About The Role
- Ark Start St Clemen, 95 Princedale Road, London W11 4NS
- Ark Start John Archer, Plough Terrace, Clapham Junction, London SW11 2AA
- Ark Start Oval, 43 Cross Road, Croydon, CR0 6TE
- Ark Start John Keats, Bell Ln, Enfield EN3 5PA
We have an exciting opportunity for motivated and capable individuals to join us as a Manager in Training. This role is designed to develop future Ark Start nursery managers through a structured training and development programme. The manager in training programme is an enhanced educational programme within Ark Start which offers a unique opportunity to build a career in early years education while making a tangible difference in children’s lives. The role combines hands‑on responsibilities, leadership development, and extensive training, designed to equip a candidate with the skills to eventually manage and open their own Ark Start nursery. This role blends direct involvement in children’s care and development with leadership and operational management, making it ideal for professionals passionate about advancing both educational and managerial skills.
In this position, the successful candidate will be a part of the Ark Start nursery team, supporting their host Nursery Manager in day‑to‑day operations while preparing for their eventual leadership role. As part of their training, they’ll work four days a week at their host nursery, receiving consistent supervision, mentorship, and coaching with one additional day at a peer nursery. The programme will be monitored and managed by our Head of Teaching and Learning who will work closely with the candidate to ensure they are progressing through line management style meetings and check‑ins. The focus will be on nurturing children’s early developmental needs across social, emotional, intellectual, and physical domains, all while maintaining a safe, supportive, and enriching learning environment.
The successful candidate will be appointed in a Manager in Training capacity. Progression to a substantive manager role will be subject to the successful completion of the training programme, organisational requirements and demonstration of the required competencies.
Benefits
- Real Living Wage Employer: We are a Real Living Wage employer with a minimum salary of £13.15 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 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: 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.
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. 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. To read more about Ark’s safer recruitment process, please review Ark’s recruitment policy.
Manager in Training – Opportunities Across Ark Start Early Years Settings employer: ARK
Ark in Highgate is an exceptional employer that prioritises the development of its staff while fostering a supportive and inclusive work culture. Employees benefit from ongoing professional growth opportunities, collaborative teamwork, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on the lives of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities. Located in a vibrant community, Ark offers a rewarding environment where dedication and compassion are valued and encouraged.
