Meet the Senior Management Team

Justin Elder

MSc, BSc (hons), PGDip, ADPD, Assoc CIPD

Justin Elder HeadshotJustin has worked with children, young people, and families for the last 20 years as a practitioner, manager and leader. He began his career as a residential social worker, later leading a team of social workers. After completing postgraduate training in Psychology in 2000 he worked in community based practice within a specialist service of the NHS. In 2009 he joined Newham Council as a Senior Manager in the Children and Young People Services directorate and from 2013 moved over to lead Early Start. As the Managing Director of Early Start, Justin has considerable experience of service development and strategic human resources management, and intended to establish a business that builds financial value for the shareholders and social value within the communities Early Start operates. Justin is committed to early intervention and education; to ensure children and families have access to good quality services which support them to achieve.

Pippa Alabaster

Pippa Alabaster HeadshotLevel 3; Early Years Educator, Business Management, Award in Education & Training , IOSH, Prince 2 Practitioner, Certified First Aid Instructor

I’ve been working with children and families for over 25 years, starting as a front line practitioner and for many years now as a services manager. Over this time I have developed a wealth of knowledge and experience of children’s safeguarding, learning and development and supporting children to play, make friends and thrive. I’m passionate about health equality, early intervention, and building strong partnerships with families.

Sharon Cox

Finance and Compliance Director

Sharon Cox Headshot

Martina Kempster

Nursery Manager

I have worked in early year’s education since 2006, in many roles leading up to my current role as manager at Susan Lawrence Nursery. I have developed an extensive bank of experiences, skills and knowledge which I bring to this role. All of which enable me to ensure the nursery is effectively meeting the needs of our children, in all areas of their development.

Working with children and developing their learning is a passion of mine. All childcare practitioners have a duty to provide the best quality of learning for the children in their care, and help all children to reach their full potential. I strive to ensure that we continuously deliver a high quality service in partnership with families.