The Cumbria Early Excellence Network report, published last week, said the LEA's leadership had enabled it to identify and tackle problems of ineffective communication and a lack of shared understanding between Network partners. The report found the Network to be functioning satisfactorily overall and said that its strengths lay in the strategy the LEA has put in place to lead, manage, monitor, evaluate and develop it.
The report said, 'In a short space of time this strategy has brought a coherence and structure to the Network, with the result that it is now linked well to the LEA's priorities for development of the early years.'
The Cumbria Early Excellence Network was set up to help combat the rural and social isolation of families in different parts of the region. It consists of two nursery schools, Frizington and Bram Longstaffe; a registered charity, the Howgill Family Centre; and two childminding networks.
The report said, 'The most significant areas for improvement relate to the ineffective communication between some Network partners and the lack of a common or shared understanding of the remit of the Network. Over the last two years the LEA's review of maintained nursery schools has contributed to uncertainty about the long-term sustainability of the two nurseries and the employment of staff.
'Until recently this has inhibited the Network's development. However, the weaknesses have been identified and are being overcome. There is a good commitment to improve and the Network is now moving forward.'
Ofsted's endorsement of Cumbria's approach is a sharp contrast to an earlier report on the work of the Haringey Early Excellence Network in London. Then, inspectors commented on a 'lack of shared vision' and 'absence of clear structures to lead, manage and support the Network's development' (News, 13 June).
