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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Create a nurturing and fun nursery environment while leading an inspiring Early Years team.
- Company: Join Ark Start, a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to children and community.
- Benefits: Ongoing coaching, mentoring, and support for your professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a collaborative team focused on high-quality nursery provision.
- Why this job: Shape the future of early years education in a brand new nursery.
- Qualifications: L3 Early Childhood Educator qualification and 3 years' experience as a room leader.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
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
- Demonstrable 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
Nursery Manager. Job in London Education & Training Jobs employer: ARK START
Contact Detail:
ARK START Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Nursery Manager. Job in London Education & Training Jobs
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who have experience in early years. Attend local events or workshops to meet potential colleagues and mentors who can help you land that Nursery Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion! When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers or during interviews, share your genuine love for working with children. Talk about your creative ideas and how you envision shaping an exceptional nursery environment.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared to demonstrate your expertise! Brush up on the Early Years Foundation Stage Statutory Framework and be ready to discuss how you've implemented it in past roles. This will show that you're not just knowledgeable but also ready to hit the ground running.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to see your application come through directly. It shows initiative and gives us a chance to see your enthusiasm for joining the Ark Start team. Plus, it’s the best way to stay updated on your application status!
We think you need these skills to ace Nursery Manager. Job in London Education & Training Jobs
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: Let your genuine love for working with young children shine through in your application. We want to see your creativity and commitment to shaping an exceptional early years environment, so don’t hold back!
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and qualifications. Mention your knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage and any leadership roles you've held – we’re keen to see how you can contribute to our nursery!
Be Reflective and Open: We value candidates who are reflective and open to feedback. Share examples of how you’ve grown through coaching or professional development in your previous roles. This shows us you’re eager to learn and improve continuously.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Ark Start.
How to prepare for a job interview at ARK START
✨Know Your Early Years Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the Early Years Foundation Stage Statutory Framework. Be ready to discuss how you’ve implemented it in your previous roles and how you plan to bring that knowledge to the new nursery.
✨Show Your Passion
Let your genuine love for working with young children shine through. Share specific examples of how you've created engaging, playful learning environments and how you plan to foster a nurturing atmosphere at Ark Start.
✨Be Ready to Talk Inclusion
Inclusion is key! Prepare to discuss your experience with SEND best practices and how you ensure every child feels valued and supported. Highlight any relevant training or experiences that showcase your commitment to this important aspect.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a founding manager, you'll need to lead a team effectively. Think about times when you've successfully managed a team or project, and be ready to share your approach to coaching and mentoring staff to help them reach their potential.