Manager in Training – Opportunities Across Ark Start Early Years Settings in Portsmouth

We have an exciting opportunity for motivated and capable individuals to join us as a Manager in Training. Positions are available across London-based settings: 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.

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.

The role blends direct involvement in children's care and development with leadership and operational management, ideal for professionals passionate about advancing both educational and managerial skills. In this position, the successful candidate will be part of the Ark Start nursery team, supporting the host Nursery Manager in day‑to‑day operations while preparing for the eventual leadership role.

The training involves four days a week at the host nursery, receiving consistent supervision, mentorship, and coaching, plus one additional day at a peer nursery. The programme will be monitored and managed by our Head of Teaching and Learning, with line‑management style meetings and check‑ins. The focus is on nurturing children’s early developmental needs across social, emotional, intellectual and physical domains 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 is subject to successful completion of the training programme, organisational requirements and demonstration of the required competencies.

• A 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 staff. We close the nurseries for five days each year to focus on staff training and ensure protected time for training and supervision each week for every adult. We work hard to ensure clear career progression routes.
• Annual leave: Staff receive 25 days holiday each year, excluding bank holidays.
• Wellbeing: We recognise that working in a nursery can be challenging. We ensure all staff have the support and infrastructure needed 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 and a number of charitable ventures. Being part of a network provides access to opportunities, infrastructure and support of a large organisation.

Our dedicated team works together to ensure every child has a joyful, engaging and secure nursery experience and leaves ready to start school happily and confidently. We are driven by our values: 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 Educators to join our founding team. We seek individuals with a genuine passion for young children and the skill, creativity, commitment and energy to deliver excellent provision at Ark Start.

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, strengthening and improving effectiveness.

Ark is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people in its academies. Its academies follow a rigorous selection process to discourage and screen out unsuitable applicants. All employees must undertake an enhanced DBS check. Applicants must disclose any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 before appointment; non‑disclosure may lead to termination of employment. Disclosure of a criminal background will not necessarily debar from employment but will depend on the nature and timing of the offence(s).

Please note 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.