Nursery Manager - Ark Start Earls Court in London

Ark Start nurseries are led by skilled early-years practitioners who create a rich blend of play‑based experiences and purposeful adult‑led learning. As a not‑for‑profit organisation, everything we do is focused on children, families, and community. We’re looking for someone who brings genuine passion for working with young children—someone creative, knowledgeable, and deeply committed to shaping an exceptional early‑years environment.

Our new Ark Start Earls Court nursery is preparing to open this summer. As our founding manager, you will play a key role in setting up the nursery and recruiting an inspiring Early Years team. You’ll also have the unique opportunity to shape the way we do things — bringing your voice, expertise, and vision to the creation of high‑quality nursery provision for all children. This opening marks the ninth nursery in the Ark Start network, and you won’t be doing it alone — you’ll have the full support, guidance, and shared expertise of the entire Ark Start team as you bring this new setting to life. Our managers benefit from ongoing coaching and mentoring, ensuring you are supported both professionally and personally as you lead this exciting new provision.

Benefits:

• 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

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.

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. Ark requires all employees to undertake an enhanced DBS check. You are required, before appointment, to disclose any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975. Non-disclosure may lead to termination of employment. However, disclosure of a criminal background will not necessarily debar you from employment - this will depend upon the nature of the offence(s) and when they occurred.

Please note we will be reviewing applications on an on-going basis and this role may close earlier than advertised depending on the level of response. We strongly encourage you to submit your application at your earliest convenience. If you would like to hear more about this role or about Ark Start, please contact Recruitment@arkstart.org.uk.