Its survey of 20 settings, including seven children's centres, eight primary schools four secondary schools and one special school, found most made 'intelligent use' of local networks of statutory and voluntary services when setting up extended services. However, in a 'small minority', there was no 'common, shared vision' for the extended school agreed by teachers, managers and governors, or in collaboration with the wider community.
More than half of the 16 local authorities surveyed carried out detailed assessments of services provided to inform future planning. But in a 'very small' number, the strategic guidance 'lagged behind the development of services and there was sometimes poor planning to sustain them'.
The survey, conducted between April 2005 and March 2006, found there was no single blueprint for success. However, services were most effective when planning considered standards, value for money, affordability and long-term sustainability.
It also found the benefits of extended services to children include enhanced self-confidence and better attitudes to learning.
Children's centres in the survey included The Fields Early Years Centre in Cambridgeshire; Camrose Neighbourhood Nursery in Northants and The Gardens Children Centre in Somerset.
Download 'Extended services in schools and children's centres' at www.ofsted.gov. uk.