A HOST of Trafford schools and colleges have been recognised for their excellence in Ofsted's annual report.

Three secondary schools, a special school, two primary schools, two day care centres and three childminders in the borough featured on Her Majesty's Inspectors list of outstanding educational providers.

For Delamere special school, St Margaret Ward Primary, Templemoor Infant and Nursery School, South Trafford College, Urmston Grammar School, the Family Contact Line and Sale West Community Centre Playscheme as well as childminders Tracey Dixon, Jacqueline Parr and Deborah Watts it is their first appearance on the prestigious roll.

But for Altrincham Grammar School for Girls - second appearance - and Ashton on Mersey School - third appearance - it is becoming familiar territory.

Tarun Kapur, executive headteacher at Ashton on Mersey, said: "We are the only school in the area who have had three outstanding Ofsteds in a row. To us it reaffirms that we are operating at the highest level and we are delighted.

"The bottom line is the children get the best deal."

To mark the launch of their report, David Hinchcliffe, deputy director of education for Ofsted visited South Trafford College last Wednesday.

He said: "I heartily congratulate the principal, staff and governors of South Trafford College on their success and hard work in delivering such a high standard of education."

In total 1,476 schools, colleges and early years providers in England were judged to be outstanding during the academic year 2005/06.

Cllr Ian Mullins, executive member for children and young people's services, said: "Trafford council has for many years placed education as one of its key priorities and this has resulted in Trafford being recognised as one of the best achieving local education authorities nationally.

"I congratulate not only the individual schools mentioned in this year's annual report, but each and every one of our schools, their teachers, staff, governors, pupils and parents themselves."

lroberts@messengergrp.co.uk