Different settings. Shared values. Stronger practice together.
At Pen Green Early Years Stronger Practice Hub, we believe that meaningful professional development grows through relationships, collaboration and shared learning.
Our partners bring a wealth of experience, knowledge and different perspectives from across the early years sector. Together, we are committed to supporting evidence-informed practice, creating opportunities for professional dialogue and strengthening the experiences of children, families and practitioners.
We are delighted to introduce the organisations and individuals working alongside us to share ideas, challenge thinking and celebrate the richness of early years practice.
Acorn Early Years Foundation is a charitable social enterprise with 19 nurseries across Milton Keynes, Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire. Originally established as a single private nursery in 1989, Acorn became a charity in 2011.
At the heart of Acorn’s approach is a commitment to placing children at the centre of everything they do. Outdoor play and learning, an ethic of care and ongoing professional development are central to their philosophy.
Zoe and Laura share a commitment to nurturing excellence in early years practice. Through the Stronger Practice Hub partnership, they look forward to sharing their experience and helping more colleagues across the sector access inspiring, practical support and guidance.
Based in Dodford, Northamptonshire, Holbourn House is a family-run nursery and pre-school with more than 30 years of experience supporting children and families.
Its distinctive mixed-age, free-flow approach enables children aged nine months to five years to play, explore and learn together across indoor and outdoor environments, including its dedicated Forest School.
Inclusion and relational practice are central to the setting’s ethos. Rather than focusing solely on age-based milestones, the team celebrates each child’s individual developmental journey, building meaningful, lasting relationships with children, families and the wider community.
Holbourn House is looking forward to sharing practice, building professional networks and playing a more active role in supporting change and innovation across the early years sector.
Their passion for inclusion, relationships and child-centred learning will bring a valuable perspective to the partnership.
Katie Britton brings over 15 years of experience in the early years sector, including eight years running her own childminding provision. With a BA (Hons) in Childhood and Youth Studies, she has experience working both as a sole childminder and leading a larger setting with a team of assistants.
Katie is passionate about ensuring childminders are recognised and valued as skilled early years professionals, celebrating the quality of care, teaching and learning they provide.
Her approach is rooted in responsive teaching, purposeful adult interactions, warm and nurturing relationships, child-led exploration and language-rich environments.
With a deep understanding of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), Katie is a strong advocate for inclusive practice and the importance of children’s personal, social and emotional development. She believes that early years practice should support children not simply to prepare for their next stage of education, but to develop the confidence, relationships and foundations they need to thrive throughout life.
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