Early Childhood Educator - John Archer

As an Early Childhood Educator at Ark Start John Archer, you will help create a warm, safe and stimulating environment where children can learn, play and thrive. Working alongside a supportive team, you will build positive relationships with children and families, support children’s development through play and exploration, and contribute to making every day a positive and memorable experience. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who is passionate about early years education and eager to grow their skills in a collaborative and nurturing nursery environment.

What will you be doing?

• Create a safe, nurturing and inspiring environment where every child can thrive.
• Support children’s learning, development and wellbeing through play, exploration and positive relationships.
• Build strong partnerships with families and work collaboratively with colleagues to deliver exceptional experiences for children.
• Contribute to engaging indoor and outdoor learning environments that encourage curiosity and a love of learning.
• Promote high standards of safeguarding, care and professionalism in everything you do.
• Take an active role in the life of the nursery, embracing opportunities to learn, develop and contribute to the wider Ark Start community.

What are we looking for?

• Level 3 Diploma in Early Years Education and Care (or equivalent), or a willingness to work towards a relevant qualification.
• An interest in early childhood education and child development.
• Enthusiasm for supporting children’s learning through play, exploration and everyday experiences.
• A passion for creating engaging environments where children can grow in confidence and thrive.
• An appreciation of outdoor learning and the role it plays in children’s development.
• Strong relationship-building skills and a collaborative approach to working with others.
• A genuine passion for working with young children and supporting them to thrive.
• A strong commitment to safeguarding and promoting children’s welfare.
• Warm, collaborative and relationship-focused, with the ability to build positive partnerships with children, families and colleagues.
• Organised, proactive and resilient, with a positive attitude and a commitment to continuous professional development.

Other

• Right to work in the UK.
• Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
• Willingness to participate in training and professional development opportunities.
• This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory pre-employment checks.

Benefits

• A Real Living Wage Employer: We are a Real Living Wage employer with a minimum salary of £13.81 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 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. Being part of a network means our staff get access to the opportunities, infrastructure, and support of a large organisation.

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. As we expand, we are looking for Early Childhood Educator to join our founding team. We are looking for someone with a genuine passion for young children and with the skill, creativity, commitment, and energy to deliver excellent provision at Ark Start.

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 to submit your application at your earliest convenience. If you would like to hear more about this role or about Ark Start, please contact HR@arkstart.org.uk.