Stephen Morgan MP Visits City of Portsmouth College to Celebrate Innovation in Childcare and Education

City of Portsmouth College welcomed Stephen Morgan, Member of Parliament for Portsmouth South, for a visit celebrating the College’s commitment to early years education and skills development across the region.

The visit began at the College’s Highbury Campus, where Stephen was greeted by Principal and CEO Katy Quinn and Deputy CEO Matt Phelps. He took a guided tour of the Honeypot Nursery, meeting staff and children and observing the high-quality childcare provision on offer.

Following the nursery tour, Stephen met with students and educators from the Early Years department, including those enrolled in T Level qualifications. The students posed their own questions, and the group discussed the transformative impact of T Levels on career readiness, and the importance of early years education in shaping future generations.

He then travelled to the North Harbour Campus, where he was welcomed by Vice Principal Sarah Warren for a tour of the specialist Refrigeration & Air Conditioning and Gas & Plumbing workshops. He also met Dan Carlin, Finance Director at Mountjoy, who has been instrumental in the campus’s development and partnership work.

The visit concluded with a roundtable discussion with Katy and Chair of Governors Rob Nitsch, focusing on the College’s strategic goals, workforce development in the childcare sector, and the importance of collaborative leadership in education.

Katy Quinn, Principal and CEO of COPC, said: “We were delighted to host Stephen Morgan MP and showcase the outstanding work of our students, staff and partners. His visit highlights the crucial role that early years’ education plays in our community and the value of vocational routes such as T Levels and apprenticeships in supporting future workforce needs.”

Commenting, Portsmouth South MP Stephen Morgan said:

“It was great to visit City of Portsmouth College again to see how they’re equipping local young people with the skills and training they need to succeed in the future.

“Labour is investing in these skills for Portsmouth's young people so they have more opportunities to learn a trade, earn a wage and achieve and thrive.

“The Government has set out ambitious targets to build 1.5 million homes and make our country a clean energy superpower and I’m excited by the opportunities this will bring local people. More skilled brickies, carpenters and healthcare support workers is exactly what Portsmouth can deliver as we continue to get Britain working.”