It’s the jewel in the crown of Corby’s childcare history.
Pen Green was founded in 1983 in a room above the Raven by Cllr Jimmy Kane and other people interested in giving young people in Corby a better start in life.
Based in the former Samuel Lloyd school, initially locals didn’t want the childcare facility there as they were worried about it attracting the ‘wrong sort of families’.
But since it opened, the facility has grown to become a world leader in its field.
It offers a nursery, a family centre, a range of helpful classes, groups and courses for parents and now it even has a higher education facility offering degrees for local parents.
And we’ve been there to capture it all on camera. Take a trip down memory lane with some wonderful images taken between 2005 and 2023 at the centre in Rockingham Road.
33. Pen Green through the years
Government minister David Miliband visits Pen Green in 2006. Pictured is Kate Robson of Squirrels Neighbourhood Nursery. Photo: Glyn Dobbs
34. Pen Green through the years
The centre's twins' group appealed for more families back in 2007. Pictured are Caron Duffy with twins Morgan Duffy and Noah Duffy (18 months), Joanne Howlett with Natasha Howlett and sister Natalie Howlett (2) Photo: Alison Bagley
35. Pen Green through the years
Proud children with their mums who learnt English as a foreign language in 2007. Pictured are Kinga Szkudlarz with two year old Leon, Monika Barczak with twins Igor and Leszek, four, and Marko Mitrovic with son Marko, two. Photo: Liz Kearsley
36. Pen Green through the years
Children watching Mr Mudge the Clown in 2007 Photo: Kit Mallin