Norland and Pen Green sign Memorandum of Understanding
9 March 2026
Norland and Pen Green, a nationally renowned centre for early years research, training and practice, have formally signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen strategic collaboration across the early years sector.
This Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) marks a significant milestone in formalising the partnership and strengthening collaboration between the two organisations. Together, Norland and Pen Green will work to enhance research, training, knowledge exchange, and professional development opportunities that support best practice in early childhood education and care.
The MoU sets out a framework for cooperation in several key areas, including joint research and innovation projects, professional and academic development, and expertise sharing, as well a shared commitment to working together to elevate the early childhood sector.
Dr Janet Rose, Principal of Norland, said: “This MoU represents a significant strategic collaboration between two organisations with complementary strengths and a shared ambition to advance the early years sector. Norland’s expertise in preparing highly skilled early childhood professionals, combined with Pen Green’s leadership in research-informed practice and integrated family support, creates a partnership with real potential to shape standards, influence policy, and strengthen professional practice. By aligning our knowledge and experience, we can drive meaningful, system-wide improvements that enhance outcomes for young children and provide more effective support for the families around them.”
Mandy Edmond, Vice Principal and Head of Enterprise and Strategic Partnerships at Norland said: “At the heart of this partnership is a shared belief that every child deserves the very best start in life. By combining Norland’s longstanding reputation for excellence in early years education, with Pen Green’s pioneering work alongside families and communities, we are strengthening our ability to support children’s learning, wellbeing and potential. This collaboration will enable our respective organisations to deepen our impact – not only within professional practice, but in the everyday lives of the children and families we serve.”
Fliss Dewsbery, Deputy Head of Centre at Pen Green, said: “Pen Green has always believed that strong partnerships are central to improving outcomes for young children and their families. This collaboration with Norland brings together complementary expertise in research, professional learning and practice, creating new opportunities to generate knowledge, influence the sector and support a highly skilled early years workforce. Together, we are committed to strengthening the quality and status of early childhood education and care, both nationally and internationally.”
The signing of this MoU reaffirms Norland’s dedication to excellence, sector collaboration and the advancement of high‑quality early years provision.
About Pen Green
Pen Green is an internationally recognised centre for early childhood, based in Corby, Northamptonshire, bringing together nursery education, family support, health, and research in one integrated model. With over 40 years’ experience working alongside children, families and communities, Pen Green is known for its relational, research-informed and practice-based approach to early years education and care.
Through its Research, Development and Training Base, Pen Green offers a comprehensive range of professional learning opportunities, including apprenticeships, higher education programmes, teacher training, short courses, conferences and bespoke workforce development. The organisation works locally, nationally and internationally to support practitioners, leaders and policymakers to strengthen early childhood systems and improve outcomes for young children and their families.
Pen Green’s work is underpinned by practitioner research, reflective practice and strong partnerships across the early years, health and social care sectors, with a focus on equity, inclusion and the best possible start in life for every child.
For further information about Pen Green, visit their website
