made me want to put on an event to say ‘thank you’ for their work they are doing.”

Recently there has been an extended offer of free childcare to 15 hours per week to all three-and-four year olds and 40 per cent of two-year-olds.

Sue, who is the nursery’s head teacher, said: “I think it is a good idea to put something like this on for providers.

“The two-year-old offer has made a huge difference to the children who come to Duke Street.

“It has made the most positive impact on their lives to be able to come and develop at such a young age.”

Laura, who is an outreach worker at the nursery, added: “It was really exciting to come down for the event and realise that people do realise the work we put in.

“Different types of providers from all over the country were invited, and it was great to hear what other people had to say about childcare.”