Deputy Director of Early Years in Pontefract

Ark Start has reached an exciting stage in its journey as we prepare to expand its provision into West Yorkshire. We are now seeking to appoint a Deputy Director of Early Years to join the Ark Start leadership team to set up and grow a cluster of not-for-profit nurseries, initially across Pontefract and Bradford. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced and ambitious early years leader who is keen to develop whilst leading an exciting expansion project. The successful candidate will ideally join the Ark Start team in May 2026, or sooner if possible.

The successful candidate will play a crucial role in ensuring every nursery is delivering the highest quality early education as well as shaping a positive culture that embodies the Ark Start values. They will be responsible for line managing the nursery managers and developing partnerships with schools, local authorities and other external partners to support the expansion and profile of Ark Start in West Yorkshire.

Part of Ark, a national children's charity, Ark Start is a start‐up nursery network aiming to ensure that every child has access to an excellent early years' education and that families have access to flexible and affordable childcare. Over the past few years, Ark Start has built a network of seven nurseries in London, working closely with families and local partners to deliver high‐quality provision. To date, 91% of children moving on from Ark Start settings have achieved a Good Level of Development in Reception.

Please note: This role requires the successful candidate to be based within a commutable distance of West Yorkshire and able to travel regularly to our nursery sites in Pontefract and Bradford. The role also involves travel to London, approximately once each half term.

To apply, please submit an application via the Ark recruitment portal by 9am on Friday 20th March. If you have any questions, concerns or time constraints with applying please contact us on HR@arkstart.org.uk.

• 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: 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. 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.

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 our first nursery in South London in 2020 and now operate a network of seven nurseries in London with three more underway. We are aiming to grow to around 20 settings by 2030.

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 on the nature of the offence(s) and when they occurred.

We will be reviewing applications on an ongoing basis and this role may close earlier than advertised depending on the level of response. We strongly encourage you 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.