A HOST of the region's top schools, nurseries and childminders have been lauded for their “outstanding” efforts in Ofsted's annual report.In Suffolk, Ofsted picked out 19 childminders, 11 nurseries, 14 primaries, two secondaries, four special schools, three pupil referral units and two boarding schools.

A HOST of the region's top schools, nurseries and childminders have been lauded for their “outstanding” efforts in Ofsted's annual report.

In Suffolk, Ofsted picked out 19 childminders, 11 nurseries, 14 primaries, two secondaries, four special schools, three pupil referral units and two boarding schools.

The report names 22 childminders, 10 nurseries, five primary schools, three secondary schools, one special school and one children's home in Norfolk - all of which were rated outstanding by inspectors in 2008/9.

In Cambridgeshire, those highlighted include 19 childminders, seven nurseries, 10 primaries, one secondary, two special schools and two pupil referral units.

Reepham High School and College in Whitwell Road has been rated “outstanding” three times by Ofsted inspectors.

Headteacher Chris Hassell said: “The school is delighted to have been identified again as one of the nation's outstanding schools. To have been awarded 27 grade ones out of a possible 27 is particularly pleasing. The accolade has acted as a spur for us to continue on our exciting journey of development.

“We attribute success to hard work and team work. Our young people are simply amazing and deserve the very best.”

Ofsted chief inspector Christine Gilbert said: “I would like to congratulate all who contributed to the success of outstanding provision across all areas of education, training and children's social care.

“This is good news, not just for the providers but for the children, young people and learners who benefit from such excellent services.”

National highlights from the report show that nearly seven out of 10 of schools were good or outstanding (69pc) - more than ever before.

Last year, 64pc were good or outstanding, up from 59pc in 2005/6 when the previous arrangements began. Eleven per cent of maintained schools were judged outstanding in 2005/6 with 8pc inadequate; in 2008/9 it was 19pc and 4pc respectively.

The childminders are not identified in the report, but the other outstanding places identified in the EDP area include:

NORFOLK

t Acorn Playgroup, Dussindale Primary, Vane Close, Norwich

t Hall Farm Nursery, Hargham, near Attleborough

t Hethersett Pre-School Playgroup, Hethersett Woodside School

t Hoots, Toftwood Infant, School Lane, Dereham

t Ormesby Village Pre-School

t Pavilion Playschool, Angel Road Infant, Norwich

t Trinity Children's Centre, Day Nursery, Black Street, Martham

t Twinkle Tots, Horsleys Fields, King's Lynn

t Valley Farm Nursery, Sharrington, near Holt

t Emneth Nursery, near Wisbech

t Clenchwarton Primary

t Drayton Infant

t Recreation Road Infant, Norwich

t St John's Catholic Infant, Heigham Road, Norwich

t West Earlham Infant, Scarnell Road, Norwich

t Alderman Peel High, Wells

t Hobart High, Loddon

t Reepham High

t Clare School, Norwich.

SUFFOLK

t Forest Primary, Brandon

t Mellis Primary, near Eye

t Ashley Special School, Lowestoft

t First Base and Harbour pupil referral units, Lowestoft.

CAMBRIDGESHIRE

t Lionel Walden Primary, Doddington, near March

t Meadowgate Special School, Wisbech.

t For the full list and the Ofsted annual report, visit www.ofsted.gov.uk.