CABE evaluated 101 children's centres from the first phase to see how well they performed as buildings and what lessons could be learned for future capital build programmes. The report said, 'On the whole, the centres are fit for purpose.'
Seventy-eight out of 100 centres were rated good to excellent overall by staff, parents, management and members of the public.
However, the design professionals who carried out the evaluations considered the design of very few to rank as good or excellent.
The research was commissioned by the DCSF from CABE, the Government adviser on architecture, urban design and public space.
It highlights the constraints of the two-year funding cycle as being too short for the capital building programme, because it limited opportunities to carry out feasibility studies and acquire the best sites for centres and often prevented proper consultation with parents, staff and the wider community.
Peter Maxwell, head of public buildings at CABE, told Nursery World, 'The best examples can be used to help others, such as capital projects for refurbishing and building new primary schools.'
Pen Green Children's Centre in Corby, Northamptonshire, was singled out for its excellent design.
Mr Maxwell said, 'With Sure Start it's more than a capital build project. The best examples, such as Pen Green, involve ongoing collaboration with the staff, parents and children.'
The report praised Pen Green's 'beach' and the new 'baby and toddler nest' designed by John Bovinick. It said, 'The nest is only small, but incorporates lots of exciting and playful design.'
Angela Prodger, head of nursery, said, 'When planning, designing or making changes to a community space it is vital that you bring parents on board from the outset. They are crucial partners in planning and implementing change. The spaces created need to be inviting, inspiring and challenging for both children and adults.'