Staff and families at three west Norfolk nurseries are celebrating after being given the ultimate stamp of approval by Ofsted inspectors.

Two nurseries in King's Lynn and one in Downham Market have made the leap from good to outstanding across the board after inspections carried out this year.

Paula Reed, a deputy leader at St Michael's Family Centre, on Saddlebow Road in Lynn, said: 'We all have very supportive, close relationships with our parents.

'We put a lot of emphasis on staff qualifications and boosting staff skills to be able to identify which children need additional support.'

The nursery, which caters for children up to five years old during the day and provides breakfast, after school and holiday clubs for children up to 11, was praised for its 'precise, targeted plans' which were 'expertly delivered by staff and help to ensure all children reach their full learning potential'.

Inspectors also found the children learned how to care for animals and collected eggs from their 12 on-site hens. The children also enjoyed caring for budgies, African snails and fish.

After a visit to Downham Market Nursery School, on Lynn Road, an inspector reported its leadership was 'inspirational' and staff 'accurately assess children's progress and identify their next steps in learning'.

The nursery, which provides for children aged between one and four, was also praised for offering 'appropriate' levels of challenge to the pupils.

The inspector asked the nursery to continue to target professional development opportunities to 'sustain the excellent quality of teaching'.

Proprietor Elizabeth Laffeaty-Sharpe said the installation of outside play equipment had helped the nursery improve from good to outstanding.

'You have to have a really good staff team and let them know they are valued. What I am very keen on is not having a rapid turnover of staff,' she added.

After its latest inspection, Little Bunnies Day Nursery, on the Hardwick Industrial Estate in King's Lynn, was told it was outstanding and promoted pupil's health 'exceptionally well' and they spent 'vast amounts' of time playing outdoors in all weathers.

Owner of the nursery Donna Jarvis said: 'I could not have been more proud of this achievement and I attribute this to the hard work, dedication and passion of the current staff team, partnership with parents and local community support.'

Do you have a King's Lynn story? Email sophie.biddle@archant.co.uk