Manager-In-Training

As we expand, we are looking for a Manager-in-Training to join the founding team at Ark Start Nurseries. In this role, you will have the opportunity to work with existing managers and our head of teaching and learning to prepare to take on the management of a brand new Ark Start nursery.

We are looking for individuals ambitious to progress into leadership roles and eager to learn more about how to run an exceptional nursery. Successful candidates will have a genuine passion for young children and a deep commitment to the mission and values of Ark Start.

Your training will combine management experience in a particular setting along with bespoke training, coaching and a programme of training and experiences that will mean you are fully prepared to take on your very own nursery.

Our offer will give you time each week to complete some specific training, whilst also having more informal mentoring and coaching as you go.  We anticipate that you will become a manager, with enhanced salary and opportunities, within twelve months or sooner.  We will provide hands-on, guided and supportive help throughout your journey through to manager level and beyond.  We are committed to helping you thrive and develop, whilst also enjoying your work and feeling confident in the support of all your colleagues.

Key Responsibilities:

Ensuring Exceptional Care: Maintaining high standards of physical, emotional, social, and intellectual care, addressing each child’s needs with sensitivity and professionalism.
Promoting Safety and Welfare: Safeguarding children’s safety and welfare by implementing protective protocols and staying vigilant to potential risks.
Facilitating Learning and Development: Providing a stimulating environment that promotes growth, curiosity, creativity, and a love for learning.
Exhibiting Leadership and Dedication: Demonstrating skill, creativity, and commitment to inspire your team, setting a high standard in care and education.
Training on offer

Mentoring and coaching 1:1 from an experienced early years leader
Visiting high quality settings and schools
Training from our Headteacher on:
Leading people
Leading change
Family engagement
Child development
Pedagogy, Assessment and Curriculum intent and implementation
The Ark Start coaching model
Safeguarding and managing risk
SEND and EAL provision
School readiness
Benefits
A Real Living Wage Employer: We are a Real Living Wage employer with a minimum salary of £13.15 per hour for all roles in London. We also pay 11% pension contributions
Ongoing Learning: We are committed to providing the best development for all our staff. We close the nurseries for five days each year to focus on staff training and ensure there is protected time for training and supervision each week for every adult. We work hard to ensure there are clear career progression routes
Annual leave: We are proud of our staff and want everyone to feel valued for playing their part. That’s why staff receive 25 days holiday each year, excluding bank holidays
Wellbeing: Staff wellbeing is incredibly important to us. We know that while incredibly rewarding, working in a nursery can be challenging. We therefore work hard to ensure all staff have the support and infrastructure they need to take care of their wellbeing
Part of a Network: Ark Start is part of Ark, a charity that aims to transform children’s lives through education. Ark operates a network of 39 schools across London, Birmingham, Portsmouth, and Hastings as well as a number of charitable ventures. Being part of a network means our staff get access to the opportunities, infrastructure, and support of a large organisation.
About Us
Our dedicated team work together to ensure that every child has a joyful, engaging, and secure nursery experience and leaves us ready to start school happily and confidently. We are driven by our values in everything we do: Aim High, Be Brave, Be Kind and Keep Learning.

Ark Start is at an exciting time in its evolution. We opened two nurseries in South London last year and aim to expand our reach over the coming years.

Diversity and inclusion:

We aim to build a diverse and inclusive organisation where everyone – staff and students – can do their best work and achieve their full potential. We want to reflect and represent diverse perspectives across our organisation because we know that doing so will make us stronger and more effective. To know more about Ark’s diversity and inclusion commitments, please click on this link.

Safeguarding statement:

Ark is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people in its academies. In order to meet this responsibility, its academies follow a rigorous selection process to discourage and screen out unsuitable applicants.