SUFFOLK's top-performing schools and child care providers have been hailed by the Government.Twelve schools, one college and eleven “early years' settings” (including nurseries, crèches and child minders) in Suffolk received top marks from Ofsted in 2005-6 reports.

SUFFOLK's top-performing schools and child care providers have been hailed by the Government.

Twelve schools, one college and eleven “early years' settings” (including nurseries, crèches and child minders) in Suffolk received top marks from Ofsted in 2005-6 reports.

It is the first year that nurseries, crèches and child minders have been included in the list.

The list of top achievers includes eight primary schools, two special schools and two pupil referral units

Those given the top “grade one” rating were considered outstanding in their overall effectiveness, with all elements of their work judged to be of a high standard.

Bealings School has been recognised for its innovative methods with an “outstanding” rating for the second year running.

The school, near Woodbridge, does not teach traditional subjects and instead puts pupils in charge of fictitious companies and organisations, asking them to solve problems using literacy and numeracy skills.

Over the past three years, a programme called Mantle of the Expert has been developed at the school, which has 105 pupils. It sees pupils using role-play as experts in a particular field, encountering and acting upon problems and opportunities.

Duncan Bathgate, headteacher and team leader, said: “We work to bring the curriculum to life and the Government is very interested in what we are doing.

“It creates a realistic context with real reasons for learning and encourages pupils to find answers by using their skills.”

Pauline Pettitt, a childminder for 15 years, said she was “extremely pleased” to be included on the list.

The married mother-of-three, from Ipswich, looks after up to six children at a time before and after school and minds two children under the age of five during the week.

She said: “The inspector spent three hours with me and said I did exceptionally well. I really enjoy looking after the children and I was very happy to be on the list. It is a real honour.”

At the end of the 2005-06 summer term, two Suffolk schools were deemed “inadequate” (in special measures) by Ofsted - Ixworth Middle School and Halifax Primary School, Ipswich.

'OUTSTANDING' SCHOOLS include:

Bealings School, Little Bealings

Castle Hill Infant School, Ipswich

Hintlesham and Chattisham Primary School

Tattingstone Primary School

First Base, Ipswich

Bucklesham Primary School

West Suffolk College

'OUTSTANDING' CHILDMINDERS/DAY CARE PROVIDERS include:

Pauline Pettitt, Ipswich

Marian Calver, Ipswich