Bristol is all too often at the wrong end of national education league tables – but when it comes to nursery schooling the city is among the best in the land.

Seven out of eight nurseries inspected by the watchdog Ofsted over the past year have been given the highest grade – outstanding.

Three of those judgements have come in the last month and one, Hartcliffe Early Years Centre, got the top grade for a second time.

The other recent successes were at St Paul's Nursery School and Children's Centre, a new expanded facility building on the quality of provision on offer at the predecessor St James & St Agnes Nursery School, and at Speedwell Nursery School, which has also won plaudits for its creative curriculum.

Others judged outstanding in the last 12 months are Knowle West Early Years Centre, Bluebell Valley Nursery School in Lawrence Weston, St Werburgh's Park Nursery School and Children's Centre, and Ilminster Avenue Specialist Nursery.

The only other centre visited during that time was The Limes Nursery School, which was rated good with outstanding features in spite of being inspected a week before the end of the summer term, just as major building work was going on to transform it into a children's centre.

Most of the nurseries have a high proportion of children from disadvantaged backgrounds and many take most of their children from homes where English is not the first language but without exception, children are said to make excellent progress.

Joy Rodwell, divisional manager for Ofsted, said: "It is always excellent news for children and their parents when nurseries are judged outstanding.

"Less than 10 per cent of the provision we inspect is given an outstanding grade. These provisions do not get outstanding by chance.

"An outstanding judgement reflects very careful planning, monitoring and review so that all children served have the very best chance to both enjoy and do well."

Bristol City Council's cabinet member for children and young people, Councillor Clare Campion-Smith, said: "Early years education is known as the Foundation Stage for good reason. This is when children develop the social skills, communication skills and confidence as learners, which will support their achievement as they move on through school.

"The outstanding provision on offer at these nurseries and children's centres sets children up for success. Congratulations and thanks are due to all those whose commitment and hard work underpins this high-quality provision for our youngest learners."