LOCAL childminder Sylvia Tinnion is 'chuffed' to have ended her 30-year wait for an 'outstanding' Ofsted rating.

Sylvia, who is based in Hayton, registered as a childminder in January 1993 and after four previous inspections has achieved her goal of being rated as 'outstanding' by Ofsted. 

An inspection for Ofsted on Wednesday, January 11 found that "this passionate childminder shows genuine care and a strong commitment to every child."

The report also highlights how Sylvia "provides a warm, welcoming and exciting learning enviroment where children settle in quickly in their chosen play." 

Ofsted also provided details of how parents have reviewed Sylvia's care.

READ MORE: Sustainable Carlisle slams 'cowardly' fly-tipping after record-high figures revealed

They said: "Parents are extremely complimentary about the childminder. They comment on her passion and commitment to all children in her care.

"Parents delightfully describe the childminder as an 'extended part of the family'.

"They say they 'could not have asked for a better childcare setting'."

Reacting to her achievement, Sylvia said: "I am really chuffed.

"I am really happy about it, I finally achieved 'outstanding'."

However, Sylvia also thinks that her new rating was a victory for the wider community of childminders.

She said: "Childminders do not get looked at. We do exactly the same as a nursery and it is good to finally get to 'outstanding'.

"Working on your own is a lot harder than having other staff to work with," she continued. 

Sylvia also gave an insight into the effort she has put in to ensure that she finally received an 'outstanding' Ofsted rating.

She said: "It's hard work getting 'outstanding'. We just have support from our local advisers. It is a very lonely job."

This effort was reflected in Ofsted's latest findings, with Sylvia described as being "highly motivated to broaden her own skills and knowledge to continuously enhance her practice.

"For instance, she has attended a wide range of training courses and topical webinars to broaden her understanding in supporting children's development."