This visit marks a critical moment in national conversations about the future of children’s centres, early education and workforce development and follows concerns raised by the Centre regarding its funding from North Northamptonshire Council (read more about this here.) 

 

During his visit, Minister Morgan toured the centre’s integrated early years, health and family support facilities, which serve more than 1,000 children annually. 

 

He met with staff, parents, governors and local leaders to discuss the centre’s nationally recognised model of wraparound care and its critical role in supporting families in Corby and beyond. 

 

He also spent significant time at Pen Green’s nationally renowned research, training and development base, where he met with educators, researchers and students to explore pressing issues facing the early years workforce. 

 

The Minister’s visit comes at a time of financial uncertainty for Pen Green’s integrated centre funding. 

 

In 2022, North Northamptonshire Council’s (NNC) executive committee took the decision to cut funding from £1million to just £300,000, threatening the sustainability of the centre’s wide-ranging services. 

 

While recent discussions with NNC and other partners have been positive, securing long-term funding remains a key concern. 

 

Angela Prodger, joint head of centre, said: “We are grateful to Minister Morgan for taking the time to see first-hand the work we do and the challenges we face. 

 

"His visit signals a renewed commitment to early years services and we hope it marks the beginning of a constructive dialogue about the future of centres like ours.” 

 

Adam Cooper, chairman of governors, added: “We raised our concerns with the Minister about the long-term impact of sustained funding cuts. 

 

Read the full coverage from the Northants Telegraph here.