Deputy Manager in Pudsey

Ark Start is growing - come and join us and be part of the founding team opening our first setting in Yorkshire! We are looking for a Level 3 qualified Deputy Manager to join the team at our brand new setting - Ark Start Priestthorpe in Bingley.

In this role you will provide the highest standards of physical, emotional, social, and intellectual care for all children in your care. You'll ensure all children are safeguarded and their welfare and safety are promoted, and you'll work to provide an enabling environment in which all children can play, learn and develop. We are looking for people with genuine passion for young children, with the skill, creativity, commitment, energy, and enthusiasm required for leading room practice.

You'll be able to take learning beyond the classroom and interact with outdoor and forest learning, cooking, and gardening - this won't just be another day in the classroom!

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the planning and delivery of high-quality learning experiences, adapting activities in response to children's interests, needs and teachable moments.
• Create and maintain an engaging, stimulating and inclusive environment that reflects the Ark Start vision and supports children to learn, play and thrive.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues to implement the curriculum effectively, identifying resource requirements and supporting the development of inspiring learning opportunities.
• Lead by example in all aspects of practice, modelling the Ark Start approach and supporting colleagues to deliver consistently high standards of care, learning and professionalism.
• Build strong partnerships with families, leading settling-in visits, nursery tours and, where appropriate, supporting sensitive conversations to ensure the best outcomes for children.
• Foster a welcoming, open and supportive culture for families, providing guidance and signposting to additional services where appropriate.
• Champion safeguarding, compliance and operational excellence, ensuring policies, procedures and daily checks are consistently followed and concerns are escalated appropriately.
• Support the accurate maintenance of children's records and family communications, ensuring information is kept up to date through nursery systems.
• Work closely with the SENDCo and wider team to identify and support children with additional needs, contributing to support plans and ensuring strategies are effectively embedded in daily practice.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement, accountability and teamwork, ensuring the room operates to the highest standards.

Benefits

• At Ark Start, we believe that when our practitioners are supported, our children thrive. That's why we've created a working environment that prioritises wellbeing, professional growth, and a healthy work-life balance.
• We are pleased to be able to offer this role on a compressed working week basis - 37.5 hours over four working days.
• Competitive Reward Package: We offer competitive hourly rates alongside an excellent 11% employer pension contribution, with no employee contribution required, helping you build financial security for the future.
• Genuine Work-Life Balance: Our full-time roles are based on 37.5 hours per week, and we don't expect you to work beyond that.
• Training and Development: We are passionate about continuous professional development, but we don't believe learning should come at the expense of your personal time.
• A Culture of Learning: As part of the wider Ark network, you'll benefit from access to a wealth of expertise, resources, and professional development opportunities.
• A Team That Values You: At Ark Start, you're more than a practitioner. You'll be part of a mission-driven organisation that values your contribution, invests in your development, and supports you to build a rewarding and sustainable career in early childhood education.

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, including into Yorkshire. As we expand, we are looking for a Room Leader 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.

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.

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.