'Little Jimmy's'

Little Jimmy's is the drop in space for families for a range of purposes. I knew Pen Green had spaces for parents and children, however I had not appreciated the variety of spaces and multiple functions these spaces provide. The space is named after a Councillor - Jimmy Kane - who partnered up with Margy to lobby for the provision of a service over 30 years ago. The space is named to recognise his contribution to the establishment and growth of Pen Green - he has scottish heritage and shared the vision for the centre for children and families in Corby.

The main educational themes are evident here too - schema, parent engagement and wellbeing!! A parent attending this morning was telling me all about trajectory schema in one of the children's play - not her own child either!!! How groovy is that!

 A variety of services are available at 'Little Jimmy's' - the health services set up clinics on specific days and parents can come and attend while their children are at the Nursery. Sometimes the family does not have a child attending and they just come to the drop in space. I met a group of mothers who come to 'Little Jimmy's' every Thursday morning for a catch up and a coffee. Their children do not attend nursery. Families are able to use the space in ways that are meaningful for them, rather than for purposes defined for them. I think this is something quite unique - genuine power sharing with parents and families.

 As it is a drop in space and you can't anticipate who will attend - it is tricky to set up the environment. Therefore the space is predictable for families. Parents requested to have a dedicated space for very young children as a constant...below is how it was presented today.

 There is sand play inside - it is more of an inside activity than outside...wait until I tell you about 'the beach'. I am waiting to get a photo before talking about it.

 Below is the space to come in and make a coffee/tea - breakfast too if you had to leave the house early and need to get a bite to eat. There is nothing that they have not thought of here at Pen Green!

Thank you Kathy for taking the time to talk with me about your role in the lives of people involved in the Pen Green community