Drawing on evidence from in-depth case studies with 25 children's centres across England, the report identifies the key governance and management structures that have been 'seemingly successful' at the time of research.
It says that out of the two main structures of governance in place - school governing body structure and SSLP management board structure - the SSLP model has some 'distinct advantages'. However, it says that given the 'radical changes' that are likely to affect schools and school governance in the future, it is 'too early to make a judgement' on the effectiveness of school governing bodies for children's centres.
The Government plans to have 3,500 children's centres in operation by 2010.
Research to inform the management and governance of children's centres can be down- loaded at www.dfes.gov.uk.