Childminder Brenda Sowden is celebrating as Stockton's first nanny to be graded as outstanding by Ofsted.
The SureStart employee was awarded the highest mark available since changes were made to the inspection criteria in April.
Ms Sowden, who qualified in March 1993, said: "I am pleased with the award and I was certainly shocked when I was told. But I won't be the only one, as there are lots more professional minders in the area who all work as hard as I do."
Inspectors can grade childminders as outstanding, good, satisfactory or inadequate.
They assess childcare providers on five key outcomes for children in their care - being healthy, enjoying and achieving, making a positive contribution, staying safe and economic wellbeing.
SureStart has supported Ms Sowden through the Stockton Quality Kite Mark Scheme, which was highlighted by Ofsted as an example of good practice.
Judy Walker, of SureStart, praised Ms Sowden's commitment and hard work.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article