Inspector Shazaad Arshad described Helen Moon as 'outstanding', and an experienced and highly motivated practitioner. He said children progressed well in all areas of their learning and development and were happy, confident and settled within her home in Bracken Road.

"Children are developing exceptionally well. They make excellent progress from their starting points. The childminder sits with the children, talks to them, asks them questions and participates in their play activities," said Mr Arshad. "She has an excellent rapport with them and gets to know them well as unique individuals."

Children behave well as they engage in the wide choice of activities on offer and respond quickly to Mrs Moon's calm and positive behaviour management techniques.

Mr Arshad said Mrs Moon knew the children well and had a very good understanding of child development and how children learned best. "She explains each child's unique attributes and qualities and observes them as they play, noting down any new skills they attain," he said.

(Full story and pictures in the Brighouse Echo, March 4 edition)