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- 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 and make a real difference in children's lives.
- Qualifications: L3 Early Childhood Educator qualification and 3 years' experience in a leadership role.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
About the role: The following information provides an overview of the skills, qualities, and qualifications needed for this 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'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.
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 in Milton Keynes employer: ARK START
Contact Detail:
ARK START Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Nursery Manager in Milton Keynes
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the early years sector and let them know you're on the hunt for a Nursery Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, 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
Prepare for interviews by researching Ark Start's values and mission. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their commitment to high-quality nursery provision and inclusion for all children.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It's the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the Ark Start family and contributing to their amazing work.
We think you need these skills to ace Nursery Manager in Milton Keynes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your genuine passion for working with young children shine through. We want to see your creativity and commitment to shaping an exceptional early years environment, so share specific examples of how you've done this in the past!
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application to the role of Nursery Manager. Highlight your relevant experience, especially your leadership skills and knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage. We love seeing how your unique background aligns with our mission at Ark Start!
Be Reflective and Open: In your written application, show that you're reflective and open to feedback. Mention any coaching or professional development experiences you've had, as we value continuous improvement and learning. This will resonate well with us at StudySmarter!
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It's the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at ARK START
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the Early Years Foundation Stage Statutory Framework. Brush up on your knowledge of SEND best practices too, as this will show your commitment to inclusion and understanding of diverse needs.
✨Show Your Passion
During the interview, let your genuine passion for working with young children shine through. Share specific examples of how you've created nurturing environments or implemented creative learning experiences in your previous roles.
✨Be a Team Player
Highlight your experience in leading teams and developing staff. Talk about how you’ve fostered collaboration and built strong relationships with families and professionals, as this aligns with Ark Start’s values.
✨Prepare for Scenarios
Think about potential challenges you might face as a Nursery Manager and how you would handle them. Be ready to discuss your decision-making process, especially in high-pressure situations, to demonstrate your calmness and good judgement.