Margate Early Learning Community

Mary leads the strategic vision of the Margate Early Learning Community (MELC) which aims to improve early learning outcomes for children aged 0-5 growing up in poverty. She convenes local professionals, practitioners and parents/carers to identify and develop ways to improve opportunities and support for families, especially those from disadvantaged and marginalised groups. She has 20 years of experience in primary education, within Kent and internationally. She believes in providing every child and family with the tools they need to be successful and is excited to be working locally to enable this to happen.  

Claire is passionate about hearing the voices of children and parents/carers to improve services for families. As Evaluation and Learning Lead she uses her 15 years of experience in research and evaluation to support MELC’s partners to learn from each other and make their activities even better. Before joining Save the Children, Claire was working with families to make toilets in refugee camps better for children to use. She is now really enjoying contributing to positive changes within her own local community.

Sam joined Save the Children in January 2024, following a successful career as a primary school teacher and early years leader in Kent. She brings with her over a decade of experience and a passion for raising the profile of early childhood, recognising the crucial role it plays in shaping lives. As the Partnership Lead, Sam is looking forward to connecting and supporting local organisations, settings and services in Margate, bringing together a range of expertise to improve outcomes for young children.  Sam also supports the delivery of the Early Years Grants programme, facilitates the Early Learning Network, and provides support to partners delivering innovation projects through the Early Years Community Fund.