A BRADFORD childminder was pleasantly surprised to receive a second consecutive 'Outstanding' report from watchdogs Ofsted.
Emma Parkinson received the highest rating in all four categories; quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management.
Based on Byland Court in Wilsden, Emma has been providing home-based childcare for 16 years and was overwhelmed by another top score.
"It was not something I was expecting," she said.
In the report, which followed an inspection on June 29, Emma and her assistant were said to be "exceptionally skilled" in supporting children's language development.
Children were described as "inquisitive, independent learners" who behave in an "exemplary" manner.
They also make "excellent progress" from their starting points on entry to the setting.
Emma added: "I like having a big role in the early years of a child's education and giving them a good start.
"They usually come to me at nine months and I keep them until they go to Reception.
"I just like providing them with lots of opportunities and experiences that they would not necessarily get at home or in a one-room nursery."
Like every other education provider, Emma was forced to close when the pandemic struck in March 2020.
Ofsted was extremely impressed by how she worked with the parents on the other side of that tough period.
The report added: "Following time off during the pandemic, the childminder worked closely in partnership with parents to establish areas of focus and shape the curriculum accordingly.
"Priority was firstly given to settling children back into the setting, before extending children's experiences further, for example by getting children back out into the community and going on outings to local farms. Partnerships with parents are very well established."
Emma said: "It has been a difficult couple of years with Covid and trying to keep everyone happy.
"We were closed immediately then only able to look after the children of key workers.
"It meant we had to work with parents and listen to their needs, providing education ideas and activities, such as; Facetime when it was circle time."
On that connection with parents, she added: "In the (Ofsted) testimonials, 24 parents gave immediate feedback and a lot were speaking about the close interaction we have with them and the variety of experiences.
"Nurseries probably go on two-three trips a year, while our children are experiencing new things all the time."
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