Nursery Manager in London

About the role

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 are 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 will 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 will 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.

Personal Characteristics

• A genuine passion for working with developing their staff with a deep belief in their potential.
• Creativity, curiosity and the ability to bring joy, playfulness and warmth to early-years learning.
• A strong commitment to inclusion, ensuring every child is valued and supported.
• Reflective, open to feedback and eager to learn through coaching and professional growth.
• Highly motivated with a strong drive for continuous improvement.
• Confident communicator who can build strong, positive relationships with families and professionals.
• Calm under pressure, with good judgement and the ability to make decisions in the best interests of children.
• Values-driven, aligned with Ark Start's mission and committed to high-quality nursery provision for all children.

Qualifications and Experience

Essential:

• A full and relevant L3 Early Childhood Educator qualification (or equivalent)
• At least 3 years' experience working as a room leader or above
• Demonstratable knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage Statutory Framework

Desirable:

• Full and relevant Level 5 or Level 6 qualification in Early Years or Leadership and Management (e.g., Early Years Teacher Status, BA in Early Childhood Studies).
• Knowledge of SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) best practice and the SEND Code of Practice
• Experience of being a DSL or DDSL within a nursery

Key Responsibilities

• To create a nurturing, fun, safe and caring nursery environment that meets the needs of every child
• To implement the Ark Start curriculum
• To ensure compliance to all Ark Start and statutory policies
• To lead on nursery improvement and engage with regular coaching and monitoring of the provision and ensure the nursery is constantly improving
• Actively promote the safety and welfare of our children and young people
• Liaise with colleagues and external contacts at all levels of seniority with confidence, tact and diplomacy
• Ensure the management information system is up to date
• Ensure the 'look and feel' of the nursery is in line with Ark Start expectations and values
• To be the Designated SENDCo; to regularly assess impact of provision put in place for initial concern and SEND children as well as work closely with families and play partners to ensure individual children's needs are being fully met.
• To be DSL and ensure all safeguarding policies and risk assessments are up to date, kept under review and that all staff are following them
• To write and keep up to date all Risk Assessments and ensure all staff are aware of and following these
• To ensure full occupancy and operate nursery at break even
• Work with colleagues, children, and families to develop a strong nursery community including delivery of family workshops and programmes to support children's progress